No. 197.
Mr. Frelinghuysen to Mr. Wurts
.
Washington , July 26, 1882 .
Sir: Your telegram, announcing the sudden death of Mr. Marsh, has been received, and has been communicated to the President.
[Page 371]I have this day sent a message by cable, desiring you to convey to Mrs. Marsh the sympathy felt by the President, and by myself, with her in this bereavement.
The Italian minister at this capital has, by direction of his government, presented to the President the expressions of sorrow felt by the King of Italy at the death of that eminent author and diplomatist, whose merits are so highly appreciated wherever he was known.
Mr. Marsh entered the diplomatic service in May, 1849, when he was commissioned as minister resident to Turkey, where he remained until 1853.
In March, 1861, he was commissioned envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to Turin, whence he followed the government to Florence and Rome, and has occupied the post with credit to himself and his country for over twenty-one years.
To the country, and especially to this Department, the death of an officer of such large experience, and of such varied and high attainments, is a loss not to be repaired.
It may be some consolation to Mrs. Marsh in her deep affliction to feel that her sorrow is shared by all who had the good fortune to know Mr. Marsh, or who had official relations with him, and that she has the deep sympathy of her fellow-citizens who admired and respected Mr. Marsh not only for his scholarly attainments, but also as an exemplary citizen, and a faithful and able public servant.
I have to request you to renew to Mrs. Marsh the assurance of the deep sympathy which the President and I feel for her in her affliction.
I am, &c.,