The Chevalier de Tavera to Mr. Bayard.

Sir. Anticipating to have to address you a further communication in the name of my Government, I hasten to express you herewith my sincerest thanks for the expression of your sympathy for the imperial family on the occasion of the lamentable death of His Imperial and Royal Highness the Archduke Rudolph.

The affliction caused by this sad occurrence will be a profound one for all the subjects of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, who have to bewail the loss of a Prince who had already well acquired a claim to their love and gratitude by the conscientious devotion with which he dedicated his brilliant and numerous talents to all the duties entrusted to him by his Imperial and Royal Majesty, my most gracious sovereign.

Accept, etc.,

Tavera.