Mr. des Portes to Mr. Hay.
Narragansett Pier, July 14, 1904.
Mr. Secretary of State: On this 14th of July, date of the national French holiday, I have the honor to inform your excellency that the Government of the Republic, animated by the desire to show to your excellency its high appreciation, not only of your merit as a statesman and scholar, but also of the services rendered by you, during your administration, in devoting your efforts to the maintenance of the peace of the world, has decided to confer on your excellency the dignity of the Grand Cross of the National Order of the Legion of Honor.
Allow me to assure your excellency how agreeable it is to me to be, on this occasion, the spokesman of my Government and to find myself the first to address to you my respectful congratulations.
Accept, etc.,