The Secretary of State to Minister Graves .

No. 44.]

Sir: The President having been pleased to appoint you as ambassador extraordinary of the United States on special mission to represent this Government upon the occasion of the coronation of His Majesty Haakon VII, as King of Norway, at Trondhjem on June 22 next, I inclose herewith your commission.

I have notified the Norwegian minister at this capital of your designation for this service.

I inclose also, with an office copy, the President’s autograph letter extending his congratulations to the King. This letter you are to present to His Majesty when received by him.

Such actual and necessary expenses as you may incur in connection with this mission will be defrayed by the department.

I am, sir, etc.,

Elihu Root.
[Inclosure.]

President Roosevelt to King Haakon VII of Norway.

Great and Good Friend: I have received through Mr. Hauge, Your Majesty’s envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary near the Government of the United States, intelligence that Your Majesty is to be crowned at Trondhjem on the 22d of June next.

I therefore desire to offer to Your Majesty my congratulations upon the occasion and to assure you of the friendship of the Government and people of the United States and of their good wishes for the welfare of Your Majesty and the happiness of the people under Your Majesty’s dominion.

I trust that your reign will redound to Your Majesty’s glory and to the prosperity and happiness of the Norwegian people, in whose affections may Your Majesty long live.

And I pray God to have Your Majesty in His safe and holy keeping.


Theodore Roosevelt.

By the President:
Elihu Root,
Secretary of State.