Delegeorges to Francis, May 21, 1873

Mr. Delegeorges to Mr. Francis.

Mr. Minister: I have had the honor to receive the letter which you were good enough to address to me on the 22d of this month, to express your thanks for the reception which was extended to you by the local authorities and the inhabitants of the country during your late excursion in a part of the Peloponnesus and Continental Greece.

This cordial reception I anticipated, Mr. Minister, and I am charmed to learn of the favorable impression which yourself and your eminent compatriot, Hon. Ellis H. Roberts, obtained of the districts through which you passed.

I beg now to thank you for all the complimentary and courteous expressions in your letter concerning the manner in which you were everywhere received, the facilities which were accorded to you on the route, and concerning the material progress which you have observed.

Greece cannot fail to gain from the visits of persons as clear-sighted and free from all prejudice as yourself and your fellow-citizens. To be sure much yet remains to be done, but a view of that which has been accomplished, and of the ascending march of civilization, gives good augury of the future, and may serve to dissipate more than one error accredited by ignorance and malevolence.

Although the civil and military authorities, and the individuals so honorably mentioned in your dispatch for the services which they were able to render you, only did their duty in conforming themselves to the habitual hospitalities of the population, and in giving utterance to their traditional friendship and sympathy for the great American people, I will not fail to inform them of the expression of your satisfaction while adding my own acknowledgements.

Be pleased to receive, Mr. Minister, the assurance of my high consideration.