Frederick T. Frelinghuysen to Charles R. Lowell, October 21, 1882

No. 217. Mr. Frelinghuysen to Mr. Lowell.

Sir: I transmit herewith a copy of a letter addressed to me by Mr. W. W. Corcoran, a resident of this city, in which he acquaints me with his wish to provide for the disinterment of the remains of John Howard Payne, author of “Home, Sweet Home,” and their removal to the United States for sepulture among his countrymen.

Mr. Corcoran’s proposal has my approbation. In carrying it out, however, some difficulty is found in the want of a representative of the United States in Tunis.

I will therefore thank you to bring the matter to the attention of Earl Granville, by communicating to him a copy of Mr. Corcoran’s letter, and asking that Her Majesty’s consul at Tunis may be requested to apply to the proper authorities there for permission to exhume Mr. Payne’s remains, and to make arrangements for their transportation to this country. This Department will take charge of the necessary reimbursement when informed of the amount.

I am, &c.,