Marquis de ROCHAMBEAU to the Secretary of State, August 9, 1881

Marquis de Rochambeau to the Secretary of State.

Mr. Secretary of State: I am highly honored by the invitation which the President of the United States and yourself have been pleased to address to me, to take part in the fêtes of the centenary of Yorktown. I already knew by experience that the American people preserve with religious care the memory of services rendered, as was abundantly proven to me by the marks of sympathy which I had received in the United States on the occasion of my visit in 1876.

This new evidence of courtesy on the part of that people is a striking confirmation of this fact, and it will be to me at the same time a duty and a pleasure to unite with you in celebrating the anniversary of that famous victory, which founded in so durable a manner the autonomy of the American people.

I have been deeply affected by the assault which endangered the life of President Garfield; but I hope to find him completely recovered from his wounds. Will you have the goodness, Mr. Secretary of State, to transmit to him the expression of my sentiments of grateful appreciation; and accept for yourself the assurance of my most distinguished consideration.