Washburne to December 29, 1874 . P. S.—Since writing the above I have received from the Prince Hohenlohe a reply to my letter of the 26th instant, a copy of which I beg leave to inclose herewith. E. B. W, December 26, 1874
No. 212. Mr. Washburne to Mr. Fish.
No. 1074.]
Sir: There is no probability that Congress will ever act on the question of permitting the acceptance of certain testimonials proposed by the German government in recognition of services rendered by our diplomatic and consular officers in France during the Franco-German war. I have, therefore, written to Prince Hohenlohe, the German ambassador at Paris, the letter on this subject, of which I have the honor to inclose you a copy herewith.
Had the proposed testimonial to me been in the form of a portrait of the Emperor, or a vase, as Mr. Bancroft had suggested, and if Congress had upon consideration of the subject given the permission, I would have regarded it as implying a direction that I should accept it. But I could never, under any circumstances, receive what might have been deemed a “decoration.”
As Congress has not given any permission in this matter enabling me to receive a testimonial while in office, I should of course refuse to receive any such testimonial after I should go out of office.
I have, &c.,
P. S.—Since writing the above I have received from the Prince Hohenlohe a reply to my letter of the 26th instant, a copy of which I beg leave to inclose herewith.