William M. Evarts to John Meredith Read, July 10, 1878

No. 247. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Read.

Sir: You have already been informed of the omission of Congress to make an appropriation for the current year on account of the legation of the United States at Athens.

It is considered proper to assure you that whatever may have been the circumstances under which the appropriation failed, the result was a subject of sincere regret to the Department, not only on account of the peculiar interest which by reason of its pre-eminence in literature and art and the illustrious examples it has bequeathed must always be felt by the people of the United States in the prosperity of Greece, but also in view of the ability and integrity with which you have so uniformly protected the rights and privileges of American citizens in the various consular and diplomatic positions to which you have been appointed.

I am, &c.,