Office of the Historian

No. 618.
Mr. Heap to Mr. Evarts.

Legation of the United States,
Constantinople, July 19, 1880. (Received August 9.)
No. 2.]

Sir: On the 14th instant, shortly before Mr. Maynard’s departure, a deputation of American citizens residing in Constantinople called on him and presented to him an address, of which I have the honor to inclose a copy. The communication was delivered in suitable terms, and Mr. Maynard expressed his deep appreciation to his countrymen for this evidence of their very high esteem.

I am, &c.,

G. H. HEAP,
Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.
[Inclosure with dispatch No. 2.]

Testimonial from the American colony in Constantinople to Mr. Maynard

Hon. Horace Maynard:

Sir: In behalf of the American citizens in Constantinople, we desire to express their sentiments in view of your retirement from the post of representative of our government to the Sublime Porte.

Congratulating you and our country on the call which you have received to preside over one of the important Departments in our national administration and to assist the President as a member of his cabinet council, we yet deeply regret your withdrawal from the position which you have occupied for five years so much to the advantage of American interests and the satisfaction of American residents in Turkey.

The duties of diplomatic representation in relations with the government of this empire are so peculiarly delicate and difficult that a change sacrificing the benefit of experience gained seems to us very undesirable. We gladly bear testimony to the dignity, courtesy, fidelity, and success with which the embassy has been conducted in your hands. Personally and officially you have maintained the honor of the American name, and done much to increase American influence with the government and among the people.

We have especially rejoiced that your sympathy and personal interest have been sufficiently broad to include not only the commercial and material relations subsisting between America and Turkey, but also the higher moral and benevolent aims of [Page 983] American enterprise in these lands. We have highly prized the pleasant social intercourse which has been our privilege and that of our families with yourself and your highly esteemed and beloved family. Under varying dispensations of Divine Providence we have been sharers together in sorrow and in joy. It is to us no small affliction that we can have little expectation of again seeing here Mrs. Maynard and yourself.

Be assured, dear sir, that our fervent prayers will follow you that richest blessings for time and eternity may be given to you and yours. To some of us, perhaps to all, our next meeting with you will be in that unseen but most real world to which we all are very near. There may we enjoy a fellowship of unending and perfect blessedness.

With our cordial salutations to Mrs. Maynard and your whole family circle, we are, dear sir, most truly and respectfully, yours,

  • George Washem.
  • Albert S. Long.
  • E. M. Vittum.
  • M. K. Hitchcock.
  • C. H. Brooks.
  • W. H. Belden.
  • I. F. Pettibone.
  • Edwin M. Bliss.
  • Geo. W. Wood.
  • Elias Riggs.
  • Edwin E. Bliss.
  • Isaac J. Bliss.
  • Joseph K. Greene.
  • T. L. Byington.
  • C. S. Nash.

Constantinople, July 15, 1880.