Mr. Hitchcock to Mr.
Sherman.
Legation of the United States,
St. Petersburg, February 18,
1898.
No. 43.]
Sir: The Russian journals of yesterday brought
to my knowledge the news of the sad accident to the U. S. cruiser Maine, by which so many lives of our brave
officers and seamen have been lost.
To-day I am in receipt of a note of kind sympathy from the imperial
foreign office, copy of which I inclose, as well as copy of my
reply.
The health of Count Mouravieff, who is suffering from varioloid precluded
his writing himself.
I have, etc.,
[Inclosure.]
Count Lamsdorff
to Mr. Hitchcock.
[Translation.]
Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs,
St. Petersburg, February 5/17, 1898.
Mr. Envoy: Having heard of the terrible
catastrophe to the American cruiser Maine, I
hasten to express to you my very sincere sympathy on account of this
sad event.
Count Mouravieff has requested me to transmit to you on his part the
expression of his profound sympathy in this unfortunate occasion,
which has cost the lives of so many brave American sailors.
Be pleased to accept, Mr. Envoy, the assurance of my most
distinguished consideration.
Cte.
Lamsdorff.
Mr. Hitchcock
, etc.
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Hitchcock to
Count Lamsdorff.
Legation of the United States,
St. Petersburg, February 6/18, 1898.
Your Excellency: I am profoundly touched by
the kind words of sympathy conveyed in your note of yesterday in
referring to the sad accident to the American cruiser Maine, by which the families of so many of
our brave seamen are plunged into mourning.
[Page 1077]
May I beg of your excellency to convey to His Excellency Count
Mouravieff, with sentiments of my deep solicitude for his health,
which I am gratified to learn is improving, my sincere thanks for
his kind and thoughtful sympathy.
I avail myself, etc.,
