Page:Visit of the Hon. Carl Schurz to Boston, March 1881.pdf/85

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&emsp; ,—I am much obliged by the invitation to attend the dinner to be given to the Hon. Carl Schurz on March 22. I regret that I cannot answer definitely that I will be present on the occasion, as it is barely possible that some engagements, personal and professional, already made, may interfere; but I shall expect and hope to be with you at the time named.

Whether present or absent, I shall always render willing testimony to the ability and fidelity with which your distinguished guest has performed his arduous duties during the last four years.

For your kind association of my labors in the last Cabinet with his, and your more than courteous mention of them, and for the position you assign me among the invited guests, I am more than grateful.