Page:Visit of the Hon. Carl Schurz to Boston, March 1881.pdf/86

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&emsp; ,—In my note of the 13th inst. I suggested that it was possible that a professional engagement might deprive me of the pleasure of accepting your invitation to the dinner to be given to the Hon. Carl Schurz.

At that time I had a case specially assigned for Wednesday of the present week in the Supreme Court here. The illness of Judge Bradley has compelled that court to adjourn for a week, and the case in question was reassigned by the court for Monday, the 21st inst. It is one which I consented to argue after considerable urgency, and, although private in its character, involves public considerations of great interest in connection with the construction of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution. I cannot, therefore, honorably abandon it; although, if I alone were to determine the matter, I should feel that my associate with whom I have prepared the brief could satisfactorily present it to the court without my assistance.

I must, under these circumstances, decline the invitation tendered to me; but, in so doing, I beg to render my most cordial tribute to the ability, care, and fidelity with which your guest has performed his important duties as Secretary of the Interior, and the pleasure which I have had in four years of intimate personal and official association with him.

With thanks for your courteous invitation, believe me, gentlemen, your obedient servant,