in London. The first was sent through Lord Granville at five o'clock on the afternoon of July 2, 1881, the day the President was shot.

"To Sir Edward Thornton, the British Embassy, Washington: The Queen desires that you will at once express the sorrow with which she has learned of the attempt upon the President's life and her earnest hope of his recovery. Her Majesty wishes for full and immediate reports of his condition."

July 3, from Mr. Lowell to Mr. Blaine, Secretary of State: "Just received the following from the Queen: 'I am most anxious to hear latest accounts of the President, and wish my horror and deep sympathy to be conveyed to him and Mrs. Garfield.""

Same date, from Sir H. Ponsonby, Windsor Castle, to British Minister: "The Queen is most anxious to learn as to the state of the President. Please wire latest news."

July 14, from Mr. Lowell, London, to Mr. Blaine: "I have received the following from the Queen: I wish to express my great satisfaction at the very favorable accounts of the President, and hope that he will soon be considered out of danger."'"

August 17, the Queen to Mrs. Garfield: "I am most anxious to know how the President is to-day, and to express my sympathy with you both." To this Mrs. Garfield sent an encouraging reply and grateful acknowledgment.

August 27, from Mr. Lowell to Mr. Blaine: "I have just received from Her Majesty, the Queen, at Balmoral, a telegram in these words: I am most deeply grieved at the sad news of the last few days, and would wish my deep sympathy to be conveyed to Mr. Garfield." "

The next and last despatch was received on the morning of September 20, and discloses the long-dreaded and heartrending end of this frightful tragedy:

"Mrs. Garfield, Long Branch: Words cannot express the deep sympathy I feel with you at this terrible moment. May God support and comfort you as He alone can. "THE QUEEN.

"Balmoral Court."

On the following day word came that the Queen had ordered the Court to go into mourning for the late President Garfield for a week from the 21st of September," a tribute of respect," the London Times remarked, “which will be all the more valued by the Americans, as it is unprecedented, no similar notice having been taken previously by the English Court of the death of an American President in office."

And, now, as her last beautiful offering, on the 22d of September the good Queen telegraphed the British Minister to have a floral tribute prepared and presented in her name with a mourning card bearing the following inscription:

"Queen Victoria, to the memory of the late President Garfield an expression of her sorrow and sympathy with Mrs. Garfield and the American nation.

"September 22, 1881."

Under date of London, July 21, 1884, President Arthur received and gracefully acknowledged the following cable

message:

"To the President of the United States, Washington: The Queen heartily congratulates the President and people of the United States on the rescue of Lieutenant Greeley and the gallant survivors of the Arctic expedition. She trusts that favorable reports have been received of the sufferers. "THE QUEEN.

"Windsor Castle."

Yet once more, when the whole country was

"Robed in the sable garb of woe,"

at the death of the great soldier of the war, the Queen manifested the same considerate womanly feeling as on previous mournful occasions, through the despatch, July 21, 1885, to Mrs. Grant, saying: "Her Majesty, the Queen, requests me to convey to yourself and family her sincere condolence on the death of General Grant."

Finally, on the 2d of June, 1886, Her Gracious Majesty sent the following despatch to President Cleveland: "Pray accept my sincere congratulations on your marriage, and my best wishes for your happiness."

66

Come, now, ye kings of the earth and all people, princes and all judges of the world, young men and maidens, old men and children," come and behold one of the kindest and most devoted of daughters; one of the most loving and considerate of mothers; one of the happiest and most irreproachable of wives; one of the sincerest and most sympathetic of friends; one of the wisest, the best, the most universally respected of sovereigns that ever sat on any throne. At her feet I lay this humble tribute with the devout and soul-inspired aspiration-" GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!"

(PERSONAL.)

[COPY.]

BRITISH EMBASSY, 9th May, 1894. DEAR MR. KING,-I owe you many apologies for keeping so long the MS. you kindly lent me of your admirable biographical sketch of Queen Victoria. I finished its perusal a few days ago, and was about to write to you to say how much pleasure it gave me, when I received your note. I hasten to return the MS. and to express my high appreciation of its literary merit as well as of the kind sentiments toward England and her sovereign with which it is inspired.

Yrs. sincerely,

JULIAN PAUNCEFOTE.