| | | 6 April |
Peking April 6 1893
My dear Mr Heard
I was sorry to hear by your ??? of the 29th that you had resigned. I sincerely hope that the home air and surroundings will improve your health.
Mr von Brandt got off from Peking amid the firing of crackers and the enthusiastic cheering of his friends.
This reminds me that I have a letter from Hon Wm Walter Phelps41 in which he acknowledges the receipt of mine of Dec 19. He regrets that nothing can be done in the matter of retaining Mr von Brandt at Peking, as the Emperor has made and published an adverse decision.
He says he knows your daughter well: "I saw her grow up & lived for one congressional term in her father's house" -- also "I have the pleasantest recollections of our last meeting & wish there were soon to be another."
For these reasons he would have been glad to be of service.
I see the Governor of New Jersey has appointed Mr Phelps lay ??? of the ??? of errors. The politicians are becoming liberal in these days.
I suppose this letter will reach you in time for felicitaions on account of the wedding which I accordingly sincerely offer to Mrs Heard and yourself.
| | | 6 April |