[542] my choice of them. I replied that Havana was the only one I could possibly accept, as that was the only one in which I would not be subordinate to a Minister, the Consul-General at Havana exercising in reality diplomatic functions, and reporting direct to the State Department, and in no way to the Minister to Spain. I asked for time to consider the proposition, and referred it to Grant, who replied by telegram as follows:
I followed General Grant's advice, but not until I had gone to New York to consult him in person. Then I wrote to the Secretary of State that, relying upon his pledge, I accepted the post of Consul-General at Havana. Mr. Frelinghuysen replied, also in writing, promising me that Havana should not be a finality, and declaring that he would look after my interests in the matter as carefully as a lawyer would for those of a client. My name was accordingly sent to the Senate, and I was confirmed. But it was arranged that I should not go to my post until after the yellow fever season was past, and I remained at the North during the summer. In July, Mr. Marsh, the Minister to Italy, died very suddenly, and General Grant at once wrote to the President, reminding him of his promise to send me to Italy. Mr. Conkling also wrote to Arthur in my favor; and I addressed both the President and the Secretary of State, recalling their pledges. Mr. W. W. Astor, however, was immediately appointed and confirmed as Minister to Italy. Both he and his father had been aware of my expectations, and Mr. John J. Astor had congratulated me upon the prospect. They both wrote at once, and assured me that the appointment was
