Adam Badeau, Grant in peace: from Appomattox to Mount McGregor, a personal memoir

General Alvord, the Paymaster-General of the army, had written to warn me that he supposed I did not come within the provisions of the law allowing certain retired officers of the army to hold diplomatic or consular positions. General Grant as President had examined this matter with several of his Cabinet, and I had been retired expressly to enable me to enter the diplomatic service. He now took a lively interest in the question, and when the matter was revived years afterward, he was ready to testify, in the last months of his life, in my favor.

Warsash House was the residence of Mr. Sartoris.

Warsash House, Titchfield, Hants, Oct. 3d 1877.

Dear General,—I am in receipt of your letter enclosing Mr. Jessup's invitation and your two replies. It is of course always pleasant for me to have you with me but as I do not intend to have any public demonstrations it is not necessary if your public duties require you at home. I have written to Southampton declining the banquet, but saying that, if agreeable to the Mayor and Corporation, I would drive over there on Friday or Saturday by 12 M., and would pay my respects to them at any place they might designate, and return here not later than at five,— starting time—in the evening.

I am surprised at Alvord's letter. Does he explain the change come over his views since his former letter advising you of the decision of the Atty Genl? There are but two officers— you and Sickles—affected by the decision, and as you had made no claim for Army pay while in other Govt. employment, and as Sickles is now out of the public service—active—it would look as though he had raised the question and got a decision in his favor.

I shall probably go to Torquay on Monday next. If you feel like going, and that you can do so without detriment to the public service, my sending your letter declining need not interfere.