[510]
Dec. 19, 1878.My dear General,—I have your letter of the 17th, with Sherman's to you enclosed. I also received one from you at Pau, and one before the present one here in Paris. I should have written to you earlier but I found so many letters to answer that I deferred. It is impossible yet for me to say when we will get off for our trip around the world. The steamer on which we are to sail left the states on the 10th of this month. If she crosses the Atlantic under sail it will be about the last of JanY before she will be ready for us. If she steams over it may be as early as the 12th. Mrs. Grant & I want to see Nellie before we go, and have written asking her to come here. She answers fearing that she may not be able to come, but has written Mr. Sartoris, who is in Ireland, for his opinion. If she does not come we will likely take a run over to London for a few days. I will let you know by telegraph if we go. I shall be very glad, if we do not go there, to see you here. I am very glad to see Sherman's letter to you. It only shows him in the light I always regarded him; a warm friend as I surely am of his. I do not see what the publication of your book, at any particular time, can have to do with the formation of public opinion as to political objects. It has been a long time in preparation and the public has known all about it. If the work should be withheld the public might say that there was an object in that. I would go on as fast as possible and when the work is ready publish it: let the public say what they please. Our trip through Spain, like all others, was very delightful. We received marked attention from the officials everywhere, and no place more marked than while we were at Gibraltar. Lord & Lady Napier, with the officers of the garrison, seemed not to be able to do too much for us. Hoping to see you either in London or Paris before our departure, I am as always, Yours Very Truly,
