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soldier of real talent and not any of the adventurers who would be most likely to be pressed upon its attention.
If there should be any probability like that I mention, the advice of some very prominent American soldier would doubtless assist materially in furthering the objects of the
Argentine Republic.
Trusting that this note may not be deemed officious, and making my warmest congratulations, my dear Sir and
President, upon your accession to the chief magistracy of your country, I am, with the best wishes for the success of your administration and the prosperity of your people,
Your obedient servant,
No.
Eight.
This letter, like its predecessor in this series, was written by the direction of
General Grant, then
President-elect; and of course was submitted to him before it was sent.
Burlingame had originally been
United States Minister to
China, but resigned that post in order to accept a roving but important commission, that of Chinese Minister both to this country and to the prominent European Governments.
It was his object to establish more intimate relations between the Chinese and the
Western powers, and had he lived he might have initiated a policy of importance to the world and of especial advantage to this country.
He visited first the
United States, and then
England,
France,
Prussia, and
Russia, but at
St. Petersburg his career was suddenly cut short at its very meridian.
His death was a loss to modern civilization.
While in this country in 1868, he established relations with
General Grant that were unusually cordial.
Upon the death of
Rawlins he was very desirous to enter
Grant's
