LETTERS FROM FOREIGN COMMISSIONERS.
207
portd ses fruits ; elle seulo pout oxpliquor les distinctions trop flatteuses qu’il a regues et quisurpassent do beaucoup son faiblo m6rite.
J’ai l’honnour d’fitre, avoc lo plus profond respect,
Lo tres humblo et tr6s ob6issant servitour,
De Votre Altesse lioyale,
A Son Altesse Royale lie President de la Commission Franraisp.
[The French Government also marked their sense of the manner in which the Exhibition had beencarried into effect, by presenting Her Majesty witii tile magnificent specimen of Gobelin Tapestry, whichhad been exhibited in the Sevres Room of 1 the Exhibition, and was known under the name of tile “ Massacreof tile Mamelukes .” To the Earl Granville was presented a beautiful Cabinet of Ormulu, ornamentedwith compartments of Sevres China, representing the “ Life of Rubens.” To Mr. Dilke was presented ahandsome Tea and Coffee Service, also of Sevres China.]
GREECE.
February 27, 1852.
As the labours of the Greek Committee in connexion with the Great Exhibition of1851 are now terminated, the Committee desire me, before separating, to oxpross to llisRoyal Highness Prince Albert , and the Royal Commissioners, their most grateful thanks forthe unceasing support and valuablo facilities invariably afforded them upon every occasion,during the tenure of their office, in their efforts to carry into effect the part assigned them inthose gloriously conceived and newly revived Olympic games, in which not the physical, but themental [lowers of the united world have been called into friendly competition, in order toaugment and advance the sources of happiness, and the well-being of mankind.
The Committee feel it a pleasurable duty to request the Royal Commissioners to convey tothe indefatigable Captain Owen their especial acknowledgments for his constant urbanity,valuable advice and assistance, upon all occasions when referred to ; which not only greatlylightened their exertions, but proved most advantageous, by enabling them to complete theirarrangements in an efficient maimer.
I have the honour to bo, with the highest respect and consideration,
Your most obedient, very humble Servant,(In the absence of the President of the Greek Committee,) P. Ralli,
(Signed) D. P. Soaramanoa.
The Royal Commissioners of the Great Exhibition of 1851 , The Secretary. ,
fre- & c -
Union Hotel , Salisbury Stjvare,
12 th November 1851.
Gentlemen,
When already so many voices have expressed so eloquently their admiration of thegreat work which has so brilliantly and successfully terminated, it would almost seem pre-sumption in mo to add my feeble praise.
But now on the ove of my return to my country, I would rather leave myself open to thecharge of the presumption than ingratitude, for not'to express my deep Benso of the manykindnesses received, the flattering reception I met with during my stay in England, and thegroat indulgences shown mo by the Royal Commissioners, and Executive Committee, wouldindeed be ingratitude.
It hero becomes my painful duty to refer to the lamented death of my predecessor Mr. Camp.Permit me, Gentlemen , to remind you, but for that melancholy event, which deprived mo of avaluable friend, ho would liavo fulfilled the task much better that now devolves upon mo ;for if I have at all deserved tho too flattering praise that the august President of your Com-mission has addressed to me, it is becauso my young friend had made the preliminary arrange-ments belonging to my department in such a manner as at once to insure the successfuldischarge thereof.
After this act of justice rendered to his memory, allow me, Gentlemen , to express loyally andsincerely my deep gratitude, and to assure you that it can only bo equalled by my admirationof the measures the Royal Commissioners took to secure the complete success of this grandenterprise.
I have also infinite pleasure in acknowledging tho aid afforded me by tho Executive Com-mittee, the Superintendents of tho various departments, and by all those who during so long atime contributed to render easy tho task so difficult, and without that almost impossible, tohim who has the honour to be,
With the profoundest respect,
Your most obedient Servant,
(Signed) G. Goossenr.
7b the llot/al Commissioners.