"Sir,—The Members of the Government of National Defence, assembled in delegation at Tours, after having become acquainted with the magnificent speech which you delivered at the meeting at Edinburgh, have the honour to thank you most warmly for the noble help which you bring to the cause of France and of Europe in your country.
"You do not spare, Sir, either your efforts or your time in the attempt to enlighten public opinion—for so long all-powerful in the United Kingdom. We take pleasure in believing that so much devotion will end by convincing Europe, upon which British opinion exercises so legitimate an influence, that France fights to-day for the most just of all causes—the defence of her honour and of her territory.
"We cannot too often repeat it: the war itself was undertaken against the will of the French nation; Prussia, in continuing it, fights without justice, and solely for the satisfaction of an ambition of which Europe will not be slow to feel the ruinous effects.
"Thank, in our names, those of your generous compatriots who listen to you, and who applaud you in these magnificent public assemblies—which we envy them—where the greatest interests of the world are debated.
"The welcome which meets you everywhere is to us a sure guarantee of the sympathies of the English people for France and her new institutions.
"We have no doubt that from this incessant propaganda, to which you have devoted yourself, will soon come the light which should undeceive all eyes, as well as the triumph of justice and civilisation.
"Kindly receive, Sir, the expression of our highest consideration.
"Members of the delegation of the Government of National Defence, assembled at Tours:
| "Leon Gambetta. | Ad. Crémieux. |
| L. Fournichon. | Al. Glais Bizoin." |