Je suis très-parfaitement, Monsieur, etc.
[Translation.]
William Short to M. Dupré.
Sir: As I do not suppose that you are ignorant that the medal for America, of which the die was broken in the coining press, has been for a long time promised to distinguished persons, you will no doubt not be surprised at the interest which I take that neither the delicacy of the donors nor the desire of the legatees should be compromised.
Now, Sir, I see only one means of avoiding this, that is to give to the donors, for the time being, the only proof which the die has permitted and which is in your hands; this, while removing all suspicion of negligence on my part, prevents also the United States from occupying the disagreeable position of appearing to have forgotten its promises.
Be good enough therefore, Sir, to lend yourself to this arrangement, which the interested persons will most certainly not fail to acknowledge; your rights upon the making being besides only retarded, since a new die must be made.
I beg you therefore, Sir, to hand the medal to the bearer, so that I may present it to remedy, in some degree, the accident; and in case you think you ought to retain it, be kind enough to inform me thereof in writing, so that I may justify myself in every way to the interested parties.
I am, very truly, Sir, etc.
M. de Moustier to M. Dupré.