Autograph Letter Signed

This American career diplomat served as U.S. Ambassador to Italy (1905-07 ) and to France (1907-09 ), among other important posts; he was one of five American Peace Commissioners who attempted to negotiate a treaty between France and Germany to end World War One, an attempt that failed. ALS, 4pp (lettersheet), 5" X 8", London, England, 17 August 1886. Addressed to C.W. Ernest. Near fine. On "Legation of the United States / London" letterhead, White as first secretary of that office under minister Edward J. Phelps writes that "The Minister highly appreciates the expressions of approval, respecting the new Extradition Treaty, contained in your letter; and the kind way in which you are good enough to convey to His Excellency your 'sincere and hearty admiration' of the manner in which he represents our country here is particularly gratifying to him. I may say, in his absence, that if all our countrymen had the opportunities, which it is my privilege to enjoy, of seeing for themselves how watchful he is of their interests and with what great ability Mr. Phelps represents the United States in this country, they would share your admiration and approval." Intriguing closing: "With regard to the final clause of your letter, in which you object to "Mr. [Thomas F.] Bayard's treatment of the fisheries case', Mr. Phelps thinks, when the correspondence shall have been made public and the affair settled, you will change your mind." (This last refers to the controversial Fisheries Retaliation Act, which allowed the U.S. President to block Canadian ships from entering American ports if he thought they were treating American fishermen unfairly). A fascinating and meaty letter worth further research.