Frederick D. Grant

now, and I find my life and duties more and more congenial every day. I like you to know how I appreciate having this position, which enables me not only to have such a lovely home for my family, where my children have such advantages, but also, to see many American friends, who are constantly passing through.

I have had very good news from my mother, who is very well and has had

2

LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES,

VIENNA.

a most agreeable Summer. Our thoughts are, just now, with her, in Chicago, when she is visiting my wife's sister, Mrs Potter Palmer, and where, on the 8th, they unviled the great "Equestrian Statue" of my father, which has been raised to his memory, through the generosity of Mr Palmer and other citizens of

Chicago. The ceremonies were in charge of the "Army of the Tennessee", my father's first army, and it was altogether a most magnificent affair, for all of which, Father's family are most grateful.

In your letter you speak of the fine crops you have had this year in California. I am sorry to say that in Europe the crops have been a failure and there will be much suffering on that account. In this country

the grapes have especially failed this year, although the [bread?] stuffs have been better than in Germany and Russia. The grape vines have been terribly injured with the phylloxera and, with the exception of the vines which had been imported from America, have been totally destroyed.

I can well imagine how busy you are in California with all you have on hand, then, but suppose you will soon be going east with Mrs Stanford

for the winter in Washington when your friends will be so glad to welcome you both.

We read with the most intense gratification all the great compliments paid you and yours by the papers, which we think never do you justice and never can in our estimation however great the praise may be, but it is well for California that she has such a statesman! Mrs Grant & the children beg to join me in the most affectionate regards for you & Mrs Stanford yours faithfully Frederick. D. Grant.