Theodore Sedgwick to Alexis de Tocqueville

New York, January 31, 1853

My dear Sir,

Before thanking you for your good and kind letter, please allow me to introduce to you Colonel Hughes, the carrier of this letter. As Captain of the Topographical Engineers in the service of the United States, Colonel in the war against Mexico, first Chief Engineer of the Panama Rail Road and finally, as a kind-hearted and talented man, Mr. Hughes is worthy of the fullest consideration.

But the main issue is not the Colonel's personal worth. You know perhaps that we are building here a Crystal Palace and I am entrusted with chairing this task. Mr. Hughes is going to Europe as our agent in order to represent us to European governments and ask for their cooperation. In fulfilling his functions, Mr. Hughes will perhaps need that advice which can come only from highly placed persons who have great experience and perfect loyalty, advice whose worth is truly invaluable.

That is why, my dear M. de Tocqueville, I have taken the liberty of giving him this letter for you. I believe that your interest in our country and perhaps the personal kindness that you have showed me will permit you to offer to Colonel Hughes the information and advice that he will need.

Mr. Bancroft was very delighted by your letter. I have dined with him recently. Please remember me to Madame de Tocqueville whose distinction and charm have strongly impressed me.