| Description | 2 May 1879
My dear Sir Frederick
Your telegram arrived at 8pm on the 30th inst after I had left the office, and I did not get it until the next morning. It was with the greatest terror and disappointment that I finally answered it in the negative, but circumstances left me no other course. My Vice Consul had gone, and my official instructions would keep me here until he returned. It was no longer a question of inconvenience or sacrifice - it was simply an impossibility.
It cannot be helped now. But it was very hard for me to miss so great an occasion, which, despite your flattering protestations, I knew did not miss me half as much.
Yours very truly
Bret Harte
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