Thursday, July 11, 2013

State dept sends telegram to dead Emperor

July 11, 1899

According to the New York Times, there was a "little ripple of amusement" about the Department of State.  Apparently, someone was "directed to prepare a telegram of condolence" from the President of the United States to Emperor Nicholas II of Russia, on the death of the Emperor's younger brother, Grand Duke George.

The telegram was "a very short one," and it was ready in "a few minutes," and "sent as addressed,"

After the telegram was "on its way to St. Petersburg, "a mortifying discovery was made."   The telegram was sent to "His Imperial Majesty Alexander III instead of Nicholas II."

A new directory of "ruling sovereigns" has been ordered by the State Department.

Alexander III died in October 1894.

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