Mr. Seward to Mr. Nelson.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 140, of the 11th ultimo, with your address to the society known as the “Union Americana,” in Chili, delivered on the occasion of their visit to the legation of the United States on the 4th of July, 1864.
The report which you transmit of the celebration by the government of Chili and the residents of the city of Santiago of the 88th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America is both gratifying and satisfactory; such a manifestation tending, as it does, to strengthen the bonds of friendship and good will which animate the government and people of Chili towards our government and people, and which, I am sure, are fully shared and cordially reciprocated on their part.
You are therefore instructed to express this satisfaction to the President of Chili in a communication to the minister for foreign affairs of that republic, covering the subject referred to.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Thomas H. Nelson, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Chili.