Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress

[Extract.]

Mr. Seward to Mr. Kilpatrick.

No. 8]

Department of State, Washington, May 30, 1866.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 16th of April, No. 6, together with voluminous documents thereto annexed.

I give you herewith for your information a copy of my^* reply to the remarks of Mr. Covarrubias, on the subject of the revocation of the exequatur of Mr. Esteban Rogers, late Chilian vice consul at New York.

Your proceeding in declining to institute measures for a combination between the foreign representatives in Chili, with a view to ascertain the damages suffered by foreign merchants in the bombardment of Valparaiso, is approved. I think, however, that the course which you have indicated in regard to that matter should be modified in this respect, namely: The United States consuls, while they may render their good offices in this as in other commercial affairs to American citizens, will not be expected to institute or conduct examinations themselves, or to give their official sanction to the results of examinations made by others. It is their proper function to certify the authenticity of documents which claimants may desire to submit to this government. They cannot do more without special instructions from this department.

* * * * * * *

I am, sir, your very obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Judson Kilpatrick, Esq., &c., &c., &c.

1. See correspondence with the Chilian legation, May 29, 1866.