Mr. Clay to Mr.
Seward.
No. 71.]
Legation of the United States at the
Republic of Honduras,
Tegucigalpa,
November 4, 1866.
Sir: The Hon. R. H. Rousseau and the American
consul, Mr. W. C. Burchard, did not reach this place from Gracias until
the night of the 2d instant, and it was not until the evening of the 3d
that their baggage and papers were brought on by the Arrow.
I enclose to you an autograph letter from President Medina to his
Excellency the President of the United States.
You will also receive herewith a copy of a letter from President Medina
to myself, which I deem it proper to remit to you, as also one from the
minister of foreign relations.
Tendering you, on quitting this mission, my thanks for the courtesies
received at your hands,
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Page 539]
[Translation.]
Mr. Medina to Mr. Clay.
Gracias,
October 8, 1866.
Señor Clay: The consul, Hon. C. Burchard,
esq., bearer of the autograph letter from his Excellency the
President of the United States of America, and of yours dated the
15th of August, has placed in my hands those highly esteemed
documents, whose contents do me great honor.
I appreciate, in the highest degree, the sincere congratulations
which the Chief Magistrate of the American Union has been pleased to
give me for my elevation to the government and service of this
republic in consequence of the popular vote which proclaimed me, and
in which position I shall endeavor to correspond to the hopes and
wishes of the people. The accompanying letter to his Excellency the
President contains due thanks for this great and signal proof of
attention.
With respect to the high position which you have occupied near my
government as minister resident of the United States, I can assure
you in all candor that I sensibly regret your separation. During a
period of nearly four years our relations have been as loyal and
frank as could be desired. You will leave in this republic nothing
but feelings of gratitude, and in the cabinet a high appreciation of
the ability and prudence which you have manifested in your official
intercourse.
I have directed the minister of state to write an official reply to
your farewell address. You have formed in Honduras relations of a
most friendly and enduring character. Mine will follow you when you
leave the shores of Honduras, and will always be characterized by
the confidence with which your goodness has inspired me. You can
depend upon my friendship, no matter how great the distance Which
separates us. If my fortune continues propitious, Honduras will soon
arise from the prostration and ruin into which reckless hands have
plunged her; but if it prove adverse, I will die with the best of
her sons, leaving but one memento—el del
progreso.
Your worthy successor, Mr. Rousseau, will be esteemed by me, not only
as the representative of the great American republic, our friend and
ally, but as a confidant His pleasing disposition and high
reputation will entitle him to public estimation. I have no doubt
that my frank and unpolished style of intercourse will be as
acceptable to him as, fortunately, it has been to you.
Adieu, Mr. Clay. Do not fail to invoke the favor of Heaven for the
success of my administration, and for the happiness of the people of
Honduras—your friends. I shall always desire your good health and
prosperity.
Your attentive servant,
Hon. Thomas H. Clay,
Minister Resident of the United States,
Tegucigalpa.
[Translation.]
Mr. Cizneros to Mr. Clay.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Government House,
Gracias,
October 17, 1866.
Sir: From the hands of the consul of the
United States, William C. Burchard, esq., his excellency the
President of this republic has received the communication which you
were pleased to address him, advising him of your retirement from
the position of minister resident of the United States near this
government.
His excellency takes great pleasure in declaring that the deportment
of Mr. Clay in his character of minister resident near this
government has been entirely faultless, and that he has given his
attention to all matters relating to his important mission with the
promptness and courtesy due to the supreme government of the United
States.
The undersigned considers himself highly honored in assuring you of
the sentiments of attention and respect with which he subscribes
himself your obedient servant,
Hon. Thomas H. Clay,
Minister Resident of the United States of
America.
