Mr. Rousseau to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I left this city on the 18th of September for Gracias, arrived there on the 4th of October, and on the 10th the President gave me a public reception, at which I presented my credentials and was duly recognized as minister resident of the United States in this republic.
Owing to the inclemency of the weather and my own health, not a little impaired by the hardships and privations of the journey, I was obliged to remain in Gracias several days longer than I had intended, and returned to this city after an absence of forty-six days.
During my stay in Gracias I was treated by the President, his cabinet, and the citizens generally, with constant courtesy and attention, and do not hesitate to assert that I have the entire confidence of his excellency. My despatches Nos. 9 and 10 will more fully demonstrate that fact.
I was accompanied to Gracias by Colonel William C. Burchard, United States consul for Comayagua and Tegucigalpa, who acted as interpreter and rendered valuable services both to me and the United States. He speaks and writes the Spanish language with fluency and elegance, is familiar with the manners, customs and laws of the country, and is highly esteemed by the government and people of all classes.
I remain, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington. D. C.