[Extract.]
Mr. Wilson to Mr.
Seward
No. 1.]
Legation of the United States,
Caracas, October 8, 1866.
Sir: I beg to inform the department that I
arrived in this city on the 29th day of September last, after a long and
disagreeable voyage from Philadelphia.
On our arrival off La Guayra we were notified of our being under sanitary
surveillance. We were thus quarantined for three days, at the expiration
of which time an order came from the government permitting the
passengers to land.
On the 3d instant I addressed a note to Señor Rafael Seijas, the minister
of foreign relations, stating my arrival, and informing him that I was
the bearer of a sealed letter from the President of the United States to
the President of Venezuela, (an open official copy of which I forwarded
to him at the same time,) and asking him to designate a convenient time
and place when I could, in an audience with the supreme chief of the
United States of Venezuela, place the same in his hands. (A copy of this
note I enclose, marked “enclosure No. 1.”)
* * * * * * *
I have the honor to be, with sentiments of great respect, your obedient
servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
No. 1.
Mr. Wilson to Mr. Seijas
St. Amand’s,
October 3, 1866.
Mr. James Wilson presents his compliments to the honorable Rafael
Seijas, minister of foreign relations of the United States of
Venezuela, and has the honor to inform him of his arrival in the
city of Caracas, bearing a sealed letter, an open official copy
whereof is herewith transmitted, addressed by the President of the
United States of America to the President of the republic of
Venezuela, accrediting Mr. Wilson as minister resident of the United
States near the government of Venezuela.
Mr. Wilson, in pursuance of his instructions, begs to request the
honorable the minister of foreign relations to designate a
convenient time and place at which he may have the honor of
presenting such original letter of credence in person to his
excellency the Supreme Chief of the United States of Venezuela.
Mr. Wilson takes advantage of this his first opportunity cordially to
salute the minister of foreign relations, and to tender him the
assurance of his most distinguished consideration.
