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

Mr. Wilson to Mr. Seward

No. 2.]

Legation of the United States, Caracas, October 11, 1866.

Sir: Since my first letter, announcing my arrival to the minister of foreign relations, I have been verbally informed that the delay in my official reception arose from the fact that his excellency General Leon Colina, the primer designado, in exercise of the presidency of the republic, has been, together with the greater number of the cabinet, called to Puerto Cabello to meet his excellency Marshal Falcon, President of the republic, who did not intend visiting the capital.

Immediately on the return here, on the 9th instant, of the primer designado, I received a very courteous note from the minister of foreign relations, fixing my reception for the following day (yesterday) at one o’clock. I replied, forwarding a copy of the remarks which I proposed making on my reception; a further copy of which I enclose herewith marked “enclosure No. 1.”

Yesterday at the hour named I presented myself at the government palace, and was immediately received by the minister of foreign relations, who, shortly afterwards, introduced me to the presence of his excellency the primer designado, who was surrounded by his cabinet.

After delivering my remarks, to which his excellency duly replied, (a copy of whose remarks I enclose, with translation, marked “enclosure No. 2,”) some purely complimentary conversation ensued, and I took my leave, well pleased with my reception.

The primer designado and his cabinet were very friendly, and the sentiments they expressed breathed the strongest desire to show their good will to the United States.

To-day I have visited the chargés d’affaires of the different powers represented here, (as has been the custom of other United States ministers,) and have had the satisfaction of meeting with them all, and of being cordially welcomed.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,

JAMES WILSON.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

No. 1.

[Untitled]

Your Excellency: In placing in your hands the autograph letter of the President of the United States, accrediting me as minister resident near the government of your excellency, I am pleased with the opportunity it affords me to assure your excellency of the friendship, regard, and high esteem entertained for you personally, and the people of Venezuela, by the President and government of the United States.

It is likewise my gratifying privilege to express to your excellency the earnest desire of the government of the United States that the harmony and good will now happily subsisting between the two countries may be so cultivated and continued that the interests and welfare of both may be effectually promoted, and peace ever firmly unite the lands of Washington and Bolivar.

In conclusion permit me to offer my congratulations to your excellency upon the order and dignity which have so highly distinguished your administration, and to proffer my best wishes for the increased prosperity and happiness of the people of the United States of Venezuela.

No. 2.

[Translation.]

Señor Mintstro: With great pleasure I receive from your hands the letter of his excellency the President of the United States, accrediting you as minister resident of that country in Venezuela.

If at all periods the first republic of America has been able to count upon the sympathies and the esteem of this people and this government, to-day she has augmented her titles to our consideration, not alone because we have seen her grand in danger, subduing one of the most powerful rebellions which history tells of, but also because the Union cause has completely eradicated an evil capable of producing most fatal consequences, but which can now never rise again.

In manifesting myself pleased with these victories of the civilization and high qualities of your country, I assure you that the cultivation of the amicable relations which unite her to Venezuela has been and shall continue to be the object of particular care for the government of the federation.

You have recalled names which we can never hear pronounced but with veneration and gratitude.

Yes! the memory of Bolivar and Washington, the two majestic figures of American independence, will ever maintain alive in both republics the sentiment that gave it birth, and I cherish the hope that it will ever keep them friends.

I am sincerely grateful to you for the wishes you manifest for the greater prosperity and welfare of the United States of Venezuela, and for the expressions of exquisite courtesy with which you speak of my administration and of my person.