Mr. Burton to Mr. Seward
Sir: In the absence of General Mosquera, the President elect, who had not arrived from Europe, the first designado, or vice-president, Señor José Maria Rojas Garrido, was inaugurated President on the first day of April last, the constitutional term of President Murillo having then expired. General Mosquera was received here by his friends on the 19th instant, with an enthusiasm unequalled since the times of General Bolivar. He was inaugurated President on the next day, and organized his administration. He finds the country in an embarrassed and disorganized state, and assumes the chief magistracy under circumstances that call for his whole patriotism and ability. Much as is said in the public press about loans contracted for Colombia by General Mosquera in England, of the alleged sale by him to an English company of the remainder of the nation in the Panama railroad, &c., it is, nevertheless, not to be concealed that a heavy and pressing deficit exists in the treasury, and the republic is without adequate resources at home or credit abroad. The reality of these supposed financial arrangements is open to doubt. Some national interest, perhaps that in the railroad, will probably yet be disposed of to meet the emergencies of the fiscal year, commencing on the first of September next.
Colombia will not unite with the Pacific republics in their alliance against Spain.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C