[Translation.]

General Salgar to Mr. Seward

General Salgar’s respects to the Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, with a copy of the address he proposes to make to the President on presenting his new credentials as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary from the United States of Colombia.

Hon. William H. Seward, &c., & c., & c.

[Page 593]

Your Excellency: The government of Colombia, solicitous to foster and encourage the friendly relations binding it to the United States, and to fulfil the stipulations that have formed the matter of special treaties between the two nations, has lately conferred upon me the character of envoy entraordinary and minister plenipotentiary near the government of your excellency.

The footing of perfect understanding and cordiality which the two countries have reached, the increase of their mutual commercial transactions, and their topographical and political conditions, are worthy of special consideration.

For this reason I heartily congratulate myself on placing in the hands of your excellency, as I do, the autograph letter of the President of Colombia accrediting to me the mission to preserve and render advantageous a friendship that rests on such legitimate interests, and to protest my respectful deference to your excellency, hoping that I may continue to deserve your confidence and benevolent consideration.