Mr. Stilwell to Mr. Seward.
No. 3.]
Legation of the United States,
Caracas,
December 17, 1867.
Sir: Since the date of my second dispatch, of
the 10th instant, the minister of foreign relations for the United
States of Venezuela, in a very polite note, of the 13th instant, advised
me that the President had been pleased to name Monday, the 16th instant,
at 2 o’clock p. m., for my reception. I replied on the same day of
receipt of his note, forwarding a copy of the remarks which I proposed
making in my reception, (a copy of which I inclose herewith—inclosure
No. 1.)
Yesterday, at the hour named, I presented myself at the government
buildings, and was immediately received by honorable Jacinto Gutierrez,
minister of foreign relations, who at once introduced me to the presence
of his excellency Juan C. Falcon, President of the United States of
Venezuela, who was surrounded by his cabinet and the principal military
men of the republic, to the number of nearly, if not quite, one hundred
persons. After the delivery of my remarks, to which his excellency
replied, (a copy of which remarks I inclose, marked inclosure No. 2,) a
very pleasant conversation of a few minutes followed, in which not only
the President but the different members of his cabinet spoke in the most
eulogistic terms of my government, its present administration, and its
distinguished Secretary of State.
Following the custom inaugurated by my predecessors, to-day I have
visited the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary for Brazil
and the several chargés d’affaires representing foreign powers near the
government of Venezuela, and it is with much pleasure that I advise you
that, as the representative of the United States, I was received with
great courtesy and distinguished consideration.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Inclosure No. 1.]
Your Excellency: Having the honor to
deliver to you personally the autograph letter of the President of
the United States of America, accrediting me as minister resident,
near the government of Venezuela; it affords me profound pleasure to
assure your excellency, for the President and the people of the
United States of America, that they desire and hope that the
fraternal and friendly relations heretofore existing between the
sister republics of the United States and Venezuela may not only
remain unbroken, but that their future intercourse and relations may
be such as to unite them more friendly together.
The President of my country has instructed me to say to your
excellency, that it is with much pleasure that he learned that you
have been able to suppress all factious opposition, and to maintain
and preserve your government against all of its enemies.
The United States having just passed through a war unparalleled in
magnitude successfully for the preservation of its laws, its
Constitution, its government, and entered upon a career of grandeur
and glory unsurpassed in recorded history; the President
congratulates you on your like success, and the ability with which
you have presided over the republic of Venezuela.
In assuming the duties of the mission to which the President of the
United States has been pleased to assign me, permit me at this my
first opportunity to tender you my own sentiment of great respect
and consideration for your excellency, for the success of your
government and the happiness of your people.
[Page 933]
[Inclosure No. 2.—Translation.]
Mr. Minister: It is with pleasure that I
receive from your hands the letter accrediting you as minister
resident of the United States of America to those of Venezuela.
A diplomatic representative of the most ancient and illustrious of
the sister republics must always be sure to command a very kind
reception in this nation. She remembers gratefully that when visited
in 1812 by a terrible calamity, the Congress of the American
federation hastened to her relief in a generous and spontaneous
manner. That was the first source of the ties of affection which
bind both peoples in close amity. In the process of time, their
relations have grown and become stronger by means of treaties and a
constant and never changing intercourse. My government has given
sufficient proofs of the high esteem in which it holds its good
understanding with yours. In that direction it will at all times be
met.
Fortunately I have brought to a speedy termination the revolts which
during my term of office have threatened the public tranquillity. In
so doing I have but responded loyally to the expectation of the
people, but the satisfaction I derive from fulfilling my duty is
increased by the congratulations of the high magistrate who sends
you here; and they inspire me with renewed confidence in the future
success of my efforts. I hope that no factious attempt will be able
to triumph over the order established for the welfare of the
republic.
Yours has taught us that even the most wide-spread and powerful
rebellions give way to perseverance in the good cause, and fall at
last prostrate at the feet of justice. At that issue, which I
doubted at no time, I have rejoiced with all my heart. Would to God
that domestic dissensions, only once felt during a life extending
through almost a century, should, never more recur in that country;
wonderful even amid its misfortunes! It will, no doubt, continue
prosperously its career of grandeur and glory.
I am most thankful for the felicitations of your President. No less
favorably am I impressed with the marks of kindness evinced by you
towards the Venezuelan people and government, and towards myself.
You are welcome to this friendly republic.
