[Translation.]

Señor Ribas to Mr. Seward.

Florencio Ribas, chargé d’affaires of the United States of Venezuela, has the honor to salute Mr. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, and to inform him, in compliance with his offer made in his note of the 24th of the present month, of all he may gather respecting the lamentable events which have happened in the capital of Venezuela.

I communicate for your information what I have been able to learn through private correspondences about these political events. It appears that two of the eastern States of the republic, in concert with three of the central, gathered their forces against the federal district commanded by General José Tadeo Monagas, and, after a prolonged attack and strong resistance on the part of the government troops, under command of General Bruzual, the aggressors remained in possession of the federal district. The government then retired to Puerto Cabello, where it has fixed its residence. I send with this communication an extract from the Federalist paper published in Caracas, where you will see the public decrees of General Manuel E. Bruzual fixing on Puerto Cabello as the place of residence of the government. I also enclose a slip from the New York Herald of to-day, where you will read the reports sent by its correspondent at St. Thomas relative to these political [Page 986] events in Venezuela. The reports of correspondents being often apocryphal, I abstain from remarks upon them. I particularly call your attention to them. I offer you, as soon as I shall receive official communications from the government about these events, to send them in due course to you. I avail of the present occasion to repeat to you the assurances of my highest consideration. I have the honor to subscribe myself your very obedient, humble servant,

FLORENOIO RIBAS.

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

[Here is interpolated an extract from the Herald, being a letter from St Thomas dated July 15, 1868; then follows an address to the people:]

[Translation of the address.]

Manuel E. Bruzual, in charge of the presidency of the United States of Venezuela, to the Nation:

Venezuelans: Called constitutionally to the exercise of the presidency of the Union, I have sworn on my honor and for the country to meet all the exigencies of the great majority of the country, and even in the midst of the grave contests with which the government has found itself involved it has not turned aside from the line of duty.

To-day I ratify that solemn oath in Puerto Cabello, where the national executive exercises its functions, because the federal district has been occupied by the factions who follow General José Tadeo Monagas.

In presence of God and the world, I promise to omit no sacrifice of any kind, even to death if needful, in defense of the federal cause for which the virtuous people of Venezuela have poured out their blood in torrents.

It never was my intention to fight, but the enemies of liberal institutions and principles would not have it so. Now, as in March, 1858, they have raised the banner of treason to assail the authorities, and restore the fearful rule of terror. They are the same men who forget nothing, who learn nothing, not stopping at measures, obnoxious as they may be, in order to satiate their thirst for vengeance and persecution. In immoral alliance with many of their own victims, they deceive them, the more easily to consummate their work of extermination, already begun by the invasion of the capital of the republic, which they have succeeded in accomplishing, notwithstanding the gallant resistance of the constitutional army, because the States, relying on the peace which was to have been obtained by means of treaties, did not assemble in season the contingent force which had been assigned for them.

The government thus has found itself compelled, in the exercise of its attributions, to fix upon the city of Puerto Cabello as the federal district, and relying on the steady support of public opinion, and the tried valor and bravery of the chiefs, will in a brief time re-establish order in the republic, by subjecting to obedience to law those who, blinded by the virulence of passion, do not comprehend that the sentiment of freedom is invincible.

Venezuelans! I appeal to your conscience. On one side you have the government, which represents law, and has given infallible proofs of its aspirations for what is right; on the other side is despotism or anarchy in consequence. The triumph over the disturbers of your peace is therefore not doubtful. Without ambition to command, I have no thought of retaining the authority with which I find myself invested, except under necessity to preserve the institutions. This important object saved, you all will see me withdraw to the domestic hearth, satisfied with having co-operated, with all the firmness I am capable of in sustaining the republic such as our fathers constituted it in the great contest of the American continent against its oppressors.

Venezuelans! in the name of the country I call you to arms. Sad is any contest between brethren; but all the acts of my administration which bore the stamp of law, of morals, of forbearance, even towards citizens in arms, did not suffice to avoid such a condition. There remains only recourse to arms.

Let it progress without further delay than what is needful for indulgence to the conquered, and to open our arms to receive those who, sensible of their errors, join us in the campaign undertaken by the government to sustain the constitution and the laws.

Done at Puerto Cabello, at the executive chamber, the 27th June, 1868.

M. E. BRUZUAL.