Mr. Sickles to Mr. Fish
Sir: In compliance with your instruction No. 195, I have communicated to the minister of state the duplicate of the articles of armistice [Page 778] concluded between the representatives of Spain and the allied South. American republics at the conference held at Washington on the 11th of April last, and at which you presided. At the same time, in an interview with his excellency yesterday, I informed him of your suggestion that the ratification of this government should also be executed in duplicate, for exchange at Washington with the representatives of each of the parties, respectively, and that these documents should be forwarded by separate conveyances, as a precaution against delay in the exchange through any possible hazard or casualty incident to communication by sea.
Mr. Martos desired me to convey to you his deep sense of the service rendered to Spain by the mediation of the United States in this proceeding, and that he hoped your good offices would be crowned with equal success in the settlement of a firm and lasting peace between Spain and the allied republics, with whom this country desired to cultivate the most friendly relations. The minister added that your suggestion with reference to the exchange of ratifications would be followed.
I am, &c.,