Mr. Blair to Mr. Fish
Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department that the 4th day of July was duly observed at this legation.
During the day the legation was honored with the presence of the ministers of the government, who called in a body; also the officers of the army, headed by the commanding general. The president being unwell, did not attend. Mr. Montufar, the secretary of foreign relations, made some remarks on the occasion in reference to the early history of the United States, its progress and institutions. Being called upon to say something in reply, I thanked Mr. Montufar for his kind remarks and made some general observations on the soil, climate, and future of Costa Rica.
I have, &c.,