Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the President, December 6, 1880

No. 467.
Mr. Weill to Mr. Evarts.

Legation of the United States,
Mexico, March 15, 1880. (Received March 29.)

No. 1.]

Sir: I have to report that Mr. Foster, late minister near the Government of Mexico, took his departure from this city on the 13th instant to assume the duties of his mission to Russia.

Before his departure, Mr. Foster was the recipient of attentions of the most marked and flattering character from Mexicans and foreigners. A banquet was given him by the President in the national palace, when the President proposed a toast in honor of Mr. Foster, which was replied to in appropriate terms by that gentleman. The American residents of this city complimented him with a ball on the 2d instant, upon which occasion they presented him with a testimonial, of which I inclose herewith copies, accompanied by other memorials of esteem. The British residents, in recognition of official and social services rendered in the absence of a diplomatic representative of their own government, also presented Mr. Foster with a testimonial similar to the one above mentioned, of which copies are likewise inclosed, with other appropriate memorials.

I am, &c.,

EDWARD M. NEILL.

[Inclosure 1 in No. 1.]

[From the Two Republics.]

Presentation of memorials to the Hon. John W. Foster and Mrs. Foster.

The undersigned American citizens, resident in the city of Mexico, in view of the approaching departure of the Hon, John W. Foster from a post which for seven years he has filled with honor to his country, credit to himself, and beneficently for the interests of his countrymen, beg leave to offer this testimonial as a spontaneous expression of the very high appreciation which his social qualities and efficient public services have secured for him from all who have enjoyed the privilege of his personal friendship, or who have had just occasion to claim his official aid, counsel, or protection, and while most heartily approving the well-merited recognition which the Government of the United States has accorded to his fidelity and ability in promoting him to a higher diplomatic position, their congratulations are mingled with regrets deepened by a sense of personal loss, in parting with a gentleman whose house has been so long the center of social hospitality, and with a national representative whose name has always been a synonym of personal honor and irreproachable official integrity.

City of Mexico, March 2, 1880.

[Inclosure 2 in No. 1.]

Mexico, Sunday, March 14, 1880.

[From the Two Republics.]

The presentation to the Hon. John W. Foster by the British residents.

Mr. Thomas Horncastle, in the name of the British residents, said:

“Mr. Foster, the few British residents in this city are desirous to present you with a memorial, in proof of the high esteem and respect they entertain for yourself and Mrs. Foster.

“We have chosen this picture, the work of a Mexican gentleman, as a specimen of native art, and to remind you whilst in other lands of a country wherein you have been so deservedly respected for the strict integrity and intelligence which have so marked your character in its public capacity, as well as for the kindly friendship and genial hospitality which have graced your private social life.

“This gift which we present to Mrs. Foster is an emblem of those brilliant qualities which have so endeared her to all who have enjoyed the pleasure of her society or the honor of her acquaintance. These sentiments are contained in the written testimonial attested by our signatures as a record for the future, which Mr. Wastall will now read.

“In conclusion, whilst wishing you happiness and prosperity in the future, we trust that during the brilliant career which in time to come will no doubt attend you, you will sometimes remember your English friends in Mexico.”

Mr. James Wastall read the following:

“To the Hon. John W. Foster and Mrs. Foster:

“We, the undersigned British residents in the city of Mexico, imbued with a warm appreciation of the genial and hospitable spirit which has animated your home amongst us, beg to express our fervent hopes that happiness equal with the honor of the past may attend your future career; and we ask you to accept, in remembrance of the country that gave us greeting, a work of native skill and character, and further pray that the good fellowship of our respective nations, speaking the same language, may be as lasting as the gem respectfully offered in token of our admiration and esteem.

“Mexico, March, 1880.”