No. 63.
Mr. da Costa to Mr. Bayard.

Sir: The Brazilian minister of foreign affairs has just written commanding me to convey to the President of the United States of America the heartfelt thanks of the Imperial Government for the congratulations which he expressed to the Brazilian minister on the great event of the abolition of slavery in Brazil.

I have to appeal to your excellency to lend me your assistance in the discharge of this agreeable commission by acting as my interpreter with the President.

I avail myself, etc.,

J. Augusto da Costa.