Mr. Foster to Mr. Snowden.
Washington, September 7, 1892.
Sir: The Congress of the United States, at its recent session, adopted a resolution, a copy of which is herewith inclosed, authorizing and requesting the President to convey to Don Cristoval Colon de la Cerda, the Duke of Veragua, the Marquis de Barboles, his brother, and Don Cristoval de Larreategui y Aguilar, his son, with their families, to attend, as the guests of the Government and people of the United States, the opening ceremonies of the World’s Columbian Exposition, by which itis intended to commemorate the four hundredth anniversary of the discovery of America, at the city of Chicago, in the State of Illinois, on the 1st day of May, 1893.
It was deemed especially appropriate that the living descendants of Christopher Columbus should participate in such commemoration, and share the honors that the nations of the world will there assemble to pay to the man and event which stand preëminent in American history. You will, therefore, at your early convenience, present in person to the gentlemen named copies of this letter and the resolution adopted by Congress, and express to them the earnest desire of the Government and people of the United States that it may be their pleasure to accept this cordial invitation.
I am, &c.,