Mr. Butler to Mr. Gresham.
Mexico , February 17, 1895 . (Received Feb. 25.)
Sir: It is with the deepest pain that I inform the Department of the death, in this city, of the Hon. Isaac Pusey Gray, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States of America near the Government of Mexico.
Telegrams from this legation have informed you that Mr. Gray reached this city on the morning of the 14th instant very ill with double pneumonia, and in an unconscious condition. He was immediately carried, in a covered litter, to the American hospital close by, and every possible effort was made to save his life, or, at least, to restore him to consciousness ere he died; but all without avail.
I called upon President Diaz at once, and when I tried to convey the sad news of the death of the minister, the President drew me toward himself in sympathy, and, with tears in his eyes, spoke of the loss of his friend and the friend of Mexico. Like expressions of affectionate esteem and high respectful regard were also made by Minister Mariscal and the other members of the Mexican ministry.
The body, embalmed, was taken northward yesterday by the family of Mr. Gray to be buried at Union City, Ind., and the flags will be kept at half mast over this legation and the United States consulate-general until the funeral rites are concluded.
I am, etc.,