Mr. Woodford to Mr. Sherman.

No. 11.]

Sir: Yesterday my predecessor, Mr. Taylor, at 12 o’clock, presented his letters of recall to the Queen Regent at her summer palace, the Miramar. At half after 12 I was received by the Queen and presented my letters of credence.

[Page 562]

I simply said:

Your Majesty: It is my great honor to place in your royal hands these letters of credence from the President of the United States accrediting me as minister plenipotentiary at your Court. I am directed by the President to express to you his sincere wishes for the health and happiness of Your Majesty and of your son, the King, and for the peace and prosperity of Spain.

The Queen then entered into very courteous conversation in English, which lasted about ten minutes, after which the ceremony of presentation ended.

Minister Taylor has transferred to me the balance of the “contingent fund” and “clerk-hire fund” belonging to this legation, and he has placed the legation property and archives at Madrid in the possession of the secretary of legation, Mr. George Stanton Sickles.

I have to-day telegraphed to you the following dispatch:

Sherman, State Department, Washington:

Presented to Queen Monday afternoon. Spanish minister of foreign affairs will not go to baths and himself suggests first official interview for Saturday, September eighteenth.

I will keep you promptly and fully advised of all negotiations as they proceed, and have the honor to be, with great respect,

Your obedient servant,

Stewart L. Woodford.