Mr. Merry to Mr. Hay.
San José, Costa Rica, January 31, 1901.
Sir: I have the pleasure of advising the arrival on the 10th instant at Acajutla, Salvador, of the United States ships Iowa and Philadelphia, the former bearing the flag of Admiral Kautz. The Philadelphia left the same evening for Panama. The admiral and his staff visited the capital city of San Salvador, accompanied by United States Consul Jenkins, and were received by the Government of President Regalado with every attention, a banquet being given in honor of the American officers, to which were invited the consular and diplomatic corps, the principal officials of the Republic of El Salvador, and prominent citizens.
On the 13th instant President Regalado and his cabinet, accompanied by many citizens of Salvador, visited the Iowa on the ship’s boats, the President being received with all the honors due his rank and leaving the ship late in the afternoon having expressed himself as very much pleased with his reception.
The Iowa, being the first modern battle ship that has visited Central America, attracted much attention.
With assurances, etc.,