Office of the Historian

Mr. Hay to Mr. Curry.

Department of State,
Washington, February 13, 1902.
No. 1.]

Sir: The President having determined upon the appointment of a special ambassador extraordinary to represent the Government of the United States upon the occasion of the coming of age of King Alfonso Kill of Spain on May 17 next, and you having indicated your acceptance [Page 955] of the same, I inclose herewith your commission as ambassador extraordinary of the United States on special mission for that purpose.

I also inclose a letter of credence and a letter of felicitation (with office copies) addressed to His Majesty. You will forward the office copies to the minister for foreign affairs and deliver the originals in the manner most agreeable to His Majesty.

Upon your arrival in Madrid it is expected that you will freely consult with Mr. Storer, the minister of the United States there, who will, no doubt, be able to fully advise you and be pleased to render you such further assistance and cooperation as may be necessary.

It is the President’s desire to show by this mission the friendly regard he has for the Government and people of Spain, and he feels confident that its duties will be discharged by you in a manner to strengthen the cordial relations now happily subsisting between the two countries.

I am, etc.,

John Hay.