Mr. Pruyn to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have this day received your dispatches Nos. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20.
I have given most careful attention to the instructions in dispatch No. 4, in reference to the course to be pursued by me as regards a recognition of this government. To procure a continuance of the mixed commission I was compelled to pursue the course I did towards this provisional government. There was no time to await for instructions from the department, as the commissioners had determined that they had no right to remain in session after August 30, 1868. It was most important that the claims of our citizens, reaching as far back as 1812, should be decided.
The uprising of this nation in revolution was so general and so irresistible that, as far as human foresight could go, the conclusion was inevitable that the people would deliberately and fully acknowledge and accept the provisional revolutionary government.
The revolution has everywhere triumphed, unless it be in the far western State of Maracaibo, or Tulia, as it is now called, where State President Sutherland has always acted independently of the general government. He is rich, and has a considerable army, and, it is said, rules almost despotically.
I am of the opinion that this government will make an arrangement with President Sutherland, by which the latter will give them a formal recognition, in return for which they will agree to leave him practically undisturbed. He will, perhaps, give up a portion of the custom-house receipts at Maracaibo, all of which should rightfully go into the national treasury. It is possible, however, that the army of the revolution, now in the west, may continue their march, and arrive at and capture Maracaibo.
The coming election of a new President and new congress, in the manner prescribed by the constitution and the laws—both of which are treated with all possible respect by the present provisional government—will set at rest all difficulty as regards a recognition of the government. [Page 974] General Falcon, who was elected President in 1862, has abandoned the country, and gone to Spain. General Gil, who was first designado, or vice-president, fled to Curaçoa. General Bruzual, who, in the absence of the vice-president, was chosen by his colleagues in the cabinet, (he being then minister of war,) to act as president, was fatally wounded at Puerto Cabello, and died at Curaçoa. So it appears to be very doubtful if there is any technical legal executive of this republic.
General José Tadeo Monagas, commander-in-chief of the revolutionary forces, is the candidate of the “blues,” or revolutionists, for President. He has already twice filled that high office. His election is a foregone conclusion.
The “yellows,” or partisans of the late government, may go through the ceremony of nominating a candidate, although they have not the slightest hopes of gaining the election. A considerable minority in congress is all that they aspire to.
If my course of action towards this provisional government appears to have been somewhat premature, and too friendly, I can only say that I felt it my duty to protect and assist the mixed commission in every way possible. My efforts in their behalf were crowned with success, and my very friendly course towards the provisional government has given me a certain influence with the leaders of the revolutionary party which may be of service to American interests here in the future. I feel sure that my promptness and cordiallity will not be without good results.
I shall endeavor to observe, most carefully, your instructions; and I have the honor to remain, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.