Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Translation.]
Señor Villégas to Mr.
Pruyn.
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN RELATIONS,
CENTRAL BUREAU—NO. 244.
Caracas,
October 27, 1868,
The 5th year of the Law
and the 10th of the
Federation.
Owing to the illness from which he has been suffering for many days
past, the undersigned, minister of foreign relations of the United
States of Venezuela, regrets that it was not in his power to reply
until now to the communication that the incumbent of the legation of
the United States of America addressed to him on hearing of the
murderous assault of which the undersigned was the object.
It is with the most profound sentiment of gratitude that the
undersigned has become apprised of the interest that Mr. Pruyn took
in the event, and of the indignation that he manifests against the
wretch who conceived and attempted to carry out so wicked a design
at a time and in a place where the undersigned was discharging his
official duties.
The criminal, uninfluenced by any consideration of right or duty,
proceeded in his evil purpose, and almost accomplished it, although
he had not received the slightest provocation of any kind
whatsoever.
Venezuela will always remember with grief the lamentable death of the
ill-fated President, the most excellent Abraham Lincoln, and the
treacherous attempts that put in peril the life of the Secretary of
State, and also that of his assistant and son. This sentiment was
suitably testified to through the minister that she had accredited
at Washington, and likewise through the United States minister then
in Caracas.
It is to be hoped that the condemnation that every just man makes of
such attempts, impressing a seal of shame and ignominy upon the brow
of him who dares to commit them, will contribute more than any other
punishment to cause their total cessation for all time to come.
Having no other aspiration than to contribute to the welfare of his
fellow-citizens,
[Page 980]
the
undersigned has made every patriotic effort in his power to that
end, so important and so worthy of the best endeavors, and he
considers it as his most satisfactory reward that his efforts are
thus recognized in the most kind and flattering terms by so
distinguished a personage as Mr. Pruyn, to whom the undersigned,
availing himself of this opportunity, renews the assurance of his
distinguished consideration.
Union and liberty!
Mr. Erastus C. Pruyn,
Incumbent of the Legation of the United
States.
