A. A. Burton to William H. Seward, October 13, 1865

Mr. Burton to Mr. Seward

Sir: As directed by your No. 126, I, on yesterday, in public audience, delivered to his Excellency the citizen President of Colombia, the message of gratitude for the condolence and sympathy tendered by the Colombian government and people on the bereavement sustained by the death of the lamented Abraham Lincoln, late President of the United States, with which I had been intrusted.

As other bodies in the republic had followed the example of the constituent convention of Bolivar, I ventured to extend the message to the whole country; his excellency the secretary of foreign relation communicated it in a note to each body. The annexed papers will explain how I have attempted to fulfil your instructions.

I was received on the occasion by the military in full dress, and by bands of music. The attendance at the audience, as well as the whole proceedings, was highly flattering.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,