Allan A Burton to Señor Santiago Perez, February 17, 1866

Mr. Burton to Señor Perez

The undersigned, well knowing the fraternal interest taken by the Colombian government and people in all that pertains to the well-being of their brethren of the north, feels sure that he is the bearer of acceptable tidings in communicating to his excellency the secretary of the interior and foreign relations the accompanying official declaration issued at Washington on the 18th December, 1865, by the Honorable William H. Seward, Secretary of State, to the effect that African slavery remains completely and forever abolished throughout the United States of America.

In this great event, the transcendent magnitude of which is, perhaps, not to be comprehended in all its bearings and results to humanity by the present generation of men, is virtually and practically realized on a gigantic scale the eternal truth proclaimed by the fathers of American independence, “that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;” and its regenerating advent has filled the people of the United States with devout gratitude to the Father of all men, who shapes the destinies of nations, and, in His own good time and way, orders all things aright.

The undersigned joyfully seizes this auspicious occasion to offer to his excellency Señor Secretary Perez renewed assurances of his highest consideration.