Cushing to Antonio Cánovas del Castillo, March 6, 1877

Mr. Cushing to Mr. Cánovas del Castillo.

His Excellency the President of the Council of Ministers:

Dear Sir and of my entire consideration: I have just received with pleasure your note dated yesterday. The proposition of payment—one-half at once and the other half in six months—comes within the conditions fixed in the last telegrams from my government. I therefore have authority to accept it, and I do so, in the name of the United States, as final settlement of the pending question.

Permit me to add, for my part, that nothing could occur which would so serve to elevate the prestige of Spain and of the government of His Majesty in the United States and throughout America as this incident does. It is of more value than a battle in the field, inasmuch as it is the evident and incontestable proof that, in the midst of many difficulties, Spain resolutely desires and well knows how to guard intact hen traditional good faith, and to fulfill, without hesitating, her obligations toward other i governments.

I remain your obedient, faithful servant, and sincere friend,