Cushing to Señor Don Alejandro Castro, January 11, 1875

Mr. Cushing to Mr. Castro.

Sir: I had the honor, on the 5th instant, to receive from his excellency the Marques de Molins, as minister of state ad Interim, a communication under date of the 3d, in which he informed me of the acclamation of Don Alfonso de Borbon y Borbon to the throne of Spain—of the antecedents and inducements of that event—and of the consequent organization of a regency ministry in the absence of Don Alfonso; with expressions of desire for the continuance of the good international relations heretofore existing between foreign governments and that of Spain.

Reciprocating earnestly this desire, in so far as regards the United States of America, I hastened to transmit the note of his excellency to my Government.

I had the honor, further, on the 7th instant, to receive the note of your excellency under date of the 5th, apprising me of your having taken charge of the ministry of state, in pursuance of appointment, which I have also transmitted to my Government.

I have authority to remain at my post discharging my present functions as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States in Spain.

I assume, however, that in accordance with the general diplomatic usage of Europe, new letters of credence will be requisite for my formal presentation to His Majesty the King.

Meanwhile, I assume also, that in like accordance with diplomatic usage, officious intercourse between this legation and the ministry may still be maintained, with advantage to both countries, for the transaction of ordinary business, in the manner heretofore practiced in similar circumstances on the occasion of material changes of government. In this conception, and if your excellency entertains similar views on the subject, it will gratify me to be able at an early day to pay my respects in person at the ministry of state.

I avail myself of this opportunity to tender to your excellency the assurance of my most distinguished consideration.