ELISCO PAYAN, Secretary of War and the Navy of the United States of Colombia to Ernest Dichman, July 14, 1881

Mr. Payan to Mr. Dichman.

Most Excellent Sir: I have the honor to inform your excellency that the executive power of the Union has been pleased to appoint Mr. H. R. Lemly, a citizen of the United States of America, director, chief of studies of the School of Civil and Military Engineering of the Republic, and likewise that the Government of Colombia will direct the issue to the said Mr. Lemly of the commission of colonel in the Colombian army.

The executive power has desired to manifest in this manner its gratitude to Mr. Lemly for his especial devotion to duty, and for the zeal and interest in favor of this country that he has shown in the discharge of the duties of the professorship in the School of Engineering, to which he was called by virtue of a contract.

The ability of Mr. Lemly and the elevation of his character have merited the especial consideration of the Government of Colombia, which believes it a duty to inform your excellency of the above, as the representative here of the government and people of the great republic.

I have, &c.,