Henry Trescot to Señor Balmaceda, January 30, 1882

Mr. Trescot to Señor Balmaceda.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 27th instant, marked “confidential.”

I found in it a fuller and more precise statement of the general remarks which you made at the conference between us when the dispatches of General Kilpatrick were communicated to you.

When I called your attention to these dispatches I of course recognized your right to correct any misconception of the purpose or language of the government into which General Kilpatrick may have fallen, and I have now to express my satisfaction at the courteous manner in which you have pointed out what you consider to be such misconception.

Your frank recognition at the conference that the action of the United States Government was properly based upon the confidence which it naturally reposed in its diplomatic representative in Chili, and, resting upon this information, was guided by due consideration of the rights, interests, and supposed wishes of Chili, relieved this incident of any unpleasant influence upon our discussions, and will, I hope, render any further reference to it unnecessary.

But you will readily understand that in receiving and transmitting to my government this communication, it is my duty to guard against any admission that General Kilpatrick was alone or altogether in error.

After many years of varied, brilliant, and honorable service he died in the discharge of his duty. How far the long and severe illness, to which you refer with such kindly and honorable sympathy, incapacitated him for the grave responsibility with which he was charged, I am unable to judge, especially when you call to my attention that between the dates of the dispatches of August 17 and December 2 there passed between you and himself the communications of October 8, in which were manifested the most cordial and complete understanding between you.

That there has been a very serious misunderstanding upon a very important subject between gentlemen alike honorable and responsible, there can be no doubt.

But owing to the death of General Kilpatrick it only remains for me to accept with entire good faith the statements you have made, and to express the conviction that if General Kilpatrick were alive to compare his recollections with yourself, and the distinguished gentlemen whom you represent, the apparent misunderstanding would be explained to the satisfaction of all the parties concerned.

With sentiments of the highest consideration, &c.,