Jacob B. Blair to Señor Esquivel, November 4, 1868

Mr. Blair to Señor Esquivel.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of yesterday, by which I am informed that Señor Dr. Don José Maria Castro was divested of the office of President of the republic of Costa Rica, and that Señor. Licenciate Don Jesus Jimenez has been called to that high position; and, further, that you have been instructed by the President to assure me that the events that have taken place do not alter in any way the friendly relation that exists between Costa Rica and the United States. I hope I shall be pardoned for expressing my deep regret that, in the judgment of those you have named, it became necessary to remove the late President from office in the manner detailed in your note. I am, however, happy to learn from you that the action taken at the capital has been fully approved by all the provinces of the republic. I shall lay before my government, at the earliest possible period, the contents of your note, and, unless I shall receive instructions to the contrary, will regard my relations to the government of Costa Rica as heretofore.

I beg you to assure his excellency the President that the government of the United States earnestly and sincerely desires that the most friendly relations shall exist between the two governments, and, as in the past, so in the future, it will strive, by all means consistent with the national honor, to preserve that feeling of amity and good will which has heretofore existed between the two countries.

I cannot close this note, Mr. Secretary, without expressing to you the great gratification I feel on being informed that, notwithstanding the events which have taken place, you will still retain the office of secretary of state in the department of foreign relations, which you have heretofore filled with so much honor to yourself and benefit to your government.

Be pleased to accept, Mr. Secretary, the assurance of my most distinguished consideration.

Your obedient servant,