Jacob R Shipherd to Hugh J. Kilpatrick, October 19, 1881

Mr. Shipherd to Mr. Kilpatrick.

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith official printed copies of communications on behalf of this company to the minister of Peru and Chili at Washington.

Duplicates of these inclosures were filed in the Department of State on the 11th instant, and the originals were personally delivered by * * * our counsel at Washington, on the 13th.

I place these copies in your hands, of course, without comment, and only for your early information. I have reason to suppose that you will receive instructions concerning the interests involved at an early day.

It may be proper to add that this company is now fully organized, with a capital of $250,000,000; that it includes the best legal, diplomatic, and money resources of the United States; that the title upon which it relies is approved unanimously by a large staff of eminent counsel, and that it has unqualified assurance of ample governmental backing. It has called for the property, and you may safely rely that it has at command every means of enforcing that call. I send you a recent copy of the Times, which does but reflect the average public sentiment here. All the papers (preliminary) in the case I sent to your address in this city before you sailed.

We are prepared to treat Chili fairly, even liberally, but only on condition that she recognizes our superior rights. If she raises an issue she will simply get nothing. Right must rule.

Your obedient servant,