João de Andrade Corvo to Benjamin Moran, January 1, 1876

Mr. Corvo to Mr. Moran.

The message of the President of the United States of America, recently addressed to Congress, where it speaks of foreign affairs, makes reference in such a very honorable manner to Portugal, to the promulgation of the law of April 29, 1875, by which speedy emancipation is given to the slaves in all the colonies of the Portuguese monarchy, and by which the state of slavery there has been abolished in perpetuity, that I cannot resist asking your excellency kindly to express to your Government the deep sense of admiration of His Majesty’s government for such a sentiment.

This government, esteeming very highly the words of President Grant and his high, testimony to the approval deserved by its constant efforts to perfect this humane intention, offers most earnest prayers, in union with those of the high Magistrate who presides over the destinies of the great American nation, that the time may be near when the notion may be wholly repudiated that man can subject his fellow-man to bondage.

Renewing the assurance of my highest consideration, &c.