Lorenzo Montufar to Jacob B. Blair, June 20, 1871

[Translation.]

Sir: In reply to your highness’s esteemed note of this day’s date, I have the pleasure of transcribing a note addressed, under date of 25th May last, to our consul general at New York, and Philadelphia, as follows:

“I have learnt, with concern, that delay is attributed to this republic in the payment of the American debt. This debt has gone on being religiously paid.” “On 10th October, four hundred pounds were sent to Mr. G. Theisen.” “Little was then wanting to the total payment, and in a conference which I had in this bureau with the Hon. Mr. Blair, minister resident of the United States, in Costa Rica, I represented that it would be convenient to pay the whole sum at once, the corresponding discount on prepayment being allowed.”

“No result whatever followed in consequence of this point in that conference.”

“The treasury of Costa Rica has always a cash surplus, and there is no creditor, who, on presenting his document, is not paid immediately.”

“If you are pleased to make with the creditors referred to, the arrangement which I proposed to Mr. Blair, and to pay them off under corresponding discount, such operation will be very satisfactory to the government, and you will be reimbursed on your draft at sight.”

This opportunity affords me the honor, &c.,