Newton Pettis to Evarts, September 15, 1879

No. 62. Mr. Pettis to Mr. Evarts.

Sir: It becomes my painful duty to communicate to you the death of his Excellency Pedro J. de Guerra, minister of foreign relations, president of the executive council of the government, and Acting President of the Republic of Bolivia, which took place upon the night of the 11th instant in this city, as will be seen from an official note received by me upon the following morning, a copy of which in translation I inclose and mark Inclosure 1, as well as a copy of my answer thereto, marked Inclosure 2.

I also inclose a copy of a note received from the same source, upon the 13th inst., marked Inclosure 3, requesting my presence at the official attendance and ceremony of the removal of his mortal remains, which, of course, I complied with.

The funeral took place yesterday, with imposing ceremonies, the diplomatic corps forming a part of the funeral cortege, and the occasion was truly a very imposing one.

I have not as yet been advised who will succeed Dr. Guerra in the administration of the affairs of the government. He was seventy years of age, and largely enjoyed the confidence of the people of the republic, and it is difficult to predict the effect his death may have upon the fortunes of the country. He died of pneumonia.

I have, &c.,