Rafael Seijas to E. D. Culver, November 25, 1865

Mr. Seijas to Mr. Culver

Year second of the law and seven of federation.

The undersigned, minister of foreign affairs of the United States of Venezuela, had the honor to receive the note in which the minister resident of the United States of America communicates the intelligence which had been received from Ciudad Bolivar, concerning the assassination of the officers who manned the American steamer Apure.

The citizen first vice-president charged with the duties of the presidency of the republic has learned with profound regret of that crime, which has been undertaken against life, property, security, and the other interests which the association had confided to its agents.

The government is in possession of no reliable data concerning the affair, of which different relations are given, but which nevertheless represent it as having occurred in a fight between the forces commanded by the president of the State of Apure, and others, who had arrayed themselves against its authority.

In order to arrive at the truth about the affair, and to adopt the requisite measures, the -national executive on receiving Mr. Culver’s note gave orders that every possible means be taken to investigate the causes of those deaths, together with the attending circumstances; the results of all which shall be opportunely communicated to the legation.

The undersigned renews to Mr. Culver the assurance of his distinguished consideration.