Santiago Perez to Allan A. Burton, September 19, 1865

Mr. Perez to Mr. Burton,

UNITED STATES OF COLOMBIA—DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND FOREIGN RELATIONS.

Bogota, September 19, 1865.

The undersigned, secretary of the interior and foreign relations of the United States of Colombia, received the communication which the Hon. Mr. Allan A. Burton did him the honor to address him on the J lib instant, with the object of putting within the knowledge of the Colombian government that Señor Julian J. Berrios, commander of the troops which attacked the steamer Antioquia on the 9th of March, 1864, at Magangue, was, after that event, a public officer in the State of Bolivar, and in which his honor expresses, at the same time? the confidence he entertains that said señor will be duly punished.

In answer, the undersigned informs the honorable Mr. Burton that, notwithstanding, there has been received at this department the report, a copy of which accompanies this note, and in which his honor will see an explanation of the case which led to the cause of the attack, the executive power, who has a strong desire that the violators of the national laws shall not escape with impunity, not deeming the explanation sufficient, has renewed the demand on the government of Bolivar for the punishment of those guilty of that act, and asking for the steps that may have been taken to that end; and, likewise, explanations have been demanded as to Señor Berrios having been continued in the exercise of public office in that State, and why he is now found at liberty.

The undersigned will communicate to the Hon. Mr. Burton in due time the result of these steps, and improves the occasion to renew the assurances of his distinguished consideration.