Scruggs to Hamilton Fish, June 17, 1874
No. 183. Mr. Scruggs to Mr. Fish.
No. 40.]
Sir: The Hon. Felipe Zapata, minister for foreign affairs of Colombia in 1871 and 1872, more recently a member of the Colombian congress, has been nominated and confirmed envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary from this country to the United States, France, and England. I inclose herewith a translation of the note of the acting secretary of foreign affairs, advising me of this designation.
Notwithstanding the terms of the secretary’s note, it is understood here that Mr. Zapata is commissioned to England especially, and that his residence will be in London. He, however, visits the United States on his way, and will, as he informs me, spend some weeks in Washington. Of the nature of his visit or the precise character of his commission thither, I know nothing definitely.
Although it is alleged here that, for economical reasons, the three missions to England, France, and the United States have been thus united by the executive, and that no minister will be appointed specially to Washington, it is understood in official circles here that an appointment of a, minister to the United States will be made some time after the adjournment of the present congress. The reasons for deferring the appointment appear to be of a local partisan nature.
I have, &c.,