Daniel E. Sickles to Hamilton Fish, June 12, 1873

No. 409. General Sickles to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I have the honor to forward herewith the translation of a decree, dated June 2, 1873, abolishing the hereditary office of grand chancellor of the Indies. This office, created July 27, 1623, by Philip IV, and conferred upon the Count-Duke of Olivares and his successors forever, has been enjoyed with brief interruptions in the same family for two centuries and a half. The last incumbent, the Duke of Alba, brother of the Empress Eugénie, discharged the duties of the place by a delegate named by himself. It is perhaps a misnomer to characterize as “duties” the functions of a sinecure which consisted in levying a charge for authenticating with the seal of the grand chancellor every document, commission, order, or decree of the government having relation to the Spanish possessions in America. Hitherto all attempts to abolish the office, although supported by the recommendation of the council of state, itself a bulwark of tradition, have failed. It is one of the forms for which it was necessary to await the advent of the republic.

I am, &c.,