Thomas Biddle to Hamilton Fish, December 12, 1872

No. 342. Mr. Biddle to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit to yon herewith a copy and translation of a communication, dated the 11th instant, addressed to me by the acting minister of foreign relations, Don Manuel Gaceres, giving official information of the death on the 10th instant of Señor Doctor Don Gregorio Arbizu, the minister of foreign relations of Salvador.

Señor Arbizu died of pulmonary consumption after a protracted illness. He was a man of great ability, and, while in health, skillfully conducted his important ministry for a long period under successive governments.

The loss of two such prominent statesmen as Señors Mendez and Arbizu, within a few months of each other, and at critical periods, is severely felt, although for many months the condition of the latter was apparent.

I inclose a copy of my answer to Señor Caceres, dated the 12th instant.

I have, &c.,