Thomas H. Nelson to To Mes, December 16, 1865

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Gentlemen: In the month of Hay last I had the honor to transmit to my government the eloquent and patriotic letter addressed by you, in the name of the people of Copiapo, to the President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.

It was the will of God that that great and good ruler should be suddenly removed, and your earnest congratulations found the people and government of the United States mourning over his recent death. This and subsequent events have postponed until the present time the acknowledgment of your communication. It has, however, been recently referred by the President to the Department of State, which has instructed me to convey the high sense of appreciation entertained by the people and government of the United States toward the people of Copiapo, for the kind and generous sentiments expressed in that letter.

I cannot perform this grateful duty more acceptably than by transmitting to you the despatch from the State Department, which I have this day received, and a copy of which I have the honor to enclose herein.

Be pleased to communicate this to the citizens of Copiapo, and accept for yourselves the assurances of high esteem and consideration with which I have the honor to remain,

Your obedient servant,