W. T. Coggeshall to William H. Seward, February 2, 1867

Mr. Coggeshall to Mr. Seward

Sir: I take much pleasure in forwarding to the Department of State the enclosed correspondence, marked A and B, which declares that arrangements have been perfected for the payment, at maturity, of the second instalment of the debt due the United States.

I have several times sought interviews with influential members of the government for the purpose of representing the propriety and advantage of avoiding the embarrassments which were connected with this question last year, and was gratified to find, in the course of a conversation with the minister of foreign affairs on Monday last, that these efforts have not been without good effect. I assured the minister that the promptness of this government would be acknowledged with marked courtesy, and would enhance the respect and regard of the government and people of the United States for Ecuador.

I also told him I did not doubt that you would authorize the publication of the fact of payment in a manner which would contribute to the good credit of this republic.

I have sent a copy of the order for payment to the United States consul at Guayaquil, and have instructed him to collect the sum due, and transmit it, in exchange upon London, to the State Department. A copy of my letter to the consul, marked C, is herewith enclosed.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,