William H. Seward to Junson Kilpatrick, November 1, 1867

Mr. Seward to Mr. Kilpatrick

Sir: Your despatch of the 1st of October, No. 79, has been received. It announces the resignation by Mr. Covarrubias of the ministry for foreign affairs, and the appointment of Mr. Fontecilla to that important place. You inform me that this change is regarded by many intelligent persons in Santiago as indicating the probable adoption of a more enlightened and liberal policy in that country with reference to the chronic controversy between the Spanish American republics and Spain. We shall await the development of that subject with much interest.

The prudent course of proceeding which you propose to adopt in the event of such a change of policy, will fall entirely within the scope of my previous instructions, and accord with the present views of the President of the United States.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,