William L. Scruggs to the Hon. J. Sanchez, May 31, 1875

Mr. Scruggs to Mr. Sanchez.

The undersigned, minister resident of the United States of America, receives with emotions of profound regret and commiseration the sad intelligence from the district of Cúcuta, confirming the first reports of the frightful disaster resulting from the earthquake of the 18th instant.

In communicating this painful intelligence to his Government, which he shall take the earliest opportunity of doing, as also in giving expression to his sympathies and condolence with the people of Cúcuta and vicenity, and with their relatives and friends throughout the republic, the undersigned becomes the interpreter and exponent of the feelings and sentiments of his countrymen sojourning in Colombia. He begs leave, furthermore, to assure his excellency the Hon. Senor Sanchez, secretary of the interior and foreign relations of the United States of Colombia, that the sad disaster to life and property will be deplored by the people and the Government of the United States no less on account of the potential interest there felt for the people and institutions of Colombia, than in virtue of that common humanity and brotherhood which, on occasions like this, appeals to the generous sympathies of all civilized and Christian peoples.

Improving the present occasion for renewing to the Hon. Senor Sanchez his assurances of high esteem and distinguished consideration, the undersigned has the honor to remain his exeelleney’s very obedient servant,