Office of the Historian

Mr. Hovey to Mr. Seward

No. 77.]
Legation of the United States, Lima, Peru, June 28, 1867.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit to you the copy and translation of a law, passed by the constituent congress, in relation to the late Grand Marshal Ramon Castilla, who died on the 30th ultimo, while at the head of forces in rebellion against the government.

There is so much childishness or charity in this law that the civilized world cognizant of the fact will read it with wonder and astonishment.

Before the rebel chief is laid in his tomb, congress, many of the members of which would have been sacrificed had he proved successful, hastens to cast its honors upon himself and his family. There is no disemboweling, hurdling, hanging in chains, and corruption of blood in Peru, and the most criminally guilty in this case is speedily clothed with all the honors that his country can bestow. It is not strange that revolution should succeed revolution where traitors are thus rewarded.

There was not even the shadow of a just pretext for this revolution. His compatriots and friends, who, with himself, opposed President Pezet, the treaty with Spain, and the Spanish invasion, were in the ascendant, and held the reins of government. Prado had been his protegé and favorite.

In this condition, with all the unpopular decrees of “dictadura” repealed by congress, the dictatorial powers surrendered to the representatives of the people, moved by personal ambition solely, the “old marshal,” for the third time in his eventful life, heads a rebellion, dies in his saddle, and receives a grand ovation from congress before he is interred.

This is more than Christian charity; it not only forgives the enemy, but honors him in the acme of his crime. Another chapter should be added to the romance of history.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,

ALVIN P. HOVEY.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

[Translation.]

Lima, June 22, 1867.

The constituent congress resolves—

Article 1. That the government give the necessary orders for the funeral ceremonies, in Lima, of Grand Marshal Ramon Castilla.

Art 2. The body of Grand Marshal Ramon Castilla shall be brought to this capital, observing the prescriptions of the law of 23d December, 1846; and shall be deposited in the general cemetery, in a mausoleum of marble, for whose erection the sum of 16,000 soles is appropriated.

Art. 3. The mausoleum will bear the inscription, “Peru to Grand Marshal Castilla.”

Art. 4. A committee composed of seven members of congress will attend the funeral.

Art. 5. The widow of Grand Marshal Castilla shall receive the pension which legally is due to her, as if her husband had died in service.

This is to be communicated to the executive.