Letter to President Buenaventura Baez of the Dominican Republic

To Buenaventura Baez

Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States of America, to his excellency Buenaventura Baez, President of the Dominican Republic:

GREAT AND GOOD FRIEND: Deeming it desirable to satisfy my curiosity in respect to your interesting country by obtaining in-formation through a source upon which I rely, I have for this purpose appointed Brevet Brigadier General Orville E. Babcock, of the army of the United States, to proceed to the Dominican Republic in the character of a special agent. Having been one of my aides-de-camp while I commanded the armies of the United States, and having since been intrusted by me with confidential business of importance, I have entire confidence in his integrity and intelligence, and I commend him to your excellency accordingly.

Written at Washington, the 13th day of July, A.D. 1869.

Your good friend, U.S. GRANT.