sentences:  Upon arriving to begin his duties, Culver unwittingly caused a diplomatic faux pas by presenting his credentials to José Antonio Páez, whose government was not recognized by the United States.Culver's instructions had not been clear, and after he provided "de facto" recognition of the Páez government by this action, Secretary of State Seward wrote to him with instructions to formally withdraw it.Official diplomatic relations were broken off, but Culver had become friendly with Páez, who allowed him to remain.