EXTEACTS FEOM THE CORRESPONDENCE. 257 



Don Antonio Jose do Irissarri, envoi/ extraordinary and minister plenipoten- 

 tiary of the republic of Guatemala for the United States of America, to the 

 authorities of the departments of Yzabal, Vera Paz, and Peten. 



Inasmuch as Dr. II. Berendt is about to undertake a scientific exploration in 

 those countries under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution, the advan- 

 tages resulting from which will inure as well to Central America as the rest of 

 the world, in the advancement of historical and geographical knowledge, and 

 inasmuch as such enterprises ought to be promoted by the authorities of the 

 countries in which they are undertaken, I would hope that this may serve as a 

 general recommendation for Dr. Berendt, to the effect that he may be received 

 in all places in a manner suitable to the meritorious objects of his expedition. 



Given at Brooklyn the second of November, 1865. 



A. J. DE IRISSARRI. 



From Scnor Luis Molina, minister from Costa E-ica, Sfc. 



Legation of Honduras, 



Washington, November 8, 1865. 



Dear Sir : In answer to your favor of 31st of October, ultimo, which only 

 came to my hands three days ago, I have the pleasure to send you, as requested, 

 two letters, enclosed herewith, for the collectors of Omoa and Trujillo, re- 

 spectively ; and, besides, another to the minister for foreign relations, because 

 there is plenty of time before Dr. Berendt may go to Honduras, and I think the 

 best plan is to get the necessary orders from the government at Comayagua to 

 speed his good work. 



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



Washington, November 8, 1865. 



At the instance of the worthy secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, estab- 

 lished in this capital, in conformity with the will of its founder, for the promotion 

 of human knowledge, I have the honor to recommend to you Dr. II. Berendt, a 

 naturalized citizen of the United States, an accomplished gentleman and man 

 of science of great merit, who, under the auspices of the Institution and as its 

 agent, purposes a visit to Central America with a view to exploring the less 

 known portions of Guatemala and the coasts of that republic, in order to aug- 

 ment the knowledge which we at present possess of their geography and natural 

 history. 



The enterprise is purely scientific, interesting to the learned world, and cannot 

 fail especially to redound to the advantage of the people and government of 

 Honduras as far as concerned in its execution; under which impression I can 

 entertain no doubt that you will extend to Dr. Berendt and his assistants the 

 protection, aid, and facilities which may be in your power towards the further- 

 ance of their objects, agreeably to the request of the representative of the re- 

 public in the United States. 



Be pleased to accept the assurance of the distinguished consideration of your 

 obedient servant, 



LUIS MOLINA. 



The Administrator 



of the Puerto de Omoa, Honduras. 

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