AVES ISLAND. 91 



being interested in feeling, if not otherwise, witli the Philadelphia 

 Guano Company, and the conviction that Mr. Shelton's rights and in- 

 terests had been sacrificed to promote the interests of volunteer specu- 

 lators, confirmed by the corroborating proof of this "notice," likewise 

 caused surprise. I trust you will with this explanation see that I had 

 grounds for that expression. 



Your verbal direction to me when at Washington, a few days since^ 

 that if I had anything to say or any propositions to make respecting 

 the case of Mr. Shelton to put it in writings I presumed would be a suffi- 

 cient warrant for my addressing you., if I had not had a direct interest 

 in the issue of his claim. Indeed, under such direction, I esteemed it 

 to be an imperative duty on my part to write to you, 



I have sent a copy of this to the President in explanation of my 

 former letters to him. I expect, of course, copies of my letters are 

 forwarded to Mr. Eames. Of course Mr. Shelton and myself each 

 have cognizance of our correspondence. You will have received a 

 reply from him to your circular of the 4th, ere the receipt of this, I 

 expect him here to-morrow or next day, when I will again write you. 



I am, with great respect, very truly, your obedient servant, 



H. S. SANFOED. 



Hon. W. L. Marcy, 



Secretary of State, (kc. 



Mr. Sanford to the President. 



38 Clinton Place, New York, 



January 13, 1856. 



Sir: To prevent further misunderstanding respecting Mr. Shelton's 

 application for the interposition of his government in relation ta 

 Shelton's Isle, and for indemnity, and in connection with my former 

 letters to you, I have the honor to inclose you — 



1st. A copy of a letter addressed by me to Mr. Marcy in reply to one 

 from him expressing the opinion that he did not see how the notice of 

 the Yenezuelan consul could relate to Shelton's Isle. 



2d. A copy of a letter from Moses Taylor, Esq., of this city, to the 

 Venezuelan consul at Philadelphia, and the original reply of that 

 functionary under his official seal, (see envelope,) expressly stating 

 that the notice does apply to the island. 



Comments upon this manifesto of the Yenezuelan government, 

 warning the United States and its citizens in the mode and manner 

 adopted, I am certain, are unnecessary to be made to you. 



I expressed my surprise to the Secretary of State at the appearance 

 of this notice in a letter a copy of which I inclosed to you. I am con- 

 fident you will be satisfied that the expression was not uncalled for, 



I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your obedient ser- 

 vant, 



H. S. SANFOPD. 



The President. 



P. S. — It is wished that the original of the Yenezuelan consul' s 

 letter to Mr. Taylor be placed on file at the State Department. 



H. S. S. 



