230 AVES ISLAND. 



state that from tlie best means of information within my reach, I have 

 become convinced that np to the date of my note of 11th instant, the 

 purpose of Venezuela ultimately to refuse all reparation, was but too 

 probable. Some of the expressions in the answer of Mr. Gutierrez, 

 under date of 12th instant, to that note, may perhaps bear a construc- 

 tion somewhat less unfavorable to the claim. This change of tone, 

 in so far as it may exist, I attribute to an apprehension, probably 

 strengthened by my note of the 11th instant, that the government of 

 the United States may now see fit to press the claim in a manner so 

 stringent as to be effectual. 



With the highest respect and consideration, I have the honor to be, 

 your obedient servant. 



CHAELES EAMES. 



Hon. Lewis Cass, 



Secretary of State. 



Kepublic of Venezuela, 



Caracas, Hay 28^ 1857. 

 Eeverting to what he has verbally stated to the minister resident of 

 the United States in various conferences, the undersigned, secretary of 

 foreign relations of Venezuela, now has the honor again to state that 

 the lengthy note of the American legation in reference to the guano of 

 Aves Island, a note extending over thirty-two sheets, which it was 

 necessary to have previously translated, together with a long printed 

 document annexed, setting forth the declaration of N". P. Gibbs, is now 

 under consideration by the government, which has submitted the ques- 

 tion to the deliberations of its council. As it is the desire of the execu- 

 tive power to proceed with accuracy in the matter, and to invest its 

 decisions with the stamp of mature reflection and justice, time for 

 deliberation is necessarily required. And the undersigned again and 

 by its order here declares that the discussion of, the claim did not 

 formally commence before the 20th of December last, when it was first 

 presented to this department in a direct way, and accompanied by 

 vouchers ; whence, therefore, the government resists every charge of 

 dilatoriness which may be attempted to be preferred against it. 



On the other hand, the government has thought proper that its 

 answer should be preceded by certain acts relative to putting in a clear 

 light the imputations of violence and fraud alleged by Mr. Eames in 

 support of his claim ; preliminary proceedings which have been delayed 

 by various circumstances, among which is the absence from this place 

 of those whose declarations are to be taken in the premises. To-morrow, 

 at twelve o'clock, the interrogatory of Lieutenant Colonel Domingo 

 Dias and Lieutenant Nicolas Pereiro will be proceeded with before the 

 commandant-at-arms of this province, notice of which is hereby trans- 

 mitted to you, in the event that you may wish to be present at it in 

 person or by representative. The executive power has endeavored to 

 expedite this matter in view of the information communicated by Mr. 

 Eames that, in consequence of the permission obtained from his gov- 



