396 AVES ISLAND. 



just comj)leted, in a few days ; the origin, course, and fortunate develop- 

 ment of which are described in the circular, a copy of which is now 

 inclosed to your honor. His excellency hopes that Hon. Mr. Eames 

 will continue his manifestations of sympathy in favor of the present 

 order of things, and will endeavor that his government shall regard 

 it with the benevolence which it deserves. 



The undersigned renews to the Hon. Mr. Eames the assurances of 

 his distinguished consideration. 



W. UREUTIA. 



Hon . Charles Eames, 



Minister Resident of the United States. 



Mr. Briceno to Mr. Cass. 



[Translation.] 



Legation Extraordinary of the United States^ 



Washington, April 7, 1858. 



Excellent Sir : The government of the United States having ab- 

 ruptly closed the discussion on the Aves Island claim, now maintains 

 that the responsibility of Venezuela in the premises is unquestionable, 

 and that all that remains to be done is to ascertain the merit of the 

 indemnifications demanded. 



Such conclusions being denied by the government of Venezuela, it 

 maintains, on its side, that the discussion of the responsibility is still 

 pending, and that its right of defense, if it is to be real and effective, 

 necessarily presupposes in your excellency's government a moral obli- 

 gation both of listening to those exceptions, which have not yet been 

 alleged, and of setting forth the grounds on which it disregards the 

 reasons adduced in Mr. Gutierrez's note of the 31st of October ultimo. 



By the exhibit of the annexed printed memorandum my government 

 intends to demonstrate in every light, that it is not for the purpose of 

 abusing the sacred and imprescriptible right of defense that Venezuela 

 thus maintains. 



Her government, which thus furnishes a singular proof of rectitude 

 and good faith, hopes that the government of the United States, in 

 that view, far from persisting in its purpose, will thoroughly examine 

 the matter in a manner entirely in unison with the close relations of 

 friendship existing between both countries. 



Meanwhile, I tender to your excellency renewed assurances of my 

 esteem and of my very distinguished consideration. 



M. DE briceno. 



His Excellency General Cass, 



Secretary of State. 



