440 AVES ISLAND. 



Legation of the United States, 



Caraccas, July 3, 1858. 



Sir: The undersigned, minister resident of the United States, has 

 had the honor to receive the note, under date of 1st instant, of the 

 honorable minister of foreign relations of Venezuela, making known 

 the purpose of the Venezuelan government to terminate, by an equit- 

 able adjustment, the Aves Island reclamation, which has been so long 

 pending between the two governments, and announcing that his excel- 

 lency the chief of the republic, in view of his strong desire to main- 

 tain the most friendly relations with the United States, is prepared to 

 carry into effect the settlement of that claim as soon as the urgent and 

 indispensable occupations of present moment can permit. 



This determination in relation to the Aves case will be immediately 

 communicated to the government of the United States, by which the 

 undersigned does not doubt it will be duly appreciated, not only as a 

 proof of friendly dispositions, but also as offering, in the promptness 

 with which it has been reached and manifested by the existing govern- 

 ment of Venezuela an indication of a wise and ; just public policy, 

 which is in highly satisfactory contrast with the difficulty and delay 

 so unfortunately encountered under other circumstances in the adjust- 

 ment of this claim. 



As in the concurring judgment of the two governments, nothing 

 now remains to be done in this case but to examine and regulate the 

 details of a fair and equitable indemnification to the claimants, and as 

 this legation is now prepared to proceed with that business, it is hoped 

 and expected that the reclamation may very soon be definitively ad- 

 justed in a satisfactory manner. 



The undersigned renews to Hon. Mr. Flerrera the assurance of his 

 distinguished consideration. 



CHAKLES EAMES. 



Hon. Miguel Flerrera, 



Minister of Foreign Relations. 



3Ir. Cass to Mr. Sanford. 



Department of State, 

 Washington, July 31, 1858. 



Sir: The department received yesterday dispatches from Mr. Eames, 

 one of which relates to the probable adjustment of the Aves Island 

 claim at an early day. 



An extract from one of these, (7th instant,) and a translation of a 

 note to which it refers, are herewith inclosed to you, as the representa- 

 tive of the principal claimants, in order that you may be apprised of 

 the favorable disposition of the government of Venezuela, and adopt 

 such measures as the interests of your principals may seem to require. 



