274 
APPENDIX. 
Decree ordering 300 Convicts to be placed under the direction of Don Jose 
de Garay, to work in the projected Canal. 
Office of Foreign Affairs. 
His Excellency the President has been pleased to issue the following- 
decree : 
" Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, General of Division, Benemeritus of 
the Country, and Provisional President of the Republic of Mexico, to all 
the inhabitants be it known : That whereas the survey of the Isthmus of 
Tehuantepec has been concluded, and the works to open a communica- 
tion between the two oceans about to be begun, and it being my wish to 
assist the director by every means in the power of the Supreme Gov- 
ernment, I, by virtue of the prerogatives allowed me by the nation, de- 
cree as follows : 
" Art. 1. — A convict station shall be established with 300 convicts, to 
be employed in the works of the canal. 
" Art. 2. — The judicial authorities of Vera Cruz and Oaxaca shall send 
to the said station all criminals sentenced to public works, until the num- 
ber be completed. 
"Art. 3. — The director of the undertaking will clothe and victual 
those 300 convicts, and provide them with tools on his own account. 
" Art. 4. — The troops necessary to guard the station shall be pro- 
vided by the military force of the Department where the said station may 
be established, and paid by the director of the undertaking." 
And that this decree may be known, circulated, and fulfilled, I hereby 
order it to be printed. 
National Palace of Tacubaya, October 4, 1843. 
Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. 
J. M. de Bocanegra, Minister for Foreign Affairs. 
I have the honor to communicate this decree to you for your informa- 
tion and guidance. 
God and Liberty, Mexico, October 6, 1843. 
Bocanegra. 
Senor Don Jose de Garay. 
Decree granting to Don Josi de Garay the term of a year, according to 
his request, for the commencement of the Works. \ 
(stamp.) 
J ? the citizen Francisco de Madariaga, Public Notary of this Capitol » 
