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APPENDIX. 
In the early part of 1850, when the New Orleans Company first con- 
templated making the survey of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, applica- 
tion was made to the Mexican Government, through the State Depart- 
ment at Washington, for permission to that effect. This permission was 
granted, and a letter written by Mr. Lacunzu, Mexican Secretary of For- 
eign Affairs, to the Governor of Oaxaca, informing him that Major Bar- 
nard, with sundry engineers, were coming to make the survey of the 
Isthmus for the purpose of opening the inter-oceanic communication, and 
directing the said Governor to give aid and hospitality. A copy of this 
letter was furnished Major Barnard, but was left among his papers either 
in New Orleans or in Mexico. This was a virtual passport to the whole 
Commission, for the express purpose of making a survey. Tn addition, 
each member was furnished with a passport at New Orleans, of which 
the following is a verbatim copy : 
[MEXICAN COAT-OF-ARMS.] 
ML© (Si© m 
VICE-CONSUL DE LA REPUBLICA MEJICANA 
EN NUEVA-ORIiEANS. 
No. 
[seal.] 
Firma del interesado. 
J. J. Williams, 
Principal Assist. Eng. 
Derechos dos pesos. 
libre y seguro pasaporte al Sor. 
J. J. Williams, de la comp a . de reconocimiento 
natural del estado de Massachusetts, ciudadano de 
los Estados Unidos, de edad de treinte uno anos, y 
de profesion Ayudante Engeniero para que pase al 
puerto de Vera Cruz, en el vapor Americano " Ala- 
bama," segun ha solicitado. 
Por tant© ruego a las Autoridades de los paises 
estranjeros por donde transitare, no le pongan im- 
pediment alguno en su viaje, y a las de la Repu- 
blica recomiendo su persona para, que le dispensen la 
proteccion que conceden las leyes. 
Dado en la ciudad de Nueva- Orleans, a diez de 
Diciembre de mil ochocientos cincuenta. 
0. L. Dabelsteen, Via. 
