Doc. No. T5. 



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preme powers of this State, introducing unusual forms, and offending 

 against maxims generally admitted by all civilized people. It is also 

 remarkable that the enlightened cabinet of St. James, under the title of 

 Protector of the Chief of the uncivilized Mosquitos, and which alone, of 

 all the governments of the earth, recognises them, should arrogate the 

 right of making claims and intimations which exclusively belong to him 

 who, it is to be supposed, would be benefited by promoting them, and re- 

 specting which the least step has not been taken. It is equally worthy 

 of notice that, without attending to any of the means prescribed by the 

 law of nations for appropriating a territory at most disputable, force should 

 be resorted to, as if there were no reasons to be heard, rights to be exam- 

 ined, forms to be observed, and jealousies to be awakened. 



The nations of Europe and America, sir, will not see with mournful 

 apathy and indifference this new system of acquiring territories, un- 

 known and contrary to the principles observed by general usage between 

 governments. The government of Honduras is weak, and that of Great 

 Britain powerful; nevertheless, it will make its rights known. They will 

 have the same importance as if they were balanced between nations of 

 equal preponderance and resources. Therefore, my government solemnly 

 protests that it will use the m.eans which all the world employs to guar- 

 anty its territory, and to repel any aggression; and you or the British 

 government will answer before Heaven and earth for the ills which the 

 contest may produce, which is provoked on the pretext of defending the 

 rights of its protege, the chief of Mosquito barbarians. 



Thus, sir, by supreme order, I have the honor to reply to your esteemed 

 note above referred tO; assuring you^ (fec._, 



SANTOS GUARDIOLA. 



Irom the President of Nicaragua to the President of the United States. 



[Translation.] 



Leon, December 15, 1847. 



Dear and Good Friend: I have for some time desired tn establish 

 relations of amity and commerce with the republic which you have so 

 worthily governed since your induction into the supreme power, because 

 I am persuaded that an intimate union between the two governments may 

 assure to both countries a happy and brilliant future. My desire, however, 

 was carried to the utmost on seeing in your message at the opening of the 

 29th Congress of your republic a sincere profession of political faith in 

 all respects conformable with the principles professed by these States, 

 determined as they are to sustain with firmness the continental cause, 

 the rights of America in general, and the non-interference of European 

 powers in their concerns. Now that events of serious import between us 

 and British officers render the establishment of these advantageous rela- 

 tions absolutely necessary, I feel the greatest pleasure in addressing to 

 you the present note, the sole object of which is to testify to you the sen- 

 timents of sympathy and confidence by which I am animated towards 

 you, sir, and your government, as well as my sincere resolution to form 

 the most strict relations of amity and alliance with your republic. 



