Doc. No. 75. 131 



^ifacttire and produce. At this time, when British influence is endeavor- 

 ing to extend itself in Central Americaj holding already virtual possession 

 of San Juan de Nicaragua, although nominally it is in Mosquito jurisdic- 

 tion, it may not be impolitic to secure the United States such commercial 

 advantages as are compatible with justice. Prom my personal acquaint- 

 ance with the governments and people of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, I 

 know they sympathize much more with our own institutions and citizens 

 than with those of Great Britain; and that, could they be recognised 

 formally by the United Stales government as independent sovereignties, 

 it would do much towards opening a new channel for American enterprise. 

 Mr. Hise, United States charge to Guatemala, is probably in possession 

 of all information relative to Costa Rica, and could inform you more 

 worthily than myself. 



Should you be pleased to make any reply to the government of Costa 

 ilica, or desire any detailed memoranda that I may possess relative to its 

 tjommerce, products, <fcc., you can direct through me (box 2569, post 

 office, New York,) or any communication sent to our post office agent 

 at Chagres cjuld be forwarded by English steamer thence to San Juan 

 de Nicaragua, and thus to the interior. 



With much respect, I am, sir, in great haste, vour obedient servant, 



D. T. BROWN. 



Hon. James Buchanan, 



Secretary of State ^ Washington. 



Frmn Mr. Calm to the Secretary o/* State, 



[Trai9s!ation.| 



Central America, Department op Relations 



of the Republic of Costa Rica, Government House y 



San Jose, September 5, 1848. 



StR: Costa Rica, which had united with the other States of Centra^ 

 America in forming the compact of 1824, and in establishing a general 

 government as therein provided, assumed its entire sovereignty and inde- 

 pendence upon the dissolution of that compact, and has since remained 

 under the governraent most suitable to itself, while awaiting the concur- 

 rence of the other States for a general organization. No result has, how- 

 ever, been obtained; and the equivocal position in which she now stands 

 being injurious to her interests, she desires to fix her destinies: she has 

 'examined her demerits, and has assumed a new existence, erecting 

 herself into a republic by a decree of the 30tli of August last. This 

 decree was issued by the Congress of Representatives, on the petition 

 and with the recognition of the people, and was received with the utmost 

 satisfaction by the eminent patriots, and with applause by the foreigners, 

 then in the country. 



This happy event, which has raised Costa Rica to the character of a 

 laation, is now communicated to his Excellency the well-deserving Gen- 

 eral President of the republic; and such is the object of the present lines 

 which the undersigned has the honor to address to the honorable Secre- 

 tary for Foreign Affairs, to whom he offers the assurances of his most 

 distinguished consideration and esteem. 



J. BERNARDO CALVO. 

 Hon, Secretary op State of the United States, 



