13t5 



Doc. No. 75. 



Nicaragua tariff as soon as one can be obtained, I shall not attempt to 

 enumerate these exceptions here. 



It will be seen, from what has been said above, that the present un- 

 settled relations between Great Britain and Nicaragua cannot long exist 

 without leading to another hostile collision, in which it is easy to foresee 

 that the former Power will not fail to discover pretex;ts for the seizure of 

 the entire country. 



The recognition of Nicaragua's independence by the United States, 

 and the establishment of treaty relations with her, may tend to avert this 

 catastrophe. 



I may mention that it is currently reported here that Mr. Castellon. the 

 Nicaraguan envoy to England, concluded a contract with an English com- 

 pany (headed by Mr. Wheelwright) for the right of way for a canal, &c., 

 across the continent, through the Nicaraguan territories; which, upon 

 being presented to the Nicaraguan government for ratification^ was unani- 

 mously rejected; and Mr. Castellon recalled. 



English Designs. 



An English vessel of war is expected at Bluefields and this port, within 

 the next month, ost€7isibhf to take the consul general to Jamaica. It 

 will bring the Mosquito King." I am informed, upon authority which 

 is certainly entitled to respect, that it is designed to proceed with the two 

 dignitaries above mentioned to Salt creek, fifty miles below this port, and 

 now in the occupation of Costa Rica, and thence to Boca del Toro, in 

 the province of Veragua, New Grenada, of both of which places ^^his 

 Mosquito Majesty" will formally take possession, in conformity with the 

 pretensions which the English government have set up for him. I have 

 every reason to believe that this course has been determined on. It will 

 be entirely in keeping with the policy which England has pursued upon 

 this coast, and which will be continued so long as it can be done with 

 impunity. The greatest alarm prevails among the population on the 

 coast; and such is the fear which is entertained of English power, that no 

 resistance will probably be offered to any act of aggression, however fla- 

 grant, which the British government may decide upon. 



The early visit of an American armed vessel at this port, and afterwards 

 at Boca del Toro, (a most important harbor,) would have a good effect, 

 both in checking the contemplated aggression, and securing a favorable 

 termination to our negotiations in the interior. England has always 

 made a judicious display of her power in quarters where it was likely to 

 promote her interests, and augment the local importance of her citizens. 

 I make this suggestion with the greatest deference, but with the earnest 

 hope that it may meet with a favorable consideration by the department. 



Boundary of Costa Rica. 



Costa Rica, I have ascertained, claims that her territory extends from 

 the lake of Nicaragua, along the southern shore of the San Juan, to the 

 sea. 1 shall endeavor to secure her assent to any contract which may be 

 made with Nicaragua, by our American company, for a canal across the 

 continent by this route. This will prevent any obstruction of the work 

 By disputes between the States concerning their boundaries. 



