Doc. No. 75. 157 



gna. In the Observations upon the Nicaragua ship-cannl route ^^"^ which 

 I forward with this despatch, I have explained the position, extent, &c., 

 of this magnificent bay; and to this I beg to call the special attention 

 of the department. Second only to San Francisco in natural advantages, 

 it must be, if a canal is opened across the continent, vastly more important 

 in a commercial point of view. Here all the fleets of the world may 

 anchor in security, and have at hand all the means of refitting and 

 victualling, besides being in an advantageous position in respect to all the 

 great centres of trade of the western hemisphere. This grand bay is 

 commanded by an island, of large extent and great beauty, called the 

 Tigre, belonging to Honduras, upon which is situated the free port of 

 Amapala, which is every day increasing in importance. This island is, 

 then, as may be supposed, an object of much interest to Great Britain, 

 and she has determined to possess herself of it. For this purpose the 

 naval force to which I have elsewhere alluded, and which is daily 

 expected here, has been sent; and, meantime, attempts are on foot to 

 induce Honduras to make a cession of the island in payment of her debts. 

 This she cannot do without involving herself in hostilities with her more 

 powerful neighbors, San Salvador and Nicaragua: both of which States 

 not only have ports on the gulf, but are at the mercy of any great power 

 which may hold it. The result is, therefore, far from doubtful. Unless 

 there is some speedy and efficient intervention, the island Avill certainly 

 be seized by way of indemnity, and become, upon the western coast, 

 what Jamaica and llaatan are upon the eastern. My information upon 

 these points, unfortunately, admits of no doubt. In fact, in Costa Rica, 

 where it is safe to do so, no disguise is attempted, and the design is openly 

 avowed; even here it is but poorly concealed. Feeling sure that the 

 United States cannot look with indifference upon a proceeding so flagrant, 

 and which is certain to affect her interests in a very serious manner, I 

 have ventured upon a step which, it is possible, may not meet the appro- 

 bation of the department, but upon which I cannot, from the nature of 

 the case, ask its advice. No sooner did I find myself in possession of 

 information of an authentic character, to the effect above indicated, than 

 I despatched a special courier to the seat of government of the State of 

 Honduras, with the accompanying letter, (I,) addressed to the chief of 

 the State. I have not yet received an answer, for the way is long and 

 difficult; but I expect one daily. I think my suggestions will be 

 followed; and that, notwithstanding the treaty negotiated by Mr. Hise, a 

 commissioner will be sent for the purpose specified in my note. It will 

 be observed that I have not pointed out the precise means which I con- 

 ceive proper to effect the objects desired, deeming it most prudent to 

 speak in general terms. The most feasible method which occurs to me 

 is to procure the cession of the island to the United States, for a term of 

 years, or perhaps its absolute purchase by the United States. Either 

 mode of keeping it out of British hands would be satisfactory to the other 

 States, and the latter would relieve the State of Honduras from further 

 persecutions. There is, I am aware, no precedent in the history of our 

 foreign relations for a proceeding precisely of tliis character; and it could 

 be supported only on the broad grounds of national interest and the 

 general welfare — pleas practically competent to warrant the purchase of 

 Florida and Louisiana, the annexation of Texas, the purchase of Cali- 

 fornia, and the extension of the protection of the United States over the 



