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Doc. No. 75. 



alarm. The alleged debts due to British subjects; from the old confeder- 

 ation and from the individual States, have furnished them with an abun- 

 dance of pretexts for blockades and consequent exactions, much to the- 

 injury of our trade and commerce, as well as that of other nations ; and^ 

 now smarting under a consciousness that their influence here is nearly at 

 an end; vexed that the Central American States have exhibited so marked 

 confidence in the United States and entered into so close relations with 

 them, they are alarmed lest they shall be compelled to relinquish the 

 port of San Juan, and their ill-gotten possessions on the Atlantic coast. 

 The English will seize every opportunity to visit their vengeance upon 

 the republics and embarrass our relations with them. I have means of 

 knowing that the port of Realejo will, at an early day, be visited with one- 

 of those blockades which have been of so frequent occurrence on this^ 

 coast; and which have never been preceded by any declaration of war, or 

 any other notice whatever. Now as this port is one at which our steam- 

 ers on the Pacific propose soon to stop regularly for their supply of pro- 

 visions, and as American vessels often call there in the pursuit of their 

 legitimate trade, we cannot allow it to be obstructed by any petty naval 

 force which the caprice of the British oflicials in this quarter may choose- 

 to place before it. The blockading forces before the port of the Union 'm 

 1847 consisted of a launch with twelve men, but the contemplated bk)ck~ 

 ade here will probably be more imposing. 



I have thought proper to inform you of these circumstances, and to 

 suggest that; if it should not conflict with your instructions, or be in 

 opposition to your own good judgment, it would promote the interests of 

 the United States here, which are now of the highest importance; if one or 

 more vessels of the Pacific squadron could touch at Realejo from time to- 

 time; and remain so long as might be deemed proper. The port is health- 

 ful; and supplies of all kinds cheap and abundant. The people also are 

 ready to receive all Americans with open arms and with the greatest hos- 

 pitality. You will see some evidences of this in the official papers of thia 

 »State, which I enclose herewith. 



A British war steamer will be here in the course of a month. Time^ 

 will disclose its objects. In case it should be necessary to our interests, I. 

 shall not hesitate to call upon your co-operation in maintaining them. 



I have advised the government at home of what is transpiiing here, and^ 

 knowing as I do what its intentions are, I am certain that as soon as com- 

 munications can reach you, you will be instructed to give special atten-- 

 tion to this portion of the American coast. The delay which must,, how- 

 ever^, attend the despatch of advices,, and the necessity for prompt action^, 

 has induced me to address you thus freely, feeling assured that you will 

 take such action as you may deem proper under the circumstances. 



I am, &c., E. GEO. SQUIER. 



To the Commander of the United States Squadiron 



on the western coast of America,. 



Legation of the UTnited States, 



LeoUy August 16, 1849^. 



Sir : Under date of August first I had the honor to address a letter ta* 

 the Minister of Foreign Relations of Honduras^ in which I expressed th^ 



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