220 



Doc. No. 75. 



rest assured that, until I receive your instructions, all things shall remain 

 as the}^ are. 



I ommitted to say that the vessel alluded to is a war steamer, and will 

 remain some time in the gulf. I have also to add that the British com- 

 mander said that the harbor should remain open and free, and that it was 

 not his intention to disturb the merchants. 



I am, sir, ^c, 



VINCETE LECHUGA. 



To the General-in-Chief. 



P. S. — I have deemed it proper to send a copy of this letter, and the other 

 documents, to the supreme government of San Salvador and Nicaragua, 

 because the matter involved is a national one. 



A— 3. 



[Translation.] 



On board H. B. Majesty's steamer Gorgon, 



October 16, 1849. 



Sir: I have the honor to inform you that, in consequence of communi- 

 cations received from the charge d'affaires of her Britannic Majesty in 

 Central America, manifesting the impossibility of obtaining by pacific 

 means the arrangement of the just claims of Great Britain against the gov- 

 ernment of Honduras, 1 have judged it my duty to establish jurisdiction 

 over the island of Tigre, on behalf and in the name of her Britannic Maj- 

 esty Q,ueen Victoria, and in consequence have this day taken possession 

 of the said island, elevating in it the national flag of England, under a 

 national salute, (fee, reserving to the government of her Majesty of final 

 (ulteriores) measures in this particular. Meantime, her Majesty's vessels 

 of war stationed in the Pacific ocean will, from time to time, visit this 

 island, and maintain in it British rights. 



Notice of this proceeding has already been sent to the government of 

 Honduras, and I expect that you will give me an acknowledgment of the 

 receipt of this communication, stating also that you were present at the 

 act of dispossession, executed by me this day, in the name of my sover- 

 eign. 



No change is necessary to be made in the management of the island, 

 which will remain under its present regulations until the will of her Ma- 

 jesty is known. 



I have the honor to be, (fee, 



T. A. PAYNTER. 



To the Commander of the Island op Tigre. 



A— 4. 



Sir: I have had the honor this day to receive your communication 

 dated on board your vessel, in which you manifest to me that the claims,, 

 of Great Britain against my government not having been arranged, you 



