TC 
CONTENTS. 
PAGE. 
Preface ' 
Introduction " 
CHAP. I. 
Advantages of an Oceanic Communication through the Ame- 
rican Isthmus, and preference which ought to be given to 
the Territory of Tehuantepec over those of Panama and 
Nicaragua 13 
CHAP. II. 
The Isthmus of Tehuantepec had been decreed to be opened by 
the Spanish Cortes, 30 April, 1814. Proposals of Don Jose de 
Garay to the Mexican Government, and terms of the grants made 
to him. — Scientific Commission of Survey appointed by Don J. 
de Garay, — departure of the Commission from Mexico, — motives 
of Confidence to be placed in the Reports of the Commission . . 23 
CHAP. III. 
Notices of different Authors, ancient and modern, who have spoken 
of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, — Cortes, — Dampier, — Cramer, — 
Humboldt, — Robinson, — Tadeo de Ortiz, — Orbegoza .... 27 
CHAP. IV. 
Proceedings of the Commission of survey of the Isthmus, — 
measurement of a base line on the beach between St. Mateo and 
Santa Maria. — Examination of the district of Tehuantepec, — Las 
Ventosas and near the Morro unfit for Anchorages, — trigono- 
metrical operations at San Dionisio, Camotepec, and Juchitan. — 
Examination of the Upper and Lower Lagoons, — the Bocabarra, 
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