APPENDIX. 
Memorial of Don Jose Garay, soliciting of His Excellency the Presi- 
dent of the Mexican Republic, the privilege of opening a Communi- 
cation between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, through the Isthmus 
of Tehuantepec. 
Sir, 
Your Excellency has caused the Mexican public to look forward 
to the present epoch as one ot improvement and gigantic advancement in the 
career of national aggrandizement. 
No measure can be more fruitful in prosperous results, — none more remark- 
able or more glorious than that which shall form a junction between the two 
oceans, without the necessity of doubling that stormy cape, discovered by a 
Hollander, "and to which he gave his name, which forms the Southernmost 
extremity of the American Continent. 
Thousands of ships yearly perform this difficult and tedious voyage, passing 
twice through the tropics in the midst of innumerable and imminent dangers. 
The mind is bewildered with the difficulty of embracing in one comprehen- 
sive view, the astonishing consequences that would result from a communication 
between the two oceans, by means of which ships sailing from Europe will save 
two thousand leagues, and those from North America, three thousand one hun- 
dred leagues, in their voyage to the coast of China. What an economy of time 
and money ! And how far will these advantages extend now that the lines of 
Steam Boats established ujjon the high seas have so prodigiously shortened 
distances ! 
A great revolution will take place in the connnercial and even in the politi- 
cal affairs of all nations, the instant America shall open the passage through 
any of her Isthmuses. The epoch which shall see this effected will be more 
memorable than that of the discovery of this Continent ; and the name of him to 
whom the world shall owe this event will be at least as glorious as that of 
Columbus. 
If your Excellency is ambitious of this glory for yourself and your Country 
