William L. Dayton Esq., &c., &c., &c.
[Untitled]
No. 141.]
United States Consular
Agency,
Belize,
April 1, 1864.
Sir: By an arrival from Matamoras we have
added to the population of this colony a number of southerners, who
escaped from Texas, and have determined to take up their residence
within these possessions. They report that there is no hope left for
the confederacy, and that there are thousands now in Texas who are
anxious to escape, but cannot, in consequence of the stringency of
the blockade. That is to say, these are parties who either cannot
remain in the south after the rebellion shall be closed, in
consequence of their not being comprehended in the amnesty
proclamation, or from a deep-seated hatred and animosity will not
again consent to reside among us as brother members of the same
national family.
The individuals above referred to, as having just arrived here, are
the second arrival of the kind within the past few weeks, all
bringing the same report. Now, if these reports be true, (and I
doubt not they are true,) then it seems to me that an important
consideration is at once presented, namely, as to whether it would
not be humane as well as politic to allow some door to be opened by which such persons may escape
from our country. If their animosities are such that they are no
longer willing to live with us in peace, then I argue that they are
not worth having as citizens and residents. Their places can soon be
filled by a better class of persons. When I write thus, it must not
be presumed that I would have our government and nation ignore the
punishing, even to the execution of a death sentence, the
arch-traitors, and to accomplish that end to carefully close all the
avenues by which such might escape. I refer more particularly to
that class of persons who, from bitterness of feeling, are unwilling
to take an oath of allegiance, or to longer live in peace with us,
and hence prefer to seek a home in a foreign land; The fact is, that
the authorities and large landed proprietors of this colony imagine
that they can see in those persons the hope of this country, that,
if they can be allowed to escape from the south, thousands would
seek their homes in British Honduras, thus furnishing at once an
intelligent, experienced and producing population, particularly in
the cultivation of cotton, sugar, tobacco, &c., and I have made
the suggestions herein contained at the direct request of some
wealthy and influential gentlemen of this place. On yesterday
Governor Austin gave his first dinner party, at which this subject
was canvassed, and I there promised to communicate with the United
States government in regard to the matter; hence, if you deem the
suggestions worthy of consideration, I beg to ask, on behalf of the
parties
[Page 80]
above alluded to, at
the head of which may be considered the governor, that you will be
pleased to communicate it to the honorable Secretary of State,
through whom it may reach the President.
With great respect, I have the honor to be your most obedient
servant,
CHARLES A. LEAS, United States Consular
Agent.
Hon. F. W. Seward,
Assistant Secretary of State,
Washington.
