Mr. Seward to Sir F. Bruce
Sir: The note of the 25th. of July last, in which you inform me that the charge d’affaires of Hayti has requested her Majesty’s government to concur in guaranteeing the neutrality of the peninsula of Samana, and that he appears to suppose that the government of the United States might not be disinclined to concur, has been received.
Having taken the instructions of the President, I have now to state, for the information of her Majesty’s government, that the government of the United States are sincerely desirous that the entire island of Hayti may now and henceforth remain subject exclusively to the government and jurisdiction of the people who are the dwellers and occupants thereof, and that they may never be dispossessed or disturbed by any foreign state or nation whatever. This desire is increased rather than diminished by the fact that the inhabitants or people have chiefly derived their descent from former African slaves. The United States sincerely hope that the people of St. Domingo may be able, by the exercise of independent sovereignty, to elevate themselves and contribute beneficently to the elevation of that hitherto unfortunate and injured race. The question, however, which is submitted in your note could never have been propounded at all by the government of Hayti if that government had not in some degree apprehended an inability on the part of the occupants of the island to maintain the sovereignty and independence desired. I admit that if the United States were to allow themselves to consider these apprehensions well founded, that then the United States, from reasons derived from proximity of territory and political sympathies and interests, might not only be very much indisposed to see the peninsula of Samana pass into the hands of any foreign state, but that in that case the United States would deem themselves justified in considering whether they would not be authorized to seek to bring the peninsula within their own jurisdiction by just, lawful, and peaceful means. But the United States do not desire nor do they think it expedient to anticipate or apprehend a failure of the inhabitants and people of St. Domingo to maintain their proper sovereignty and independence, and therefore they do not contemplate in any case any proceedings to gain any possession of or control within the island.
It is not deemed unreasonable on the part of the government of Hayti that it should ask leading maritime states to guarantee their sovereignty over Samana. The government of Hayti very properly consults the United States government with reference to such a guarantee. The President is gratified, also, that the Hay tien government has submitted its views in a proper spirit to Great Britain. Nevertheless, the question unavoidably calls up that ancient and settled policy of the United States which disinclines them to the constituting of political alliances with foreign states, and especially disinclines them to engagements with foreign states in regard to subjects which do not fall within the range of necessary and immediate domestic legislation. This policy would oblige the United States to refrain from making such a guarantee as Hayti desires; but disclaiming for themselves all purpose or desire to disturb the peace and security of Hayti, the United States would be gratified if Great Britain and other maritime states should see fit to regard the wishes of the government of Hayti in the same spirit of justice and magnanimity.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. Sir Frederick W. A. Bruce, &c., &c., &c.