Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress

Mr. Seward to Mr. Burton

No. 156.]

Department of State, Washington, October 9, 1866.

Sir: I have received a communication from Mr. Little, consul at Panama, in which are contained the circular addressed by the government of Colombia to the government of Panama and the reply of the same thereto. You have no doubt become ere this familiar with the contents of that correspondence. Mr. Little mentions the prevalence of a rumor that an effort is about to be made to secure the independence of the State of Panama. He also states that there is a strong feeling in favor of that measure among the people of Panama.

The department has received authentic information of a similar import from other sources, and I deem it proper to indicate to you your course in the event that the anticipated troubles should actually come to pass.

The United States have always abstained from any connection with questions of internal revolution in the State of Panama, or any other of the States of the United States of Colombia, and will continue to maintain a perfect neutrality in such domestic controversies. In the case, however, that the transit trade across the isthmus should suffer from an invasion from either domestic or foreign disturbances of the peace in the State of Panama, the United States will hold themselves ready to protect the same.

I transmit to you, for your better information, a copy of the communication of Mr. Little without enclosures.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Allan A. Burton, Esq., &c., & c., & c.

Mr. Little to Mr. Seward

Consulate of the United States, Panama. September 18, 1866.

Sir: I have the honor to enclose to your address a copy of the Oficial Bolletin of September 15, 1866, containing the correspondence between President Mosquera and President Colunje, of Panama, in regard to the disbandment of the State troops. Not being able to procure a copy of the official paper in season for the last steamer, I forward to your address a copy of the Morning Chronicle, of this city, which contains a condensed translation of the correspondence.

Rumors have been prevalent for some time past of a movement in favor of securing the independence of the State of Panama, which fact having come to the knowledge of President Mosquera, is probably the cause of the issuing of the order.

There is no doubt a growing desire among the natives of Panama in favor of the movement, but I apprehend it will amount to nothing in consequence of the want of men and money to carry it into effect.

There is a strong probability, however, that President Mosquera will send a body of troops to this isthmus, for the purpose of enforcing his demands.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. B. LITTLE.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.