[Extract.]
Mr. Dickinson to Mr. Seward.
No. 144.]
Legation of the United States,
Leon, Nicaragua,
December 23, 1867.
Sir. * * * * * * * *
I transmit herewith a copy of my note to the minister for foreign affairs
of this government, announcing the action taken by the United States
government in regard to the questions in debate between Nicaragua and
Great Britain relative to the Mosquito territory, as set forth in your
despatch, No. 98, and a translation of the answer thereto. I am, sir,
respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
Mr. Dickinson to Señor Ayon.
Legation of the United
States, Leon,
December 17, 1867.
Sir: I have the pleasure to transmit to you
herewith a copy of a dispatch which I have received from the
Secretary for foreign affairs of the United States, stating the
position assumed and the action taken by the government of the
United States in reference to the questions pending between the
governments of Nicaragua and Great Britain relative to the Mosquito
territory.
Trusting that the prompt and friendly measures taken by my government
in this important matter may effectually aid in maintaining the
sovereignty of Nicaragua unimpaired in the territory of the Mosquito
Reserve, I have the honor to be, with high consideration, your
excellency’s obedient servant,
His Excellency Señor Don Tomas Ayon,
Minister of Foreign Affairs, &c.,
&c., &c., Managua.
[Translation.]
Señor Ayon to Mr. Dickinson.
Managua,
December 21, 1867.
Sir: With your official note, dated 17th
instant, I have had the pleasure of receiving the copy of that of
the 23d of November anterior, from his excellency the Secretary of
State of the United States, referring to the question pending
between the governments of Nicaragua and Great Britain in regard to
the territory of the Mosquito coast.
It is very gratifying for this government to obtain from the
illustrious government of the United States the just qualification
of the right with which Nicaragua
[Page 644]
maintains that question, and anticipates its
probable termination through the good and pacific offices of the
cabinet of Washington and the rectitude of that of Great Britain. Be
so good as to express to the minister of state the gratitude of my
government.
In relation to the new bases proposed by the transit company, I
should say to your excellency that even without the mediation of the
offices of the government of the Union in the question of the
Mosquito territory, the government of Nicaragua is disposed to agree
to those concessions which are compatible with the well-known
interests of Nicaragua, as I have had the honor of repeatedly
manifesting to your excellency, and also to the agents of the
company.
I reiterate to your excellency the assurances of my high
consideration.
Mr. A. B. Dickinson, Minister Resident, &c, &c, &c.
