Allan A. Burton to George H. Preble, August 31, 1865

Mr. Burton to Mr. Henry Preble et al

Sir: His excellency the President of Colombia advised me to-day that a body of armed men, whom he characterized as bandits, had recently sailed from the port of Buenaventura, in the State of Cauca, for the purpose of invading and making war against the State of Panama, and expressed his hope that the United States would fulfil what he considered their duty, by preventing this or any other hostile party or individuals from landing within the limits of that State, and employing the necessary force to expel such, in case a landing should be effected, as their presence will necessarily endanger the safety of the transit of the isthmus, and the property and lives of American citizens.

In expressing my concurrence in this opinion of the President, I have to add. that in case the present authorities of Panama should be forcibly overthrown by the aid of persons coming from other States, citizens of the United States ought to refuse to submit to the exaction of any contribution by any person or authority in that State, until such change be recognized as legitimate by the Colombian government, and that such refusal should be sustained by force if necessary.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,