Documents., April 16, 1874

Documents.

Republic of Honduras, Ministry of Foreign Relations,

Sir: I have had the honor to receive your note, in which you were pleased to inform this government that the United States steamer Gettysburg anchored in the bay of San Juan del Norte on the 7th ultimo, having on board a new expedition commissioned to explore the isthmus of Nicaragua, and composed of distinguished American civil engineers, sent by the scientific commission at Washington for the express purpose of deciding upon the route to be selected for the great work of the interoceanic canal, stating that, according to all the information received by you, the decision of the expedition would be in favor of Nicaragua, and, in conclusion, urging the government of Honduras to instruct its representative at Washington to use his best efforts to bring about such a solution of this important question as should be favorable to the interests of Central America.

The Citizen President, to whom I have communicated the contents of your aforesaid note, has instructed me to assure the government of Nicaragua of the very deep interest which is felt by the government and people of Honduras in the accomplishment of that greatest and most important work of the age, which will at once change the face of Central America. Although Honduras has as yet no representative at Washington, it will make a point of accrediting an envoy extraordinary, if the government of Nicaragua shall think proper, to the end that the question of the canal may be settled in a manner calculated to promote the interests of Central America.

With the highest consideration, I have the honor to be your excellency’s very obedient servant,