F. W. Rice to A. A. Burton , United States, November 24, 1865

Mr. Rice to Mr. Burton

Sir: I enclose correspondence in regard to the late event, which explains itself.

I will remark that a great deal of opposition is manifested here by the authorities, to the transit of troops without asking each time special permission, which question I had reason to believe was definitely settled by a decree of the Colombian minister of foreign relations furnished me by General Sickles.

It seems to me that the right to cross the isthmus infers the right of the officers to protect their commands and to secure them from desertion while crossing.

You are aware that the Colombian government, notwithstanding, often asseverated claim that it is “always ready and able to protect the transit,” and the transit of troops is frequently obliged to call for assistance of our naval forces to protect itself during times of slight disturbances on the isthmus, and that both national and Panama State governments have lately urged our assistance most strenuously when their authority was disputed by less than two hundred men.

I mention this to show that we have to rely mainly upon our naval forces for our own protection.

My main objection to advise the commander of the James Adger to deliver up the marine was that he acted under orders, and could not be justly tried by a court-martial of his own ship.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,