Fitz H. Warren to William H. Seward, September 16, 1867

Mr. Warren to Mr. Seward

Sir: I was not favored by the late steamer with any communications from the department.

No event of public importance has transpired since my last. The government has granted a commission to an association of capitalists to construct a railroad from the port of San José to Escuintla, half of the distance from the coast (45 miles) to this city; the government guaranteeing 10 per centum on the estimated cost of construction, ($600,000.) The material for the telegraph has also been received; and during the past week the vessel bringing the iron for the pier at San José also made her anchorage off the port. The construction will proceed immediately.

The coffee yield promises good results for this year, and the lowest estimate of quantity is 100,000 quintals, against 30,000 for the year past. This interest is of great importance to the United States, and the three Central American republics will, in time, be great sources of supply for this article, with a cheaper price and a better quality.

The weather continues favorable, with a noticeable diminution of rain. It is a most charming climate, lacking the vigor of our tonic air, but for invalids and threatened constitutions as soft and balmy as the south of France or Italy.

I remain, Mr. Secretary, with profound respect and regard, your obedient servant,