Francisco Alvarado to Henry Baxter, May 24, 1871

Sr. Don Francisco Alvarado to Mr. Baxter

Sir: The government has this day learned that a division from Salvador, under the command of General Miranda, invaded the territory of the State on the 22d instant, at Goazcoran, and that a portion of these troops occupied that town, while the other had gone to Langue.

As it is very possible that the expedition may advance on this capital, which is one of the most important points on the line of the railway, because the engineers in charge of the works have their workships established here, and as the government has not taken this as a base of operations, on account of its being neutral ground, I declare to your excellency, in the name of my government, that in case the forces of Salvador occupy this capital, its inhabitants and their interests are under the protection of the great powers that have guaranteed the neutrality, one of those powers being the great American republic, which your excellency worthily represents in this country.

The government, therefore, hopes that your excellency will be pleased to take the necessary steps to protect this city, and others on the line of the railway, from a crime, since there is not even a pretext for their being occupied or molested by the enemies of Honduras.

By order of the government I address the present communication to your excellency, hoping that you will be pleased to answer me in due time, and to accept the assurances of my respect and consideration.