HENRY BAXTER, United States Minister Resident, &c to Sr. Don Francisco Alvarado, March 26, 1871

Mr. Henry Baxter to Sr. Don Francisco Alvarado

My dear sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 24th ultimo, officially asking protection for the city of Comayagua in case of its occupation by the troops of Salvador, (as you say is to be feared,) which you doubt not I will give, in virtue of the existing treaty. In reply, permit me to say that the government of Salvador is well aware that Camayagua is on the line of the Honduras Interoceanic Railway, and being apprised of the treaty existing between the United States and Honduras of July 4, 1864, both myself and the United States minister restident in Salvador (General Torbert) will most assuredly give it due consideration.

It would, in my opinion, be exceeding my authority to officially authorize the raising of the United States flag as a signal of protection in the principal plaza of Camayagua, (as you suggest,) in case of the occupation of the city by the troops of Salvador; but permit me further to say that the government of Salvador will be held strictly accountable by my Government for any disregard of the conditions and stipulations of the referred to treaty.

With high regard, I subscribe myself, your, &c., &c.,