Manuel Maria Gautier to William H. Seward, April 11, 1866

Señor Gautier to Mr. Seward.

Mr. Secretary: The undersigned, secretary of state for foreign relations of the Dominican republic, is especially instructed by his government to send the Secretary of State of the United States a copy of the despatch of the 7th instant, addresed to the French and English consuls residing in this city, declaring the good dispositions that animate the Dominican government to make a lasting treaty of peace with the government of Hayti.

The Dominican government would have been pleased to find a representative of the United States in this city of sufficient rank to have informed him of the above declaration, but as there is none, it has thought proper to address it to your excellency.

The Dominican government has always desired peace with Hayti, and now gives official expression of its sentiments, believing it acts honorably, as every government that has self-respect; and thinks this the more necessary at this time, as the government of President Geffrard is adopting the most contrary policy on our southwestern frontier, encouraging an insurerection, and furnishing men, arms, money, and munitions of war. This has been done since the cabinet of General Baez received Salnave and his companions, and prevented them from fighting against the government of their country.

The government of the undersigned has documents to prove these facts.

The high consideration that the government of the United States has had for the Dominican republic, particularly since your excellency had the kindness to visit our capital, and the well-known spirit of justice in all the acts of the great American nation, prompts the government of the undersigned to hope that its loyal intentions in this affair may be impartially judged by your excellency.

The undersigned embraces the occasion to repeat to your excellency the sentiments of his most profound respect and distinguished consideration.