Sarg to Commander Wiltse, March 18, 1885

Mr. Sarg to Commander Wiltse.

Sir: I beg leave to congratulate you on the satisfactory completion and eminent success of your mission to this port in command of the U. S. S. Swatara.

The board of officers set down by you on the 13th instant, the day of your arrival, composed of Dr. T. N. Penrose and Lieut. T. T. Wood, has investigated the physical and sanitary condition of destitute and sick Americans and men of other nationalities who have been here and at Port Barrios in utter distress, anxious to return to the United States.

Prompted by a generous feeling so well becoming a representative of our wealthy nation you have furnished me with provisions to be distributed to these hungry unfortunates, and have offered them a free passage to New Orleans, without discrimination of nationality. You sail to-morrow with 78 of these men, who are deeply impressed with a sense of gratitude for this noble action on the part of the United States Government, and for the kindness received at your hands and those of your officers.

The causes of complaint which actuated your mission have been largely diminished by the fact that the entire management of the Guatemala Northern Railroad has been laid into the hands of Captain Grant, a Southern railroad engineer of high reputation, humane principles, and a thorough understanding of the race and class of men fitted for work in this climate. This gentleman has assured me that far from seeing a detrimental effect to his undertaking in the return of these distressed men, who in many instances have come out at his expense he feels grateful to see them leave the country.

You have met the civil and military governor of this department of the “Free Zone,” Don José Maria Ardon, and have received from him the verbal assurance that the rights and interests of American citizens will be always protected, particularly in cases where the laws of the country do so distinctly, and thereby avoid giving rise to grievances which have tended in the latter time to make my intercourse with him disagreeable and the cause of complaint. This functionary has requested me to communicate to you his gratification at seeing all questions cordially settled, and of having avoided a stain on the friendly relations existing with the United States, which are highly prized by his Government. Outside and above accomplishing all this, the moral effect produced by the appearance of the Swatara in this port can hardly be overrated. She is the first reppresentative of the United States naval power that has shown upon this bay since more than forty years. You have had occasion to observe that there reside here a number of enterprising Americans, men of good social standing. All have expressed to me their great satisfaction at seeing you here, and wish me to report to headquarters the beneficial effect that the periodical appearance of a United States naval vessel would have on their interests, which are synonymous with those of the United States. I most heartily advocate this sentiment. It is an undeniable fact that a quiet, unostentatious display of power will in these Central American Republics accomplish more than diplomatic moves.

Allow me, commander, to express to you my admiration of the manner in which you have conducted proceedings. You have undoubtedly been the means of saving the lives of all the distressed men you have on board; you have cultivated friendly feelings with the authorities, and inspired confidence to American residents.

I am, &c.,