Señor Don George Williamson to A. H. Rivas, March 16, 1874

Mr. Williamson to Señor Rivas.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency’s esteemed favor of the 10th ultimo.

Let me first assure you that a want of a reply to your favor of the 20th of December has been caused by my long absence in Honduras on official business; and the delay of one mail in answering that of the 10th of February is due to the fact that since my return, on the 3d instant, I have found the fatigue and exposure I had undergone had so affected my health, and particularly my eyes, that it was almost impossible to attend to my correspondence. I shall hope your excellency will be pleased to accept this apology.

Notwithstanding the flattering terms in which you have chosen to speak of the interest I have taken in the pacification of Central America, upon a basis that promised permanency, you do nothing more than simple justice to me and my Government in your estimate of its degree. But your excellency justly understands that the states, being sovereigns, and under able administrations, are capable of managing their own relations far better than any foreign country, no matter how friendly that country may be; and also, that I might defeat the very honorable object of my Government, of promoting the pacific settlement of all debatable questions in Central America by taking a more active part than has already been done, or by prosecuting that part further at present.

If what seemed to me, a stranger, a desirable mode of adjusting complications between the states is defeated, or declined for any cause, it affords me no occasion for complaint, nor will it in the least abate the concern with which I shall regard future developments. It may prove a consolatory reflection, should any disappointment be experienced, that I did not inaugurate the plan, and possibly it may be allowable for me to flatter myself by a recollection of the fact that all active preparations for war ceased, on both sides, so soon after it seemed probable the re-union of the Presidents would take place.

Whatever merit attaches to my participation in producing this happy truce, or peace, is but another evidence of the sincere friendship of my Government for Nicaragua. As the representative of my country in these states, my mission is to promote a good understanding, as far as it is allowable, without giving cause of offense or involving my Government in a voluntary responsibility, which it does not pertain to its functions to assume.

The experience of your excellency renders it almost needless to say that the sympathetic interest the United States has always taken in the republics of Central America has not been inspired by sentimental ideas, but is rather the natural outgrowth of near neighborhood, and of a generous desire that other independent states on the continent may enjoy the blessings of republicanism a good Providence has so bountifully bestowed on them. I submit, for your excellency’s perusal, the accompanying copy of a dispatch from Mr. Seward, when Secretary of State, and take leave to add, that distinguished statesman, in this eloquent paper, suggests a policy of the United States in regard to the affairs of Central America which seems to be based upon a philosophy so sound, that I do not question it will commend itself to your unqualified approval.

Your excellency will allow me to express my profound regret that diplomatic relations had not been resumed between Nicaragua and Costa Rica at the date of your letter, and also the hope that they will be happily established before this reaches you.

In reply to that part of your excellency’s letter in regard to the mission of Mr. Montufar, I have only to say that he is reported generally to be here on a confidential mission from the government of Costa Rica. He has had no official reception, and he has not been officially recognized here, up to this time, by the diplomatic body. I have had the pleasure of seeing him several times socially, but have no information as to his mission, if it be of a political nature.

By this mail I send, to the care of your excellency, four volumes, entitled “Papers relating to the treaty of Washington,” which you will oblige me by causing to be delivered, with my compliments, to the Hon. Tomas Ayon, the recent minister plenipotentiary and envoy extraordinary of your government to Guatemala, whose pleasant acquaintance I had the good fortune to make. I have the honor to renew to your excellence the assurance of my high consideration.

Your obedient servant,