To His Excellency Hon. George Williamson to Hamilton Fish, January 6, 1875

No. 102. Mr. Williamson to Mr. Fish.

Sir: I have the honor to inclose you a translated copy of the proclamation issued by the “Mosquito King” in September last. Dr. C. H. Berendt has put this legation under obligations by furnishing the Spanish copy from which the translated one is made.

This document, so far as I can learn, has never been published or circulated in Nicaragua outside of the limits of the Mosquito reserve. The memorandum at the foot indicates it was published in Jamaica on the 10th of December, 1874.

I regret this legation has not yet received a report on this subject from Mr. Freer, the commercial agent in San Juan del Norte. My information, therefore, is almost as incomplete as that co ntaiued in my No. 269, dated Managua, November 12, 1874.

I learn from a source that ought to be reliable that the government of Nicaragua proposes to tender to the “Mosquito King” the sum of money due him under the treaty of 1860. Such a proceeding would seem to be unwise if not positively silly.

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Under the treaty of Managua of 1860, large grants of land made to British subjects by the government of Mosquitia were confirmed to them. I have noticed in the British newspapers these landholders in the Mosquitia have become quite active within the last year. It is probable they believe as long as their lands lie in Nicaragua they are valueless, and therefore desire a British protectorate re-established.

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As I requested Mr. Freer in a note from Managua, dated the 12th of November last, to give me a full report upon this subject, and if possible to answer certain questions proposed, I hope to be able soon to give you fuller information.

I have, &c.,