William H. Seward to Señor Don Eustorjio Salgar , & c ., & c ., & c, March 19, 1866

Mr. Seward to General Salgar

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the memorandum of the 16th instant, relative to the construction of an interoceanic ship canal across the isthmus of Darien, which you were pleased to submit to me.

Having taken the President’s views thereon, I beg to inform you, in reply, that if the proposition, in the form in which you have presented it, shall be sanctioned by the government of Colombia, through the requisite treaty stipulations, the United States will accede thereto, subject, however, to the ratification of the Senate.

I avail myself of this occasion to renew the assurances of my distinguished consideration.