WILTSE, Commander, United States Navy, Commanding to Rear-Admiral Jouett, March 19, 1885

Commander Wiltse to Rear-Admiral Jouett.

Sir: I have the honor to report that in obedience to your order of the 4th instant the Swatara sailed from New Orleans on the 5th and arrived off Livingston, Guatemala, on the 13th. I immediately placed myself in communication with our consular agent, Mr. Sarg, and the jefe politico, Don José Maria Ardon, in reference to the distressed and sick American citizens and foreigners in and about, Livingston and Port Barrios. I also appointed a board of officers, consisting of Surgeon T. N. Penrose and Lieut. T. T. Wood, to investigate the claims of these distressed people in Livingston, Port Barrios, and vicinity. I found 78 distressed and suffering people in need of medicine, &c., whom I took on board ship.

Many complaints were made by the workmen against the contractors of the railroad, of ill-treatment and non-payment. These were strongly denied by the contractors.

It is difficult to form a correct opinion of the matter, hut I think that there are faults on both sides. The jefe politico, Don José Maria Ardon, of this department assured me that he would use every effort in his power to have the rights of American citizens protected by the laws of the country.

In the performance of this duty our consular agent, Mr. Sarg, rendered me great assistance. But for the timely arrival of the ship, I think a great many of the men I have on board would have died.

President Barrios of Guatemala has issued a decree declaring the union of the five Central American States, Guatemala, Honduras, Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. I inclose his decree. I think that this act will eventually lead to a war between these states.

I inclose herewith the report of the board of officers; also a copy of a letter addressed to me by the American consular agent.

I shall sail for New Orleans this afternoon.

I am, &c.,