|-
|
|
-
CIRCULATING
Fº
| 52.9
N19
G 78
nº

--}+�t |-- *\ -- ----
-& į :1.- ·• • }?- }· --|---* -- -* .
-•}•! -· |- •i{% • •** • • •·
· *-; ·--' : ,·-• ,~*-··*
#·-• • *-- •·-++-}*|- -|-? f· ș-».ſ.-}* ·v. '.|-
- -·*'.-· «.（~+-. ^
*|-* ·•*+--*
--• • - *|- • •-• •‘;· •. »· •* ----•’·• -•Y •• • •��
* ·-'.w„” ， !ș *---- |-· -, •{-».|-- î+-•, , ， , Y
-* --. '3.*... • • -t.4|- |-• .}w , ！-·} ·
|-~~º.+·- -, ， ，•-- …- ------· |-------� *|-*
* （ +` ſ . . .... → .|-· |--•
•*-#-+-
|- ----|-, '•*| 4. --،|- ·?
-.'•§ .» ” ●u.-w%|---
, º.ł- !·- {-|- -• • •|- ·
{, *•!+--- ·}×
- - -· *· ·.*-----
·r- -|-|-° • ×-- -
·-- -• •|-→· |-·+ ' *
|- *}+-！*-}
|-*• -1
---º |-, ’•-�-�-'w
•, -+ -，|---·\ }-+}，·
•?*~|-*-----
• .-|×W}»·-！-
• ... **-→*• •r.-.*-* * •
- →-* -`,· ·|-* w----|-* -*}
'. -- * ·· |-+ -* a· · · ·į ſº
-|- -}- * .' , y
| *!|-v.|-$· \ ,·+ <%
•·ș *|-
�-+;*
•4 ·* |-, ，
|-#!!!!!!!!！!!!!!!!!!!!!!!！！!！-- •# · *-·ſ. ，
|-∞© ® ：· +*·+ -. -·A·
O*; ·--
ĒĶIĻIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIt· · · *... • •}
}E， E, •+··• •
·）-： … ：~）.*- - - --|-r:
+ſ-Uſ ſ-º. . .:---
№， №， º 1， * · · · ·•* • •
E， E，r:<>* }** \,- ------:
Eºſ E-*.··-, '- - * ,· · ·
ĒģĘºſſ?\ 6-4 №!� +--' . . .... •· · ·
Æ· · ·~, ,- |-»º ·*--
Ē##-Éſ ©§- |-}• ,, •
Eº-<>!！！!tae-*-
№.-©|- ¡·•- ... *
！ĒS™S K. ' .-ż�+{-, , ? '· · · · · ·
É，！•A -· ， , ,· · · ·., ， ， , ， ， ，
∞،\,|-: ' ′ ',-
2- ·-·* ...º|-•,
-| 2·· ··, , ~ -
|-\，w^ ^±
CA..-
{·wºnº £ż-•• ’ ,* .-* -،· • ×
ș.&£•*-· |-· · · ·
º „ “-va）£ €;- -|-|--•
§.$2$| №|× *• · · ·, •· · · · · · · · ·
ſº ': „· ,g#}į}, , ，
*** 8.C·-
$%.·ſf-·-•- -*
§.ſ-----ſ=-• !· -
·-ſ-E-',0Eį! -- |-- *
E- -~.º £'.-� , !•
E·. . . .ſae±~~H H}· -• --
E·· · · ***（№. 4，…） .-2. №+- -}…’·• .
–-· ſ ·¿№ $-- L （; „ “.[]-|-• -*.
=*** --→ → → → → → → → → → →•，，2%ź¿|-_- -}!-, ' ’W
ſ •Faſ， ,º-[ 'ae-- --'.' ;•,|-|- *••→*
ĒĒĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĪĒáſſý%ſ%ſſſſſſſs[]##* . ,-- -• · ,. , " ' , ' ';·
）;∞∞∞- *-،--
ſ！ ~~، ، ، ، ، ، ، ، ، ، ، ، ،C ： ■ ■ ■ ■ ■Zaeſſº ：∞）∞#-.- ·`ı-· ·«».1--. '·-· · · ·· *
șiříſſiliiſiſiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſſ, , , ' ';' .. .|-' .• •· · ·-·· ·· Ľ.



























CORRESPONDENCE
RESPECTING:
THE Mosquito TERRITORY.
Presented to the House of Commons, July 3, 1848, in pursuance of their
Address of April 3, 1848.
f,ONDON:
#RINTED BY T. R. HARRISON 4
.i
10.
1 I.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
J.8.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
28.
29.
f
LIST OF PAPERS.
. Wiscount Palmerston to Mr. Chatfield ..
. Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Chatfield . .
. Wiscount Palmerston to Mr. Walker . .
. Mr. O'Leary to Wiscount Palmerston ..
. Mr. Chatfield to Wiscount Palmerston
Twenty-two Inclosures.
. Mr. Walker to Wiscount Palmerston
Thirteen Inclosures.
. Mr. O'Leary to Viscount Palmerston . .
. Mr. Walker to Wiscount Palmerston . .
Four Inclosures.
. The Right Hon. E. J. Stanley to the Secretary to the Admiralty
Mr. Chatfield to Wiscount Palmerston
One Inclosure.
Mr. Walker to Viscount Palmerston . .
Three Inclosures.
Mr. Chatfield to Viscount Palmerston
Mr. Walker to Viscount Palmerston
Three Inclosures.
Mr. Chatfield to Wiscount Palmerston
Three Inclosures.
Mr. Walker to Viscount Palmerston
One Inclosure.
Mr. Walker to Wiscount Palmerston .
One Inclosure.
Mr. Walker to Wiscount Palmerston
One Inclosure.
Mr. Chatfield to Viscount Palmerston. . • *-
Two Inclosures.
Mr. Chatfield to Wiscount Palmerston
Two Inclosures. -
Mr. Chatfield to Wiscount Palmerston
Two Inclosures.
Mr. Chatfield to Wiscount Palmerston
Four Inclosures.
Wiscount Palmerston to Mr. Chatfield
Mr. Walker to Viscount Palmerston
Nine Inclosures. §
Mr. Walker to Viscount Palmerston
Four Inclosures. - -
Wiscount Palmerston to Vice-Consul Foster
Wiscount Palmerston to Mr. Chatfield , .
. The Right. Hon. E. J. Stanley to the Secretary to the Admiralty
Wiscount Palmerston to Mr. Walker . . * * * & º
The Secretary to the Admiralty to the Right Hon. E. J. Stanley
Three Inclosures.
. The Secretary to the Admiralty to the Right Hon. E. J. Stanley
Sixteen Inclosures.
. The Right Hon. E. J. Stanley to the Secretary to the Admiralty
. Señor Mosquera to Wiscount Palmerston * * & ©
. Viscount Palmerston to Señor Mosquera
. Señor Salinas to Wiscount Palmerston . .
. Viscount Palmerston to Señor Salinas
APPENDIX.
. Extract from Macgregor's “Commercial Tariffs,” part xvii
. Extract from Bryan Edwards' Account of the British Settlements o
. Will of the King of Mosquito
. . Page
January 30, 1847 1
June 30, tºº smºs l
June 30, − 2
May 10, − 2
April 15, – 2
May 20, − 36
June 29, - 51.
September 21, - 52
November 24, − 55
September 11, - 56
November 8, -— 57
September 29, - 59
November 22, — 59
November 16, -— 63
December 20, − 69
December 20, − 71
December 21, - 72
December 3, − 73
December 9, - 82
December 13, − 84
December 24, − 87
February 29, 1848 94
January 15, – 94
January 17, − 100
March 24, -— 102
March 24, − 102
March 24, − 103
March 24, − 103
April 16, - 104
April 26, - 107
April 29, -128
April 29, - 124
May 4, −– 126
May 13, − 127
May 17, − 133
n the Mosquito Shore vii.
& e a & • ºf ix
:º". .
3.s*§§-
t
CORRESPONDENCE
RESPECTING
THE MOSQUITO TERRITORY.
No. 1.
Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Chatfield.*
(Extract.) Foreign Office, January 30, 1847.
I AM desirous of obtaining the most authentic information that can be
procured as to the boundary claimed by the King of Mosquito, and for this
purpose I have to instruct you to transmit to this office all the information
which it may be in your power to obtain as to the exact line of boundary
claimed by the King of Mosquito, as dividing his territory from the State of
New Granada and from the States of Central America.
in your report you will state the grounds upon which any and each parti-
cular line of boundary can on the one hand be claimed by the King of
Mosquito, or may, on the other hand, be rejected by New Granada or Central
America. -
You will accompany your report by lines drawn on a map, for convenience
of reference. -
You will also report what, in your opinion, is the line of boundary which
Her Majesty's Government should insist upon as absolutely essential for the
security and well-being of the Mosquito State. c.
No. 2.
Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Chatfield.
Sir, - Foreign Office, June 30, 1847.
THE encroachments committed at various times by the authorities of the
Central American States of Honduras and Nicaragua, upon the territories of the
King of Mosquito, having given rise to a question as to the extent of the coast
frontier of the Kingdom of Mosquito, Her Majesty’s Government have carefully
examined the various documents and historical records which exist relative to
this subject; and they are of opinion that the right of the King of Mosquito
should be maintained as extending from Cape Honduras down to the mouth of
the River San Juan.
I have therefore to instruct you to inform the authorities of the several
States of Central America bordering on the Kingdom of Mosquito, that this is
the extent of coast to which Her Majesty’s Government consider the King of
Mosquito to be entitled; and you will inform them that Her Majesty’s Govern-
ment will not view with indifference any attempt to encroach upon the rights
or territory of the King of Mosquito, who is under the protection of the British
Crown.
I am, &c.
(Signed) PALMERSTON.
P.S.—A similar instruction has been addressed to Her Majesty's Chargé
d'Affaires at Bogotá. . -
* A similar despatch was addressed to Mr. Walker, January 30, 1847, and to Mr. O'Leary,
February 16, 1847. - - - -
[129] B
268453
No. 3.
Wiscount Palmerston to Mr. Walker.
Sir, Foreign Office, June 30, 1847.
I TRANSMIT herewith, for your information and guidance, copy of a
despatch which I have addressed to Her Majesty's Consul-General at Guate-
mala, directing him to state to the Governments bordering on the territories of
the King of Mosquito, that Her Majesty's Government maintain that the coast
frontier of those territories extends from Cape Honduras down to the mouth of
the River San Juan. wº
I have addressed a similar instruction to Her Majesty’s Chargé d'Affaires
at Bogotá.
I am, &c.
(Signed) PALMERSTON.
No. 4.
Mr. O’Leary to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received July 8.)
(Extract.) Bogotá, May 10, 1847.
WITH reference to your Lordship's despatch of the 16th of February last,
instructing me to transmit to your Lordship all the information which it ma
be in my power to obtain as to the exact line of boundary claimed by the King
of Mosquito as dividing his territory from the State of New Granada and
from the States of Central America, I shall endeavour to comply with your
Lordship's instructions without loss of time.
No. 5.
Mr. Chatfield to Viscount Palmerston.-(Received July 8.)
(Extract.) Guatemala, April 15, 1847.
I HAD the honour of receiving your Lordship's despatch of the 30th
January last, instructing me to report—
1st. Upon the exact line of boundary claimed by the Mosquito King, as
dividing his territory from the State of New Granada and from the States of
Central America; * F.,
2nd. Upon what, in my opinion, is the line of boundary which Her
Majesty's Government should insist upon as absolutely essential to the
security and well-being of the Mosquito State.
In replying to the first question I have to observe that nothing has reached
me officially to enable me to state positively what is the line of boundary
claimed by the King of Mosquito ; nevertheless the subject has sufficiently
attracted my attention to cause me to take pains to collect information upon it;
and in giving the result of my inquiries, I shall be gratified if it should prove
acceptable to your Lordship. -
The pretensions of sovereignty assumed by New Granada to the whole of
the Mosquito Territory will, I conceive, be found upon examination quite irre-
gular, and rest merely on the Royal Order of San Lorenzo of 30th November,
1803, separating for military purposes from the Captaincy-General of Guatemala
the Islands of St. Andrew and that part of the Mosquito shore from Cape
Gracias āIDios inclusive towards the River Chagres, and making them dependent
on the Viceroyalty of Santa Fé de Bogotá; which order was never carried into
effect any more than the decrees are allowed to have been which the Govern-
ment of Spain has issued at different times in a view to regulate the internal
affairs of its American provinces generally, after they had declared their indepen-
dence of its rule.
r:*** -, -, -, ... ... . . .
& 2. Jº "... . .
§ º', ; - 3.
The Royal Order of San Lorenzo above alluded to is, I conclude, the
only act upon which the New Granadian Government attempts to found a claim
to the Mosquito Territory ; and it is strange that a measure of such importance
as that order seems to involve—the transferring of a vast tract of country from
one Government to another—should not have been provided for in a formal
manner by a Royal Cedula, or Order of the Sovereign in Council, instead of
by a simple ministerial notification or instruction, which the Royal Order of San
Lorenzo only amounts to.
The main point is, whether the New Granadian Government has a just
claim to any part of the Mosquito King's territory, or to any part of that of
Central America; and I request to lay before your Lordship such particulars
as I have been able to collect respecting the origin and effect of the Order of
San Lorenzo of 30th November, 1803; trusting that what I shall state will
appear to Her Majesty's Government a sufficient ground for declining to
recognize the right of New Granada to an extension of territory beyond the
boundaries on the Central American side, as they existed previous to the
independence of both countries of Spain, since it is demonstrable that New
Granada has never acquired either a military or civil jurisdiction over the
Mosquito and Central American territories, nor any title to treat for the division
or appropriation of States which do not belong to it.
The history of this Royal Order of San Lorenzo appears to be, that Captain
Thomas O’Neill, Governor of St. Andrew, being at variance with the Captain-
General of Guatemala, under whose orders he was placed, applied to the Spanish
Court for an accession of rank and pay, and for the transfer to the Viceroyalty
of Santa Fé of St. Andrew and the coast adjacent, alleging the great distance of
his post from Guatemala, and the greater facility of communicating with, and in
case of need receiving assistance from, Carthagena, which at the time was a
considerable naval station of Spain. - - -
This suggestion was received and treated in a purely military sense, and
was in consequence referred to the opinion of the Committee of Fortifications
and Defence of the Indies, who reported thereon favourably to Captain O’Neill’s
wishes. But there is nothing to show that the political and jurisdictional
authority of the Government at Guatemala over the places transferred to the
Viceroy of Santa Fé was affected by the measure, or that it ever came under
the notice of the Supreme Council of the Indies, since no orders on the subject
were transmitted to the legislative branch of the Government of Guatemala,
represented by the President and Oidors; or that it was otherwise consi-
dered than (as the report of the Committee of Fortifications states) a means of
uniting, for the better defence of the King's possessions towards Cape Gracias
à Dios, the military command in that direction to the Viceroyalty of New
Granada, whose large naval and military means were concentrated at Cartha-
gena, so as to leave the Captain-General of Guatemala at greater liberty to
provide for the security of the coast more immediately within his reach to the
northward. And thus it is that the Viceroy of New Granada never exercised a
legislative authority within the territory; nor is there any trace of an establish-
ment or local government subject to his rule having at any period existed on
the coasts of Mosquito or of Central America, while it is equally true that
Colombia abstained from any such occupancy. -
In 1824 the Colombian President Santander, in consequence of the project
of Macgregor to settle at Poyais on the Mosquito shore, issued a decree dated
July 5, 1824, founded on the Royal Order of San Lorenzo, declaring all
persons attempting to colonize that part of the coast liable to severe penalties;
giving directions, about the same time, to take possession of St. Andrew's and
its dependencies. - o
On the 23rd September, 1836, the Governor of Veragua wrote to the chief
of the State of Costarica, to protest, on the plea of the Order of San Lorenzo,
against the occupation of Boca del Toro by Central American citizens, as had
been projected by the deceased Colonel Galindo; announcing that by virtue of
Decree of May 30, 1836, the place would immediately be taken possession of
by a competent force, with the functionaries necessary for establishing a local
Government on the part of New Granada.
On the 30th of November, 1836, the Chief of Costarica replied to this
notification, by stating that Article V of the Federal Constitution of Central
B 2
America declares the territory of the Republic to be that which formerly com-
posed the ancient Kingdom of Guatemala; and that Costarica, the State border-
ing on the Republic of New Granada, in its fundamental charter, in speaking of
the extent of its territory, declares its boundaries on the coasts of the Atlantic
to be fixed in one direction by the mouth of the River St. John, and on the
other by the Escudo of Veragua, which were its anciently recognized limits.
Upon this the chief argues that the Bay of Boca del Toro and its islands being
placed within the tract of sea-board between St. John’s River and the Escudo of
Veragua, are unquestionably the possessions of Central America; and that in
sending settlers thither, no offence is committed against New Granada; and his
letter concludes by stating that the whole matter will be referred to the consi-
deration of the Federal Government.
In 1838 intelligence reached Bogotá of negotiations being opened with
Central America, for constructing a canal across Nicaragua; and on the 24th
of March, a representation was made by Congress to the President on the
subject, who expressed a determination, dated 3rd May following, founded on
the Royal Order of San Lorenzo above cited, to assert the assumed rights of
New Granada to the whole territory, including St. John's River.
The Colombian Government has occasionally acknowledged the rights of
the Mosquito Chief to the territory comprised within the tract of country
named in the Royal Order of San Lorenzo; and in 1825, Lieutenant-Colonel
Goidot, a Frenchman, who afterwards served in Central America, went to the
Mosquito shore with a Colombian colonel to persuade the Mosquitos to declare
themselves dependent on Colombia. The King told them that the Spaniards
had never conquered the country, and that the Mosquitos were not subject to
Colombia; but being under English protection, he must refer them to the
Governor of Jamaica. -
In 1841, Antonio Escalano, the Commandant of St. Andrew, wrote to the
King of the Mosquitos, inquiring if certain fugitive slaves had arrived “at
Cape Gracias à Dios, appertaining to your territory,” and offering to pay the
expense of their return. - y
The boundaries of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala, and the Viceroyalty
of Santa Fé, which subsequent events consequent upon their independence of
Spain, have not changed, are described by Domingo Juarros in his “History of
Guatemala,” a work containing much valuable information, being for the most
part a compilation of ancient official records. He says that the jurisdiction of
the Royal Audiencia and Chancery of Guatemala extended along the shores
of the Atlantic, from the coast of Belize in the Bay of Honduras, to the Escudo
de Veragua, and on the Pacific coast from the bar of the River Paredon in the
Province of Soconusco, to the mouth of the River Boruca in that of Costarica.
The River Chilillo was its boundary towards Oaxaca, and it extended to
the district of Chiriqui towards the south-east, where the jurisdiction of Santa
Fé terminated.
The Collection of the Laws of the Indies fix the respective limits of the
ancient Kingdom of Guatemala, and of the Viceroyalty of Santa Fé and New
Granada; and the dispositions which established the Governments of these
sections of America could not be altered by a simple order of the Minister of
War, while, as I have before stated, to make a political and jurisdictional change
in the administration of the country, it was essential to consult the Supreme
Council of the Indies, whose sanction, if given, would have been communicated in
the customary form to the President and Oidors of this Captaincy-General for
its fulfilment. However it appears that soon after the representation of the
Captain-General of Guatemala upon the inconveniences of the proposed
measure, the state of affairs in the Peninsula prevented any further progress
in it; and no alteration of the previous regulations, even in the purely military
view contemplated by the Order of San Lorenzo, was ever made.
Besides the Law of the Indies and Juarros' work, which give the boundaries
of New Granada in the time of the Spaniards, Humboldt and other recent
authorities agree in fixing the limits of Colombia in the same way, and describe
it as consisting of sixteen provinces, without taking any notice of the Mosquito
coast between Cape Gracias à Dios and Chagres. - -
As to the exact line of boundary claimed by the King of Mosquito as
dividing his territory from the State of New Granada and from the States o
5
Central America, I am unable, as before stated, to give a positive reply; but I
find amongst my notes, that the “Act” of Allegiance to the Hereditary Prince
Frederick (crowned at Belize, 18th January, 1816, eldest son of the former
King George, and brother to Robert Charles Frederick, crowned in Belize 23rd
April, 1825, lately deceased), signed by Prince Stephen, King Regent, and the
Chiefs and people of the Mosquito coast at Woolang, 14th November, 1815,”
describes the southern Mosquito shore as comprising the several townships from
Wanks River to Boca del Toro. *
This Act, of which I regret I have no copy, probably exists in the Colonial
Office. However, in 1839 the Mosquito King issued a notice to persons trading
at Moin or Matina, which was sent to the Government of the State of Costarica
by its officer there, and published in the official gazette, asserting his right of
sovereignty to the port, and forbidding the payment of either import duties or
port charges to the Costarica Government.
In a letter from Colonel Macdonald, Her Majesty's Superintendent in
Honduras, to the New Granada Agent at Boca del Toro, dated on board Her
Majesty’s ship “Tweed,” August 19, 1841, Colonel Macdonald states that
the object of his visit to the coast is to communicate a message from the
the Queen of England to the Mosquito King, and to ascertain the proper limits
of the Mosco dominions. He hopes “as this place (Boca del Toro) is disputed
territory, and the greater part of the inhabitants are of English origin or con-
nexion, and first located themselves under the protection of the Mosquito King,
that the New Granadian authorities will carefully avoid any act prejudicial to
British subjects, which may embroil Granada with Great Britain.”
I annex a memorandum on the nature and object of the trading licences
issued by Colombia some years ago, lest that Government should now desire to
argue, although they did not apply to the Mosquito shore, or to places west-
ward of Boca del Toro, that the power of issuing them implied a right of
sovereignty on the coast over which they extended.
In addition to the preceding, I request to annex extracts from Roberts’
Marrative, a plain work, evidently the result of personal observation in the
countries it describes. They relate to the occasional levy of tribute by vessels
under the authority of the Mosquito Chief; and on the alleged acknowledgment
of native tribes along the coast, the proof of right to the territory southward of
St. John's River is considered to rest.
The nautical missions of the Mosquito King have extended to King Bup-
pam's Rock, which, from what I can learn, is situated at the southern
extremity of the Island Escudo de Veragua, in lat. Sº 46° 33’ north, long, 81°
27' 15" west.
In my opinion the line of boundary which Her Majesty's Government
should insist upon as absolutely essential to the well-being of the Mosquito
State, is that tract of sea-board situated between the right bank of the River
Román, where several English mahogany works are established (but which are
much annoyed and harassed by the undue interference of the Honduras Govern-
ment), and the left bank of the River St. John, an extent of territory, it is
asserted, that the Mosquito Indians have, ever since the country was known
to Europeans, possessed and used without any other people whatsoever inter-
fering with their native right of doing so. - A
Various reports upon the boundaries of the Mosquito shore, the condition
of the people, and the number of the settlements exist, showing the correctness
of these limits; and the historian Juarros, whose testimony cannot be doubted
in such a matter, describes two provinces peopled by uncivilized Indians, as
lying between the Provinces of Comayagua and Nicaragua, which he says
extend along the Atlantic coast from the River Aguán or Román to that of
St. John.
The Government of New Granada, in soliciting Her Majesty's Govern-
ment to entertain a discussion with it upon the boundary of Mosquito, evidently
aims at obtaining the powerful sanction of Great Britain to territorial preten-
sions of considerable magnitude, embracing an extent of upwards of eighty
leagues of sea-board from Cape Gracias à Dios to St. John’s River, and involving
the suppression of the small State of Costarica along the entire Atlantic coast,
* See page 46.
6
with a view to place under the controul of New Granada the navigation of the
River St. John, and consequently of the Lakes of Nicaragua and the intended
ship-canal, so as to render it impossible for any one at any time to undertake
the connexion of the two oceans by means of the River St. John and the Lake
of Nicaragua, without its previous concurrence and co-operation. " *-
It will be essential that New Granada should prove that these rights or
pretensions to an extent of territory beyond the Chiriquí River (its divisorial
line in the Spanish time) to the westward, rest on something more solid than
the Royal Order of San Lorenzo of November 30, 1803, or that such order was
not a purely military measure recommended by local circumstances, and that it
was a political measure commanded by necessity and duly enforced.
Without this Her Majesty’s Government cannot, I apprehend, without
inconveniently committing itself, acknowledge the rights assumed by New
Granada in this instance to a territory over which it has no legitimate claim,
and over which another party has a title of some weight.
Moreover, looking at the probable destinies of these countries, considerable
advantages might accrue in after-times by reserving for settlement with Central
America or Costarica (the only proper parties), the rights of Mosquito beyond
St. John's River, since the line of boundary between New Granada at its
Province of Veragua and Costarica, must be held to stop at the River Chiriquí.
In the event of proofs being laid before your Lordship by others, of the
Mosquito Chief’s right along the coast eastward of the River St. John to the
Escudo of Veragua or King Buppam's Rock, they will help to confirm the
ideas I have endeavoured to express. In the meanwhile, considerable benefit
would result to British interests by an early assertion for Mosquito of his
clear right to the territory contained within the limits of the Román River on
the west, and the River St. John on the east.
Inclosure 1 in No. 5.
Royal Order of San Lorenzo of November 20, 1803.
Real Orden del Gobierno Español sobre separacion del Reyno de Guate-
mala de la Costa de Mosquito desde Cabo de Gracias ā Dios inclusive hacia
el Rio Chagres, é incorporacion àl nuevo Reyno de Granada.
San Lorenzo, 20 de Noviembre de 1803.
LA Junta de Fortificaciones y Defensa de Indias en consultas de 2 de
Setiembre y 21 de Octubre àltimos, ha espuesto su parecer, sobre el fomento,
poblacion, y defensa de las Islas de San Andres, su segregacion y de la parte
de la Costa de Mosquitos que se extiende desde el Cabo de Gracias à Dios
inclusive acia el Rio Chagres, de esa Capitania General, é incorporacion àl nuevo
Reyno de Granada; y habiéndose conformado el Rey en el dictamen de la
Junta, paso a vuestra Señoria de orden de Su Magestad (como igualmente al
Virrey del espresado reyno) copia de dichas Consultas para su inteligencia y
cumplimento en la parte que le toca.
Dios guarde, &c. (Firmado) SOLER.
Señor Capitan-General de Guatemala.
(Translation.)
Royal Order of the Spanish Government respecting the separation from
the Kingdom of Guatemala of the Mosquito shore, from Cape Gracias à Dios
inclusive, towards the River Chagres, and its incorporation with the new King-
dom of Granada. -
San Lorenzo, November 20, 1803.
THE Committee of Fortifications and Defence of the Indies, in a meeting of
the 2nd of September and 21st October last, reported upon the support, popu-
lation, and defence of the Islands of Saint Andrew, their separation, and of the
7
part of the Mosquito shore which extends from Cape Gracias à Dios inclusive
towards the River Chagres, belonging to your Captaincy-General, and incor-
poration to the new Kingdom of Granada. And the King having approved
of the report of the Committee, I transmit to your Excellency (as also to the
Viceroy of the said kingdom) copy of the said resolutions for your information,
and their execution in the part that concern you. { -
.. (Signed) SOLER.
The Captain-General of Guatemala. -
Inclosure 2 in No. 5.
Royal Order of San Lorenzo of November 30, 1803.
Orden Real en que el Rey de España resuelve que la Isla de San Andres,
y la parte de la Costa de Mosquitos desde el Cabo de Gracias à Dios inclusive
hacia el Rio Chagres, queden segregadas de la Capitania-General de Guatemala
y dependiente del Virreynato de Santa Fé. -
Exmo. Señor, San Lorenzo, 30 de Noviembre de 1803.
EL Señor Don José Antonio Caballero me dice en officio de 20 del presente
mes, lo siguiente:—
Exmo. Señor,
- El Rey ha resuelto que las Islas de San Andrés y la parte de la
costa de Mosquitos desde el Cabo de Gracias ā Dios inclusive hacia el Rio
Chagres, queden segregadas de Pa Capitania-General de Guatemala, y depen-
dientes del Virreynato de Santa Fé; y se ha servido Su Magestad conceder
ăl Gobernador de las espresadas islas, Don Tomas O’Neill, el sueldo de 2000
pesos fuertes en lugar de los mily quinientos que actualmente disfruta. Lo
aviso 4 Vuestra Excelencia de real orden, ä fin de que por el ministerio de su
cargo se espidan las que corresponden en cumplimiento de esta soberana reso-
lucion. La que traslado à vuestra Excelencia de orden de Su Magestad, para
su debido cumplimento. - -
- Dios guarde, &c. (Firmado) SOLER.
Señor Virrey de Santa Fé. - -
(Translation.)
Royal Order, by which the King of Spain resolves that the Island of Saint
Andrew, and the part of the Mosquito shore from Cape Gracias ā Dios inclusive
towards the River Chagres, shall be separated from the Captaincy-General of
Guatemala, and annexed to the Viceroyalty of Santa Fé.
Most excellent Sir, * .. San Lorenzo, November 30, 1803.
Don José Antonio Caballero, in a letter of the 20th instant, informs me
thus:– -
Most excellent Sir, -
The King has resolved that the Islands of Saint Andrew and the part of
the Mosquito shore from Cape Gracias à Dios inclusive towards the River
Chagres, shall be separated from the Captaincy-General of Guatemala, and
annexed to the Viceroyalty of Santa Fé. And His Majesty has been pleased to
grant to the Governor of the said islands, Don Tomas O'Neill, a salary of
2000 dollars a-year, instead of the 1500 which he at present enjoys. By royal
order I acquaint your Excellency, that the ministry in your charge should take
the necessary steps for the fulfilment of this sovereign mandate; all which I
state to you by His Majesty's command, for its due execution. ~ 2- - - -
- (Signed) SOLER,
To the Vice-Roy of Santa Fé.
Inclosure 3 in No. 5.
Report of the Committee of Fortifications.
Informe que la Junta de Fortificaciones de Indias de Madrid dá al Rey de
España sobre las representaciones del Gobernador de San Andres, Don Tomas
O'Neilli, que por su laudable zelo en fomentar en aquella isla la cosecha de
algodon, por lo que es no solo acredor al grado de Teniente-Coronel que
solicita, sino á que se le aumente el sueldo de 2000 pesos annuales.
Señor, Madrid, 20 de setiembre de 1803.
CON atenta reflexion ha examindo la Junta de Fortificaciones y Defensas
de Indias las representaciones del Gobernador de las Islas de San Andres y de
sus vecinos de 5 de Diciembre ultimo, remitidas al examen de esa Junta por
Real Orden de 26 de Agosto proximo pasado. El lenguage de las expresadas
representaciones tiene todas las señales que caracterizan la verdad, el candor y la
rectitud, por lo que juzgó la Junta que aquel Gobernador Don Tomas O’Neilli,
que á esfuerzos de su laudable Zelo ha sabido fomentar tanto aquella isla que sin
dispendio alguno del real erario ascienden ya sus cosechas en este año á 4000
quintales de algodon, es acredor no solo al grado de Teniente-Coronel que
solicita, sino tambien á que se le aumente el sueldo hasta los 2000 pesos
annuales por su recomendable desinteres, segun manifiestan aquellos colonos, y
por la necesidad que tiene de proveerse de Cartagena hasta de la sal y demas
gastos á que se ve precisado hacer; pero convendrá que se le prevenga que por
ahora es util su permanencia en aquel destino y que mas adelante se le concederá
el año que solicita de licencia, para que con su permanencia en la actualidad
acabe de consolidar y arreglar las leyes municipales de la isla que sean mas
analogas y adaptables á las circunstancias y aumentar el fomento de aquellos
leales vasallos exitandolos al cultivo, no solo de algodon, si tambien al de los
granos y semillas utiles para el alimento, contribuyendo igüalmente á la con-
version al catolicismo de aquellos vecinos que tan dispuestos se hallan á abra-
zarlo, destinando para esto con la possible brevedad el parroco y un Teniente
cura que con tanta instancia y justicia pide O'Neilli, pero que sea uno de ellos
Irlandes ó inteligente en el idioma Ingles para poderse entender con aquellos
habitantes, con la dotacion correspondiente de treinta pesos mensuales acostum-
brada en otros destinos semejantes, sugetandolos al Obispo de Cartagena de
quien facilmente pueden recibir los auxilios eclesiasticos que necesiten, especi-
almente para la construccion del templo y correspondientes ornamentos.
Tambien es justo que la Junta de Real Hacienda de Guatemala reintegre
cuanto antes á O'Neilli los 375 pesos que hallandose comisionado de Coman-
dante de Trujillo en el año de 1800 desembolso con piadoso y eficaz zelo para
rescatar los vasos sagrados y ornamentos que se llevaron los Indios Mosquitos en
la sorpresa de Rio Tinto y que remitió O'Neilli á Guatemala siendo bastante
estraño que haya andado tan omisa aquella Junta en reintegrar esta cantidad
investida en tan digno objecto. -
Es igualmente interesante y de bastante consecuencia el que se envie á
Cartagena ú otra parte un maestro de primeras letras, para que mas facil y
brevemente se aprenda y entienda entre aquellos naturales el idioma Español, y
los niños ya bautizados, y que se vayan bautizando, tengan mas proporcion de
instruirse en los dogmas de muestra sagrada religion. Por que es bien patente
lo mucho que puede influir la diversidad de idiomas (y mas en una isla pequeña
é indefensa,) para no considerarse al nivel de los demas vasallos de vuestra
Magestad en el amor, lealtad y respeto con que deben conservarse; el cual con
esta diligencia, y las demas prevenciones ya referidas es muy probable que se
arraigue mas y mas en sus corazones dociles, obedientes y fieles, de que ya
tienen dadas algunas pruebas, como se puede inferir de haberse sostenido por si
solos los tres años que durante la ultima guerra con la Inglaterra, ha tenido el
Comandante-General de Guatemala comisionado fuera de la isla al Gobernador
O’Neilli. »º k :
Quien por estar mejor enterado que otro alguno de las perdidas y atrazos
que su larga ausiencia y la guerra hayan ocasionado á aquellos colonos, podrá
informar sobre la solicitud que estos hacen del tiempo que en razon y justicia
pueden permanecer exentos de derechos de importacion y exportacion, siempre
que esta no sea para los extrangeros, para que con este conocimiento pueda
resolver Su Magestad lo que mas convenga y prorrogarles la exepcion de
derechos el tiempo que parezca justo. Y para evitar el largo atrazo que habian
de experimentar en recibir la respuesta si fuere por la via de Guatemala, será
conveniente que dirija por la de Cartagena, de donde mas facil y brevemente
pueden recibirla por la menor distancia á que se halla situada la isla de aquel
puerto á donde por esta razon envian sus efectos los colonos.
Aunque parece que la Junta deteniendose tan de intento en tratar de los
puntos ya expresados, se separa y desentiende de su principal instituto én hablar
de lo correspondiente á la defensa, no lo juzga asi, y antes bien considera
que en una colonia naciente el buen arreglo de todos sus ramos contribuye
mucho á la defensa por el indispensable enlace que todos deben tener entre si, y
por que sin el fomento de la agricultura y artes, no es posible que se aumente
la poblacion, la cual teniendo leyes y reglamentos aprobados por el Virrey de
Santa Fé, que una sus individuos en gustosa y agradable sociedad, y medios
suficientes de que poder subsistir, subministrará mas adelante brazos que la
defiendan y rentas con que sostenerlos, y aumentar las del real erario.
La defensa, pues, é incremento de la Isla de San Andres, es no poco
importante por que hallandose situada á los 12 grados y medio de latitud norte,
distante poco mas de cien leguas de Cartagena, y unas cuarenta de las costas
del Reyno de Guatemala, y embocadura del Rio de San Juan de Nicaragua,
ofrece una excelente escala y punto de apoyo para sostener y atender á los
utiles establecimientos de la desierta costa de Mosquitos, y fomentar con el
tiempo los que en ella propuso nuevamente la Junta en el Cabo de Gracias á
Dios y Bahia de Bluefields en la consulta que pasó á Su Magestad con fecha de
5 del proximo pasado Agosto. Pero para que esto tenga mejor y mas pronto
efecto, conviene que estos establecimientos hasta el del Cabo de Gracias á Dios
inclusive dependan del Virreynato de Santa Fé, cuyo Virrey debe depender
tambien en todos sus ramos (como lo estaban antes) las Islas de San Andres,
tanto por su mayor inmediacion, como por los prontos auxilios maritimos que
pueden recibir, para lo cual tendrá el Virrey las ordenes dadas al Comandante
del apostadero de Cartagena cuyo Gobernador deberá tener igualmente instruc-
cion y facultades del Virrey para facilitarlos segun lo exijan las circunstancias y
para que pueda pedirselos y entenderse con él en derechura el Gobernador de
San Andres, á quien es muy conducente que se le envie en los terminos que
solicita el destacamento de los treinta hombres de acreditada honradez, con un
sargenta y dos ó tres cabos y las correspondientes municiones, y un buen sub-
alterno que sepa, si es posible, el idioma Ingles, y que imite y aprenda las buenas
maximas de O'Neilli, de quien ha de ser su segundo, para mandar en falta suya
las islas, y aun será de mayor ventaja si este destacamento de gente escojida se
establece fijo en la isla en donde el soldado que se case con muger pudiente
debe darsele su licencia absoluta para que aumente el numero de los colonos,
pidiendo en este caso su reemplazo á Cartagena, con lo cual se irá fomentando
en aquellos naturales el amor al servicio militar para cuando llegue el tiempo de
que puedan formarse unas proporcionadas milicias de su vecindario que con-
stando la isla principal de unas diez leguas cuadradas, podrá llegar á ascender
en pocos años á mas de cuarenta mil habitantes; bien que será con el padrastro,
de que muchos de ellos sean negros y mulatos, por el crecido numero de
esclavos que ya hoy establecidos en el dia, por cuya sujecion en la debida
sumision, es tambien alli util el indicado destacamento, del cual si alguno se
casa con muger que no tenga bienes, podrá continuar de soldado el tiempo de
su empeño; la cual regulacion de si la muger es pobre ó rica, será asunto
peculiar del Gobernador de la isla el determinarlo.
Aun cuando las razones expresadas y relaciones mercantiles que los vecinos
de San Andres tienen con los de Cartagena no fuesen suficientes para que
aquellas islas sean dependientes del Virreynato de Santa Fé, su situacion local
las imposibilita que dependan de la Gobernacion de Guatemala de donde no
pueden en ningun caso ni circunstancias recibir socorro alguno por ser mucha la
distancia á que se hallan y la mayor parte de ella tenerse que andar por caminos
dificiles de transitar, siendo esto tan evidente que la Junta de Guatemala
resolvio en el año de 97 que no pudiendose auxiliar la Isla de San Andres,
quedase su Gobernador O'Neilli en el continente hasta la paz, dejando la isla
enteramente abandonada; y asi es que para la correspondencia incierta y poco
10
segura desde San Andres à Guatemala se necesitan de seis à siete meses cuando
todas las semanas pueden tenerla de Cartagena. Estas mismas razones militan
con corta diferencia por lo que respecta à los insinuados establecimientos de la
costa de Mosquitos, y asi no es facil que progresen, no estando unidos y depen-
dientes al Virreynato de Santa Fé; siendo, Señor, indudable que la multiplica-
cion de estos voluntarios establecimientos es el medio mas eficaz y poderoso,
domesticar, 6 exterminar á los Indios bravos que llegados à separar de las costas
se aniquilarian por si mismos, 6 por lo menos no podrian jamas unirse con los
Ingleses, sin que sirva de obstaculo que dependa de Guatemala la vigia de un
cabo y cuatro hombres en la embocadura del Rio de San Juan, por ser esta una
avanzada del Castillo de San Carlos situado Sobre este rio antes de llegar á la
Laguna de Nicaragua. . -
Este el modo de pensar de la Junta sobre las indicadas representaciones,
atendiendo unicamente en cuanto expone al mejor servicio de Su Magestad que
resolverá en un todo lo que fuere de Su Soberano agrado. -
(Firmado) DN, FRANCISCO GIL.
DN. FERNANDO DAVIS.
DN. JOSE WASALLO.
DN. FRANCISCO REQUENA.
DN. JOSE BETEGON.
DN. PEDRO CORTES.
DN. GERONIMO DE LA ROCHA Y FIGUEROA.
(Translation.)
REPORT of the Committee of Fortifications of the Indies in Madrid to
the King of Spain, upon the representation of the Governor of St. Andrew, Don
Tomas O'Neill, that, for his laudable zeal in promoting in the island the culture
of cotton, he is not only entitled to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel which he
solicits, but to an increase of pay to 2000 dollars a-year.
Sire, Madrid, September 20, 1803.
THE Committee of Fortifications and Defence of the Indies has carefully
examined the representations made by the Governor of the Islands of St. An-
drew on the 5th of December last, and sent to this committee by Royal Order of
the 26th of August. The tone of these representations bears every mark of
truth, candour, and sincerity, wherefore the Committee considers that the
Governor, Tomas O'Neill, who, with laudable zeal, has found means of
improving, without any drain on the public treasury, the island, so that its
products this year have afforded 4000 quintals of cotton, is entitled not only to
the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, which he solicits, but also to an increase of pay
to 2000 dollars a-year, in reward of his praiseworthy disinterestedness, as the
colonists declare, and because of the necessity of providing himself from Cartha-
gena with even the salt and other articles for his use. But it is expedient to
apprize him that for the present his continuance in office is essential; and that
on another occasion the year's leave he requests will be granted, in order that
by his stay now he may consolidate and arrange the municipal laws of the
island, as may be most suitable to its circumstances, and aid the endeavours of
those loyal vassals to cultivate not only cotton, but also the grains and fruit
necessary for their sustenance, contributing at the same time to the conversion to
Catholicism of those neighbours who are so well inclined to embrace it; imme-
diately appointing the rector, with an assistant curate, as O'Neill urgently
requests, but that one of the two should be an Irishman, or conversant with the
English language, to be able to communicate with those people, with a salary of
30 dollars a-month, as is usual in similar appointments, subject to the Bishop
of Carthagena, of whom the necessary ecclesiastical aid may be easily
obtained, especially for the construction of a temple and its appropriate orna-
ments. Further, it is just that the Royal Finance Committee at Guatemala
should repay instantly to O'Neill 375 dollars, which he, while Acting Com-
mandant of Truxillo in the year 1800, paid with pious and efficacious zeal for
the purposes of redeeming the sacred vases and ornaments which the Mosquito
Indians had carried offin a surprise upon the River Tinto, and which O’Neill
11
remitted to Guatemala; it being very strange that the junta should have been
so remiss as to omit reimbursing a sum devoted to such a worthy purpose.
It is equally interesting and of great importance that a master of primary
instruction should be sent to Carthagena or elsewhere, that the natives should
more easily acquire and understand the Spanish language, and that the children
baptized or to be baptized there have better opportunities of instruction in the
dogmas of our sacred religion.
It being obvious how much the diversity of languages may contribute
(especially in a small undefended island) to create a difference of equality among
the vassals of your Majesty in the love, loyalty, and respect which they ought
to observe, which, with this measure and others already mentioned, it is very
probable will more and more take root in their docile, obedient, and faithful
hearts, of which several proofs have already been afforded, as may be inferred from
their having maintained themselves three whole years unassisted, and during the
last war with England, when the Commandant-General in Guatemala had kept on
a commission out of the island the Governor O'Neill, who from being better
informed than any other person, of the losses and drawbacks which his long
absence and the war have occasioned to those colonists, can report respecting
the application which they make, and the time which in reason and justice they
should continue exempt from import and export duties, provided that such do
not apply to foreigners; in order that, with this information, your Majesty may
decide on what is best, and extend the period of their exemption from duties to
what may appear just. And to avoid the long delay which they would incur in
receiving the reply if it went by Guatemala, it would be proper to direct it by
Carthagena, from whence it may be more easily and speedily received, owing to
the shorter distance at which the island is placed from that port, and whither
for this reason the colonists send their produce.
Although it may seem that the committee, in dwelling so long upon the points
above mentioned, departs from and loses sight of its principal end, the considera-
tion of what concerns the defence, it does not so regard it; but rather that in a
nascent colony the good arrangement of all its branches contributes much to
its defence, by the indispensable connection that must exist amongst them all ;
and because, without fostering agriculture and the arts, it is impossible that the
population should increase, while the colony, having laws and regulations
approved by the Viceroy of Santa Fé, unites its individual inhabitants in pleasant
and agreeable community, and affording sufficient means for subsistence, will
at a future time supply hands to defend it, and revenues wherewith to maintain
them and to augment the royal treasury.
The defence, then, and the advancement of the Island of St. Andrew, is of
no little importance; for being situate in 124° of north latitude, distant little
more than 100 leagues from Carthagena, and some 40 from the coasts of the
Kingdom of Guatemala and from the mouth of the River San Juan de Nicaragua,
it offers an excellent port of call and point d'appui to protect and attend to the
useful establishments on the desert coast of Mosquito, and to encourage in due
time those which the committee has proposed anew to place in Cape Gracias à
Dios and Bay of Bluefields in the memorial which it presented to your Majesty
dated 5th August last; but that this should have better and speedier effect, it is
necessary that those establishments as far as that of Cape Gracias à Dios inclu-
sive be made dependent on the Viceroyalty of Santa Fé, the Viceroy of which
should defend in every respect as heretofore, the Islands of St. Andrew, as much
by reason of its greater proximity as by the prompt maritime assistance which
it might receive; for which the Viceroy will give the necessary order to the
commander of the station of Carthagena, whose Governor ought likewise to
receive instructions and powers from the Viceroy to Succour them as circum-
stances may require, and that the Governor of St. Andrew may ask such assist-
ance and treat directly with him.
It is highly proper that the Governor of St. Andrew should receive agree-
ably to his solicitation the detachment of thirty men of known honour, with a
sergeant and two or three corporals, and the corresponding ammunition ; also a
good subaltern, acquainted if possible with the English language, who should
imitate and learn the good maxims of O'Neill, whose second he ought to be, to
command the islands in his absence. And moreover it would be of the utmost
advantage that this detachment of picked men were permanently established in
the island, in which a soldier marrying a respectable woman should receive his
12
full discharge, in order to increase the number of colonists, his place being
supplied by another from Carthagena. Thus would the love for the military
service be gradually promoted amongst the natives against the period when a
fitting militia might be formed on the spot; while the principal island containing
some ten leagues square, the number of inhabitants might amountin a few years
to upwards of 40,000, although it be with the obstacle that many of them would
be negroes and mulattoes, from the increased number of slaves which are now
established there, for whose due subjection the before-mentioned detachment
would also be useful. And if a soldier should marry a woman who has no
property, he may continue his service for the period of his engagement; the
regulation respecting the woman's being poor or rich should be subject to the
pleasure of the governor of the island. - -
Even were the reasons above expressed and the commercial relations of
the inhabitants of St. Andrew with Carthagena an insufficient reason for making
those islands dependent on the Viceroyalty of Santa Fé, their local position
renders it impossible they should depend on Guatemala, from whence they
could not in any case or circumstances receive succour, owing to their great
distance, the greater part by roads difficult of transit. This was so evident that
the Junta of Guatemala resolved in the year 1797, being unable to send assist-
ance to the Island of St. Andrew, its Governor O'Neill should remain on the
main land until the peace, leaving the island entirely abandoned. It thus
happens that the uncertain and insecure communication between St. Andrew
and Guatemala occupies six or seven months, whilst every week they might
hold it with Carthagena. -
The same reasons apply with little difference to what respects the proposed
establishments on the Mosquito shore, and it is not likely they would progress
if not united to and dependent on the Viceroyalty of Santa Fé; it being
undoubted, Sire, that the multiplication of these voluntary establishments is the
most efficacious and powerful means for domesticating or exterminating the
savage Indians, who, once separated from the coast, would be annihilated by
each other, or at least could never join themselves to the English. Nor would
this form any obstacle to the dependence on Guatemala of the guard composed
of a corporal and four other men at the mouth of the River San Juan, that
being an advanced post of the Castle of San Carlos, situated on the same river
near the entrance to the Lake of Nicaragua.
Such is the opinion of the Committee on the above-mentioned representa-
tions, looking solely to the better service of your Majesty, who will resolve
according to your sovereign pleasure. - º • *,
(Signed) DN. FRANCISCO GIL.
- DN. FERNANDO DAVIS,
DN. JOSE WASALLO.
DN. FRANCISCO REQUENA.
T) N. JOSE BETEGON.
DN. PEDRO CORTES. -
DN. GERONIMO DE LA ROCHA Y FIGUEROA.
*
Inclosure 4 in No. 5.
Report of the Committee of Fortifications.
Señor, - - Madrid, 21 de Octubre de 1803.
LA Junta de Fortificaciones y Defensa de Indias, en consulta de-3 de
Setiembre proximo pasado, manifestó cuan utily conveniente seria que las Islas
de San Andres para su formento y conservacion dependiesen del Virreynato de
Santa Fé por que la suma distancia a que se hallan de Guatemala y lo despo-
blado de aquella provincia por las costas del mar del norte y grande asperaza de
sus caminos, no les permiten recibir Socorros ni auxilios de ella en mingun tiempo
(como la experiencia lo tiene acreditado) ni aun en el de paz si no es con
grandes dificultades y muy costosos y perjudiciales retardos, y por el contrario
la cercanía é que se hallan de Cartagena, cuya distancia es de unas cien leguas,
con los vientos de travesia y terrales que frecuentemente reinan, les proporciona
con facilidad, brevedad y poco costo cuantos auxilios puedan necesitar para Su
13
feliz y rapido incremento. Y como la desierta costa de Mosquitos que se halla
en frente de estas islas desde el Castillo de Chagres hasta el Cabo de Gracias á
Dios que dista cuarenta leguas de ellas, tiene con corta diferencia las mismas
dificultades para no poder mantener comunicacion ni recibir socorros de Guate-
mala, y como por otro lado podia producir grandes ventajas su problacion para
domesticar y reducir los Indios Mosquitos y acabar por este medio de exterminar
por el pronto con alguna lentitud el comercio que siempre han mantenido con
los Ingleses, por lo tanto atendiendo al mejor servicio de vuestra Magestad
propuso la Junta en 5 de Agosto ultimo, como tambien con mas particularidad
en la indicada consulta de 3 de Setiembre anterior lo util que seria problar la
mencionada costa y que quedase dependiente por las razones insinuadas del
Virreynato de Santa Fé para que por Cartagena pudiesen fomentarse sus esta-
blecimientos sin gastos de la Real Hacienda pues los colonos que fuesen aclima-
tados en aquellos paises habian de ir voluntariamente movidos del libre comercio
que se les permitiese á los que se estableciesen en la referica costa hasta Cabo
de Gracias á Dios inclusive. Pero habiendo la Junta hablado por incidencia de
estos establecimientos, no esplicó ní desenvolvió bastantemente su pensamiento,
lo que ha ofrecido para su verificacion algunas fundadas dudas, segun manifiesta
la Real Orden de 25 del proximo Setiembre. - .
“Por la cual se sirve vuestra Magestad prevenir que para resolver la
segregacion de los establecimientos de la costa de Mosquitos de la Capitania-
General de Guatemala, y su incorporacion y dependencia del Virreynato de
Santa Fé, explique la Junta como ha de entenderse y verificarse dicha separacion
teniendo presente que el reyno de Guatemala puede ser invadido por el Rio de
San Juan que desagua aquella costa, y que los Ingleses lo verificaron en la
guerra que se declaró el año de 78 y feneció en el de 83 auxiliados de los Indios
Moscos y Zambos, y en la pasada guerra tomaron tambien el puerto de Trujillo,
aunque fueron luego arrojados de él, por consiguiente parece que la defensa de
dicho reyno es inseparable de las atenciones de la indicada costa.
“Que en la guarnicion de aquellos establecimientos se emplean en tiempo
de paz diez y nueve oficiales y ciento cincuenta hombres del regimiento fijo de
Guatemala diez y seis oficiales, y quinientos hombres de milicias que se relevan
cada cuatro meses, y que aun se deben formar otros establecimientos que será
preciso guarnecer.
“Que para remediar la desolucion que ha causado en aquel rey no este
servicio de los milicianos en un clima enfermiso, y la diminucion del regimiento
fijo con otros graves inconvenientes que se han tocado desde el año 86 nombró
vuestra Magestad un sub-inspector á fin de que este arreglase las milicias, viese
el modo de formar compañias fijas para los establecimientos con las cuales
escusandose los destacamientos que dá el regimiento fijo, pueda reducirse este
cuerpo á un solo batallon en que el numero de plazas que ha sido siempre muy
bajo por falta de gente, guarde proporcion con el de los oficiales, y se mantenga
siempre reunido para atender con las milicias á la defensa y quietud de todo el
reyno; y que así mismo se vea sí será posible escusar ó aliviar el penoso
servicio que hacen los milicianos que con el alistamiento general de todos los
habitantes de las provincias inmediatas á la costa ha causado su despoblacion.
“Que el sub-inspector ha desempeñado parte de su comision en el arreglo
de las milicias y plan para reducion del regimiento proponiendo el que juzgaba
mas conveniente á la defensa que ha sido aprobado por vuestra Magestad
conforme al dictamen del Señor Generalisimo, y continua dicho sub-inspector
trabajando en los demas objetos ne su encargo.
“Que sea que subsistan los destacamentos del fijo y de los milicianos para
guarnecer los expresados establecimientos ó que se formen compañias fijas para
ellos, lo que solo podrá conseguirse con el discurso del tiempo, si es que se
consigue con gente del pais, es menester ver, dependiendo dichos establecimi-
entos del Reyno de Santa Fé, como podrá aquel mando llenar estos objetos, y
atender en las extraordinarias occurrencias de invasion enemiga, ó alboroto de
los Indios á la quietud y defensa de la costa de Mosquitos.
“Que teniendo el nuevo Reyno de Granada muy poca tropa veterana para
su propia defensa, no parece posible pueda enviará la costa de Mosquitos la
que se requiere para guarnecer sus establecimientos en tiempo de paz, y mucho
menos aun los esfuerzos necesarios en el de guerra; y por lo que respecta á los
quinientos milicianos, no seria justo obligará este servicio á los del nuevo Reyno
de Granada, ní la Real Hacienda podria soportar el gasto de los transportes y
14
continuos relevos de estas tropas, las cuales se mantienen á racion en los esta-
blecimientos y en tiempo de guerra en la Inglaterra ú otra Potencia maritima en
que los buques guarda-costa no pueden recorrer y visitar con libertad la de
Mosquitos quedarian abandonados, y sin mas recursos para su subsistencia que
los que se les facilitasen de lo interior del reyno, cuyo Gobierno no tendria
conocimiento de sus necesidades. - y º
“El convenio con los Indios, los regalos que se les suministran, el fomento
de los pobladores del comercio libre que por otro expediente ha propuesto la
Junta se les conceda, y el aumento de empleados de Real Hacienda que se
necesitan, habiendo de depender del Virreynato de Santa Fé y rendir allí sus
cuentas, presenta tambien al parecer no pequeños obstaculos. *s
“Seria así mismo indispensable debiendo llevarse á efecto la segregacion
que el Capitan-General de Guatemala pase al Virrey de Santa Fé copia de todas
las providencias y reales resoluciones que se le han comunicado relativas á los
establecimientos de dicha costa desde que por la Convencion de 86 la evacuaron
los Ingleses. »
“Hecha cargo la Junta de estas dificultades es la voluntad de vuestra
Magestad exponga sí las considerase de algun merito su dictamen al Señor
Generalisimo para la resolucion conveniente.” n
La Junta que con particular desvelo aspira solo como es debido á la
honrosa satisfaccion de ser util en lo que le sea posible al servicio de vuestra
Magestad ha reflexionado con cuidadosa atencion la Real Orden que queda
copiada, para cuyo puntual cumplimiento ha recapacitado de nuevo cuanto
tiene expuesto en las dos citadas consultas á que se refiere la expresada Real
Orden :— . • -
“En la primera propuso que seria muy oportuno se procurase estimular
con privilegios y exepciones á las gentes ya atemperadas en aquellos enfermizos
climas de Guatemala y Santa Fé que quisiesen pasar voluntariamente en el
Cabo de Gracias á Dios y Bahia de Bluefields sin limitarles punto fijo ni
exijirles derechos por la exportacion de sus generos, ní limitarlos á puntos
prefijados, para que de este modo sin dispendios del erario se pudiese ir pro-
blando aquello desierta costa, permitiendo en ella el comercio libre á todos los
vasallos de vuestra Mgestad que quieran emprenderlo, y comerciar con los
Indios, comprandoles el carey y el oro en polvo que estos recojen. « a
“Y aunque desde luego comprendido que para el fomento de los insinuados
establecimientos en la parte de costa que se comprende desde la desembocadura
del Rio Chagres hasta el Cabo de Gracias á Dios seria ventajosa y oportuno que
dependiesen del Virreynato de Santa Fé para que pudiesen auxiliarse y tener
su comunicacion por Cartagena de Indias; sin embargo lo propuso entonces
por que para vencer con discrecion y acierto las primeras dificultades que son
comunes regularmente en estos casos, se necesitaba un sujeto constantemente
Zeloso que fuese á proposito para semejante desempeño, y que hubiese ademas
un cercano punto de apoyo aun mas inmediato que el de Cartagena, desde
donde poder acalorar, animar, y dirijir á los primeros colonos. Y como en el
expediente promovido por el Gobernador y vecinos de la Isla de San Andres,
reconoció la Junta en el incremento y situacion de esta y en la experimentada
prudencia de aquel las disposiciones mas oportunas para poder verificarse y
llevar al cabo la problacion de los referidos voluntarios establecimientos, por lo
tanto en la segunda consulta de las ya citadas, expuso que hallandose “ dicha
isla situada á los doce grados y medio de latitud norte distante poco mas de
cien leguas de Cartagena, y unas cuarenta de las costas de Guatemala, y embo-
cadura del Rio de San Juan de Nicaragua, ofrece una exelente escala y punto
de apoyo para sostener y atender á los utiles establecimientos de la desierta
costa de Mosquitos, y fomentar con el tiempo los que en ella propuso nueva-
mente la Junta en el Cabo de Gracias á Dios y Bahia de Bluefields en la consulta
que pasó á vuestra Magestad con fecha de 5 del proximo pasado Agosto. Pero
para que esto tengo mejor y mas pronto efecto, conviene que estos estableci-
mientos hasta el del Cabo de Gracias á Dios inclusive, dependan del Virreynato
de Santa Fé.” Y mas adelante añadió despues de demostrar los poderosos
motivos en que se fundaba para opinar que las Islas de San Andres dependiesen
del nuevo Reyno de Granada, y no de Guatemala. “Que estas mismas razones
militan con corta diferencia por lo que respecta á los insinuados establecimientos
de la costa de Mosquitos, y así no es facil que progresen no estando unidos y
dependientes al Virreynato de Santa Fé. Siendo, Señor, indudable que la mul-
tiplicacion de estos voluntarios establecimientos es el medio mas eficaz y
poderoso de someter, domesticar, y exterminar á los Indios bravos que llegados
á separar de las costas se aniquilarian por si mismos, ó por lo menos no podrian
jamas unirse con los Ingleses, sin que sirva de obstaculo que dependa de
Guatemala, la vigia de un cabo y cuatro hombres en la embocadura del Rio de
San Juan, por ser esta avanzada del Castillo de San Carlos situado sobre este
rio antes de llegar á la Laguna de Nicaragua.” s
En todos estos discursos no ha intentado la junta incluir á Rio Tinto, ni
mingun otro establecimiento que se acerque mas al Golfo de Honduras, por que
aunque con trabajo y largas dilaciones, pueden al fin comunicarse con lo interior
de Guatemala, y así no hay necesidad de innovar por ahora sus guarniciones,
calidad de ellas, y tiempo ó estaciones de sus relevos que haya arreglado el sub-
inspector Abarca. Pero desde Cabo de Gracias á Dios inclusive, caminando por
aquella costa hasta el Rio Chagres, es sumamente mas dificultosa y penosa la
comunicacion con Guatemala por ser mayor su distancia, mas dificiles y des-
conocidos los paros de los rios, y mas asperos é impenetrables (por menos fre-
cuentados) sus senderos y lo que es mas ocupados estos enteramente por los
Indios Mosquitos, sin cuya anuencia no es posible exponerse á tener por tierra
comunicacion con dicha costa, por todo lo cual los habitantes de ella no podian
esperar ni recibir ningun socorro de Guatemala aun cuando este Gobierno
llegase á tener conocimiento de sus necesidades; y como en el dia se halla esta
parte de costa deshabitada y desierta, resulta que para agregarla al Virreynato
de Santa Fé, no hay en la realidad segregacion que hacer de la gobernacion de
Guatemala á exepcion del reducido numero de habitantes que talves puede
haber avecindados en el Cabo de Gracias á Dios, quedando las armas y muni-
ciones del modo que luego se dirá, se evita el indecible trabajo con que en la
actualidad irá á guarnecerlo la tropa veterana ó miliciana que se comisione
á este efecto, si es que efectivamente se envia al intento algun destacamento.
De lo dicho se infiere que ningun perjuicio resulta de la precitada segrega-
cion (en los terminos que la junta ha propuesto) al Reyno de Guatemala ni aun
se necesita que su Capitan-General se tome la corta incomodidad de remitir al
Virrey del nuevo Reyno de Granada la copia de las providencias y reales resolu-
ciones relativas á los establecimientos de la costa de Rio Tinto y Roatan desde
que por la Convencion de 86 la evacuaron los Ingleses, por que como va ya
expuesto la Junta no ha intentado incluir en la enunciada segregacion estos
establecimientos; pero nunca estará demas que al Vierrey de Santa Fé se le
envie una copia de la indicada Convencion á fin de que puedan tener el debido
conocimiento de ella los guarda—costas que han de salir de Cartagena annual-
mente á recorrer toda la costa, tanto la desierta de Mosquitos como su continua-
cion desde el Cabo Gracias á Dios por el Golfo de Honduras para Zelar que los
Ingleses cumplan la dicha Convencion, eviten los contrabandos, y puedan
ayudar contra los Indios bravos ó salvajes á los antiguos establecimientos,
igualmente que á los que puedan irse aumentando en aquella parte.
Tampoco pueden estos establecimientos ocasionar perjuicio al nuevo Reyno
de Granada, pues para su util verificacion y mas facil ejecucion considera la
Junta debe darse el inmediato mando de la enunciada costa al Gobernador de
la Isla de San Andres, dandole aquel Virrey la comision para que él dé la posesion
de los terrenos en ella á los vecinos que de dicha islb ú otros parajes quieran
irse voluntariamente á establecer á la susodicha costa; en la que si se llegan a
reunir hasta viente vecinos podrá el Obispo de Cartagena nombrarles un religioso
á proposito por parroco que formando una capilla provisional pueda atenderá sus
pastos espirituales y ayudar con discreto Zelo y grande suavidad á ganar el corazon
de los salvajes errantes, sin cuya previa disposicion no se les debe tratar de con-
version á nuestra verdadera relijion segun lo dicta la prudencia humana y
cristiana, y para que estos primeros pobladores no experimenten oposicion de
parte de los Indios en los establecimientos que vayan formando, conviene que no
vaya guarnicion de tropa que los alarme y altere, y les descubra que van á
establecerse por disposicion del Gobierno, lo cual nadie sabrá ocultarles mejor
que el Gobernador de San Andres Don Tomas O’Neilli por el respeto y amistad
con que ya lo miran aquellos Indios; pero como puede alguna particularidad de
ellos querer insultar cuando se les antoje á los nuevos colonos, será conducente
que se les provea á estos de fusiles y las municiones que sean competentes en la
cantidad que O'Neilli regule prudentemente, haciendo lo mismo con los vecinos
(si los hay) que voluntariamente queden en el Cabo de Gracias á Dios. Es
16
cierto que armados de este modo no pueden resistir á ninguna accion Europea
que los ataque; pero lo mismo su cederia aunque para su defensa tuviesen un
corto destacamento de tropas; siendo evidente que la entidad de estos estable-
cimientos no pide por ahora, ni se puede necesitar en mucho tiempo, que se
hagan particulares esfuerzos para sostenerlos, no pudiendo ni debiendo respe-
tarle por el pronto como puestos de defensa, y solo de posesion.
Y asi, dada la comision á O'Neilli no se necesita ocupar ningun empleado
de Real Hacienda, tanto por el comercio libre de que deberán disfrutar por
ahora aquellos colonos, como por ser su establecimiento una tentativa que se
emprende sin dispendios, y casi sin gastos del erario, para que nunca pueda esta
empresa, aun cuando no se pueda llegar á conseguir ocasionar perjuicios al
Estado, al que seguramente podrá producir grandes ventajas llegada á verificar
en todo su extension. •
Aunque es cierto que sin vencer grandes dificultades, no pueden tampoco
estos establecimientos recibir socorros por tierra del Virreynato de Santa Fé,
tambien lo es de que no los pueden necesitar en muchos años, pues como ya va
expuesto solo deben mirarse por ahora como puestos de posesion, cuyos habi-
tantes por su propia conveniencia procurarán conservar la paz con los Indios
infieles y defenderse de sus atropellados ataques (si alguna vez lo intentan) como
está sucediendo continuamente en varios parajes de la America Septentrional,
aun con menos recursos de los que tendrán estos pobladores.
Como la desembocadura del Rio de San Juan se halla comprendida en la
costa señalada desde Chagres á Cabo de Gracias á Dios, deben depender asi
mismo del Gobernador de San Andres, los colonos que en ella quisiesen estable-
cerse, pero no por eso deberá tener mando alguno sobre la vigia ó avanzada que
alli tiene el Castillo de San Carlos, con cuyo Gobernador debe unicamente
entenderse; el cual sin embargo de ser tan interesante esta fortaleza, no pudo
conseguir á tiempo socorro de Guatemala, cuando en la guerra de 79 la
tomaron los Ingleses; y por la situacion y circunstancias de aquel fuerte carece
tambien el mismo de medios para proteger y fomentar á los referidos colonos, y
mucho menos á los demas que lleguen á establecerse en lo restante de la enun-
ciada costa.
Esto es lo que se le ofrece decir á la Junta en cumplimiento de los puntos
que abraza la Real Orden citada, sobre cuyo dictamen podrá formar el suyo el
Señor Generalisimo, quien como cabeza principal de la Junta reconoce todas las
consultas antes de pasarlas á manos de vuestra Magestad que sobre todo lo
expuesto determinará con su soberana resolucion lo que fuese mas de su Real
agrado.
(Frmado) DN. FRANCISCO GIL.
Ǽ DN. FERNANDO DAVIS.
DN. JOSE VASALLO.
DN. FRANCISCO REQUENA.
DN. JOSE BETEGON.
DN. PEDRO CORTES.
DN. GERONIMO DE LA ROCHA Y FIGUEROA.
(Translation.)
Report of the Committee of Fortification and Defences of the Indies,
respecting the separation from the Kingdom of Guatemala of the Mosquito
coast lying between Cape Gracias á Dios and Chagres inclusive, and its
incorporation with the new Kingdom of Granada.
Sire, n • Madrid, October 21, 1803. «
THE Committee of Fortifications and Defence of the Indies, at its meeting
of3rd September last, manifested how useful and advantageous it would be that
the Islands of St. Andrew, for their advancementand preservation, should depend
on the Viceroyship of Santa Fé, because their great distance from Guatemala,
the unpeopled state of the northern sea-board of that province, and the extreme
badness ofits roads, did not permit them to receive assistance or help from
thence, at any time, as experience has shown, not even in time of peace, except
with the greatest dificulty, and a very expensive and prejudicial delay; and, on
the contrary, their proximity to Carthagena, a distance of some hundred leagues,
17
with the frequent trade and land winds, affords them, with facility and dispatch,
and at little cost, whatever aid they may require for their prosperity and rapid
advancement. And as the desert coast of Mosquito in front of these islands,
from the Castle of Chagres to Cape Gracias à Dios, and which is distant from
them about forty leagues, has nearly the same difficulties in maintaining com-
munication and receiving succours from Guatemala; and as the peopling of it
might afford great facilities for domesticating and reducing the Mosquito Indians,
and by this means put an end, gradually and eventually, to the commerce which
these have always maintained with the English: Therefore, with a view to the
better service of your Majesty, the Committee on the 5th of August last, and
more particularly at the foresaid meeting of the 3rd of September, instanced the
benefit of peopling the said Mosquito coast, and of making it dependent, for the
reasons indicated, on the Viceroyship of Santa Fé, so that its establishments
might be supported from Carthagena without cost to the royal treasury, since
the colonists acclimated in these countries would voluntarily remove thither,
induced by the free commerce which should be permitted to those that should
establish themselves on the coast, as far as Cape Gracias à Dios inclusive.
But the Committee having spoken incidentally of these establishments, did not
explain nor unfold sufficiently its views, which has given rise to some well-
founded doubts respecting their practicability, as is manifested in the Royal
Order of 25th September last, wherein your Majesty is pleased to order that,
with a view to “determining on the separation of the settlements on the Mosquito
coast from the Captaincy-General of Guatemala, and their incorporation with and
dependence on the Viceroyship of Santa Fé, the Committee shall explain how
such separation is to be understood and effected, keeping in mind that the
kingdom of Guatemala may be invaded by the River San Juan, which dis-
charges itself on that coast; and that the English effected this in the war
declared in 1779 and ended in 1783, assisted by the Mosco and Sambo Indians;
and in the last war they likewise took the port of Truxillo, although they were
quickly driven out of it again. It thus appears that the defence of the said
kingdom is inseparable from the obligations respecting that coast.
“That in garrisoning these settlements there are employed in time of peace
19 officers and 150 men of the permanent regiment of Guatemala, and 16
officers and 50 men of the militia, who are relieved every four months; and
that others should be formed which it would be necessary to garrison. -
“That in order to remedy the mortality among the militiamen in a sickly
climate, which this service has caused in that kingdom, and the diminution of
the permanent regiment, with other heavy inconveniencies which have occurred
since the year 1786, your Majesty names a sub-inspector to regulate the
militia, arrange the mode of forming permanent companies for the settlements,
with which, the detachments from the regular regiment being rendered unneces-
sary, that corps may be reduced to a single battalion in which the number in the
ranks, which has always been very small for want of men, may be in proportion
to that of the officers, and be kept always assembled, in order to attend with
the militia to the defence and tranquillity of the whole kingdom ; and that, in the
same manner he shall see if it will be possible to alleviate the severe service
performed by the militiamen, which, with the general enlistment of all the
inhabitants of the provinces near the coast, has caused its depopulation.
“That the sub-inspector has in part fulfilled his commission by the arrange-
ment of the militia and the plan for the reduction of the regiment, proposing
what he judged most adapted for defence, and which has been approved by your
Majesty, according to the order of the General-in-chief; and the said sub-
inspector continues pursuing the other objects of his commission.
“That whether the detachments of the regular troops and the militia are
maintained to garrison the said settlements, or whether permanent companies be
raised for this service, which latter could only be attained in the course of
time if raised from the natives of the country, it is necessary to see, if the said
settlements depend on the Kingdom of Santa Fé, how that military Government
can fulfil these objects, and provide in the extraordinary event of a hostile
invasion or insurrection of the Indians, for the tranquillity and defence of the
Mosquito coast. - . . . .
“That the new Kingdom of Granada having very few veteran troops for its
own defence, it appears impossible it could send to the Mosquito coast those
necessary to garrison its settlements in a time of peace, and much less the
18
forces necessary in time of war; and as far as respects the 500 militia, it would
not be just to employ on this service those of the new Kingdom of Granada,
nor could the royal treasury support the expense of the transport and continual
relief of these troops, which are maintained on rations in said settlements; and
in time of a war with England or another maritime Power, when the coast-
guard vessels could not run nor visit freely the Mosquito shore, they would
remain unrelieved and without other resources for subsistence than such as
might be afforded them from the interior of the kingdom, the Government of
which would have no knowledge of their necessities.”
The treaty with the Indians, the presents made to them for the encourage-
ment of settlers, the freedom of commerce, which is an additional expedient the
Committee has proposed, should be conceded to them, and the increase of the
officers of the royal treasury that would be required, having to depend on the
Viceroyship of Santa Fé, and to render to it their accounts, also presents
apparently no slight obstacles. - -
“It would also be indispensable, were the separation carried into effect,
that the Captain-General of Guatemala should remit to the Viceroy of Santa Fé
a copy of all the regulations and royal resolutions that have been communicated
to him relative to the settlements on the said coast, since the English evacuated
it under the Treaty of 1786. -
“The Committee being charged with the consideration of all these diffi-
culties, it is your Majesty’s will that it should explain whether it considers them
of importance, transmitting their opinion to the General-in-chief with a view to
the necessary determination.” -
The Committee, with particular anxiety, solely aspires to the honourable
Satisfaction of being useful, in as far as may be possible, to the service of your
Majesty, it has considered with the most careful attention the Royal Order
above copied; and, with a view to its punctual fulfilment, it has of new recalled
to mind everything set forth in the two meetings above mentioned, and to which
the Royal Order refers. *
“In the first place it suggested that it would be very opportune to endea-
Vour to stimulate with privileges and exemptions the people already acclimatized
in those sickly climates of Guatemala and Santa Fé, that they should voluntarily
remove to Cape Gracias à Dios and Bluefields, without limiting them to any
fixed spot, nor exacting duties on the exportation of their goods, nor even
restricting to points already ordained ; so that in this manner, without cost to
the exchequer, that desert coast might be peopled, permitting free commerce
therein to all the vassals of your Majesty who should wish to undertake it and
to trade with the Indians, buying from them the tortoise-shell and gold-dust
which they collect.” -
And although, from the first, it believed that for the advancement of the
proposed settlements on that part of the coast between the mouth of the River
Chagres and Cape Gracias à Dios, it would be advantageous and opportune to
make them dependent on the Viceroyalty of Santa Fé, in order that they might
receive aid and maintain communication through Carthagena, nevertheless, it did
not propose this at that time, because in order to overcome with discretion and
certainty the first difficulties, which are usually incident in such cases, it
required a person of unceasing vigilance and adapted to such occupation, who
moreover should have an immediate point of support even at a lesser distance
than Carthagena, from whence he could incite, animate, and direct the first
colonists; and as in the representation presented by the Governor and inhabit-
ants of the Island of St. Andrew, the Committee perceived in the increase and
situation of the latter, and the tried prudence of the former, the most fitting
disposition for the carrying into effect the peopling of the said volunteer
settlements; therefore in the second of the meetings referred to, it explained
that “the Island of St. Andrew being situated in the 12# north latitude,
distant little more than 100 leagues from Carthagena, and some 40 from the
coasts of Guatemala and the mouth of the River San Juan, offers an excellent
harbour and point d'appui to support and guard the useful settlements on the
desert coast of Mosquito; and to encourage in the course of time those which
the Committee had suggested at Cape Gracias à Dios and Bay of Bluefields, in
the minute which was laid before your Majesty, of date the 5th of August last.
But that this may have better and speedier effect, it is convenient that those.
settlements, as far as Cape Gracios à Dios inclusive, should depend on the
19
Viceroyalty of Santa Fé.” And subsequently it added (after showing the strong
reasons it had for conceiving that the Islands of St. Andrew should depend on
New Granada, and not on Guatemala) “that these same reasons apply, with a
slight difference, to what concerns the suggested settlements on the Mosquito
shore; and it is not probable that they would progress if not dependent on the
Viceroyalty of Santa Fé; it being undoubted, Sire, that the multiplication of these
volunteer settlements is the most efficacious and powerful means of subduing,
domesticating, and exterminating the savage Indians, who, once separated from
the coast, would be annihilated by each other, or at least could never join
themselves to the English ; without being any obstacle, the dependence on
Guatemala of the guard of a corporal and four men at the mouth of the River
San Juan, because it is an outport of the Castle of San Carlos, situated on this
river before the entrance to the Lake of Nicaragua.”
In all these indications the Committee have never meant to include Black
River, nor any other settlement approaching nearer to the Gulf of Honduras,
for these may, although with difficulty and delay, communicate with the interior
of Guatemala; and thus there is no necessity at present for making any change
in their garrisons, their strength, or the times or seasons of relieving them, as
may be arranged by the Sub-Inspector Abarca. But from Cape Gracias à Dios
inclusive, along that coast as far as the River Chagres, it is infinitely more
difficult and troublesome to communicate with Guatemala, owing to its distance
being greater, the passage of its rivers more difficult and less known, and its
paths more rugged and impenetrable, because less frequented, and above all, by
being in the power of the Mosquito Indians, without whose consent it is impos-
sible to keep up communication with the coast by land; for all of which causes
the inhabitants of the coast could neither expect nor receive any succour from
Guatemala, even when that Government should become aware of their neces-
sities. And as at the present day this part of the coast is uninhabited and
deserted, it results that in uniting it to the Viceroyalty of Santa Fé, no separa-
tion is in reality to be made of it from the Government of Guatemala, except
in as far as the few inhabitants that perhaps may be resident at Cape Gracias ā
Dios, leaving the arms and munitions in such manner that it may well be said
that the incalculable trouble would be avoided with which in reality the veteran
or militia forces destined for the purpose would encounter in going to garrison
these points, were any detachments sent for that purpose. -
From what has been said it will be inferred that no prejudice will result,
from the proposed separation (in the terms in which it is suggested by the
Committee), to the Kingdom of Guatemala, nor is it even necessary that the
Captain-General should take the slight trouble of sending to the Viceroy of New
Granada the copy of the Acts and Royal resolutions relative to the settlements
on the coast of the Black River and Roatán, since the time when the English
evacuated those places under the Convention of 1786, because, as above
explained, the Committee did not mean to include those establishments in the
proposed separation ; but it will not be amiss that a copy of the said Con-
vention should be transmitted to the Viceroy of Santa Fé, in order that it may
be fully known to the coast guard vessels that will have annually to leave
Carthagena to cruize along the whole coast, as well the deserted part of Mos-
quito as its continuation from Cape Gracias ā Dios towards the Gulf of Hon-
duras, to watch that the English fulfil the said Convention, to prevent contra-
band, and to assist against the wild and savage Indians, the ancient settlements,
as well as those that may be placed there hereafter.
Neither can these settlements occasion injury to the new Kingdom of
Granada, because for their effectual establishment and more easy management,
the Committee think that the actual command should be given to the Governor
of the Island of St. Andrew, the Viceroy giving him a commission to grant
lands to the inhabitants who may voluntarily leave the island or elsewhere to
establish themselves on the coast; and so soon as they amount to twenty
inhabitants, the Bishop of Carthagena may appoint them a clergyman, who
erecting a provisional chapel, may attend to their spiritual welfare, and aim
with discretion and zeal, and great gentleness, at gaining the hearts of the
wandering savages, without which previous disposition, their conversion to our
true religion ought not to be attempted, consonantly with human and Christian
prudence.
And in order that these first settlers may not encounter opposition on
D 2 -
20
the part of the Indians in the settlements as they are formed, it is proper that
no garrison of troops should be sent that might alarm or offend them, or betray
to them that the settlements are making under the sanction of the Govern-
ment which none better knows how to conceal from them than the Governor
of St. Andrew, Don Thomas O'Neill, owing to the respect and friendship with
which these Indians already regard him. But as there may be some tribe
amongst them disposed to molest the new settlers, it will be expedient to
furnish them with muskets and ammunition, in such quantities as O'Neill may
prudently decide, doing the same by the inhabitants (if there be any) who
voluntarily remain at Cape Gracias à Dios. It is true that armed in this
manner they could not resist any European force that might attack them, but
this would equally be the case although they had a small detachment of troops
for their defence; it being evident that the existence of these settlements does
not at present require, nor can do so for a considerable time to come, that
particular efforts should be made to support them, as they cannot for the
present be regarded as posts of defence, but merely of possession. And thus
the commission being given to O'Neill, it is not necessary to employ any officer
of the royal treasury, as well because of the free commerce which these colonists
will enjoy for the present, as of their settlement being an enterprise to be under-
taken without incurring expense and almost without any charge on the exche-
quer, in order that this enterprise, even if unsuccessful, may not occasion
prejudice to the State, to which it will undoubtedly produce great advantage if
successful to its full extent. t
Although it is certain that these settlements cannot, without surmounting
great difficulties, receive succours by land from the Viceroyalty of Santa Fé, it
is equally certain that they cannot require them for many years, since, as is
above explained, they can only be regarded as posts of possession, the inhabit-
ants of which, for their own convenience, will endeavour to maintain peace with
the Indian infidels, and to defend themselves from their hostile attacks (should
such be attempted), as is constantly happening in various parts of North
America, even with fewer resources than the settlers will have.
As the mouth of the River San Juan is comprehended in the indicated
coast from Chagºres to Cape Gracias à Dios, the colonists that may desire to
establish themselves there should also depend on the Governor of St. Andrew;
but that officer need not on this account have any authority over the guard or
advanced post which the Castle of San Carlos maintains there, whose Governor
only ought to command it, who notwithstanding this fortress is of such conse-
quence, was unable to obtain timely succour from Guatemala when the English
took it in the war of 1779; and from the situation and circumstances of that
fort it, too, is deficient in means to protect and foster these settlers, and much
less those who may hereafter arrive to establish themselves on other parts of
the coast. -
These are the ideas which present themselves to the Committee in fulfil-
ment of the points contained in the Royal Order above mentioned, from which
opinion the General-in-chief may form his own; he, as the principal head of the
Committee, having to consider all the reports previously to laying them before
your Majesty, who upon all that is above explained, will determine according
to your sovereign pleasure, what may appear to you most convenient.
(Signed) DN. FRANCISCO GIL.
DN. FERNANDO DAVIS.
DN. JOSE WASS ALLOS.
DN. FRANCISCO REQUENA.
DN. JOSE BETEGON.
DN. PEDRO CORTES. -
DN. GERONIMO DE LA ROCHA Y FIGUEROA.
21
- Inclosure 5 in No. 5.
Colombian Decree of July 5, 1824.
Decreto del Gobierno de Colombia de 5 de Julio de 1824, que teniendo
noticia de que varios individuos residentes en paises extrangeros han proyectado
fundar establecimientos en el territorio denominado Poyais, situado en las costas
de Mosquitos.
Francisco de Paula Santander, &c.
POR, cuanto ha llegado á noticia del Gobierno de la Republica de Colombia,
que varios individuos residentes en paises extrangeros han proyectado fundar
establecimientos en cierto territorio denominado Poyais, situado en las costas
del Mosquito; y considerando que semejantes empresas de aventureros desau-
torizados, pueden ser perjudiciales á los intereses de la Republica y á ellos
mismos, he venido por tanto en decretar en virtud de lo prevenido en el Articulo
V de la Ley Fundamental, y decreto lo siguiente:—
Articulo 1. Se declara ilegal toda empresa que se dirija á colonizar cual-
quier punto de aquella parte de las costas de Mosquitos, desde el Cabo Gracias
á Dios inclusive acía el Rio Chagre, que corresponde en dominio y propiedad á
la Republica de Colombia, en virtud de la declaratoria formal hecha en San
Lorenzo á 30 de Noviembre de 1803, por lo cual se agregó definitivamente
dicha parte de la costa de Mosquito al antiguo Virreynato de la Nueva Granada,
separandola de la jurisdiccion de la Capitania-General de Guatemala, á que
antes pertenecia. - z -
Articulo 2. Se declara igualmente á toda persona ó personas, que en con-
travencion al anterior Articulo intentasen de hecho fundar colonias ó estableci-
mientos extrangeros en la expresada costa de Mosquitos hasta el Cabo Gracios
á Dios inclusive, incursos en las penas á que se hacen acredores los que usurpan
violentamente las propiedades nacionales y perturban la paz y tranquilidad
interior, siempre que para ello, no haya precedido la aprobacion y consentimiento
del Gobierno, conforme á las leyes. .. º - .
Articulo 3. Se declara asi mismo que no habiendose concedído á persona
alguna, dentro ó fuera del territorio de la Republica, la aprobacion y consenti-
miento necesario para colonizar la costa de Mosquitos que está bajo su inme-
diata jurisdiccion, ó parte de ella, cualquiera persona ó personas, ciudadanos ó
extrangeros, que intenten verificarlo, quedarán por el mismo hecho sujetos á las
consecuencias á que los expone su conducta arbitraria y desautorizada.
Articulo 4. El Secretario de Estado del despacho de Relaciones Exteriores
queda encargado de la ejecucion del presente decreto. -
Dado firmado, sellado con el sello de la Republica, y refrendado por el
Secretario del Estado de Relaciones Exteriores, en la capital de Bogotá á 5 de
Julio de 1824. e
(Firmado) FRANCISCO DE PAULA SANTANDER.
El Secretario de Estado de Relaciones Eateriores,
PEDRO GUAL. •
(Translation.)
Francisco de Paula Santander, General of Division of the Armies of Colom-
bia, Vice-President of the Republic, &c. s
INASMUCH as it has come to the knowledge of the Government of the
Republic of Colombia, that various individuals resident in foreign countries have
projected the foundation of establishments in a certain territory called Poyais,
situate on the coasts of Mosquito; and considering that similar enterprises of
unauthorized adventurers may be prejudicial to the interests of the Republic
and to themselves; in virtue of the provisions of Article V of the Fundamental
Law, it is decreed as follows:— -
Article l. Is declared illegal every undertaking which has for its object the
colonization of any point of that part of the coast of Mosquito from Cape
Gracias á Dios inclusive to the River Chagres, which belongs in dominion and
property to the Republic of Colombia, in virtue of the formal declaration made
22
in San Lorenzo on the 30th of November, 1803, by which the said part of the
coast of Mosquito is definitively adjoined to the ancient Viceroyalty of New
Granada, and separated from the jurisdiction of the Captain-Generalship of
Guatemala, to which it previously belonged.
Article 2. It is declared also to all person or persons who, in contravention
of the former Article, intend to found colonies or foreign establishments on the
above-mentioned coast of Mosquito up to Cape Gracias á Dios inclusive, that
they incur the penalties to which those persons are subjected who violently
usurp national property and disturb internal peace and tranquillity, unless they
have previously obtained the approbation and consent of the Government,
conformably to the laws.
Article 3. It is also declared that the necessary consent to colonize the
coast of Mosquito which is under the immediate jurisdiction of the Republic, or
part ofit, not having been granted to any person within or out of the territory
of the Republic, whatever person or persons, citizens or foreigners, attempt to
afect, will, ipso facto, be subject to the consequences to which such illegal and
unauthorized conduct exposes them.
, º (Signed) FRANCISCO DE PAULA SANTANDER.
PEDRO GUAL, -
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
Inclosure 6 in No. 5.
The Governor of Veragua to the Governor of Costarica.
San José, 15 de Diciembre, 1836.
El reclamo dirijido por el Gobernador de la Provincia de Veraguas sobre la
posesion de la Ensenada de Boca Toro, y la contestacion que se le dió, son las
sigiuentes.
Santiago, á 23 de Setiembre de 1836.
EL ciudadano que subscribe, Gobernador de la Provincia de Veraguas en la
Republica de la Nueva Granada, tiene la honra de dirijirse al Señor Gobernador
del Estado de Costarica en la Republica de Centro America, cumpliendo
expresas ordenes que le han sido transmitidas por el poder ejecutivo nacional.
El objeto de la presente comunicacion es el de informar á su Excelencia el
Señor Gobernador del Estado de Costarica que ha llegado á la Isla de la Boca
del Toro en la costa del norte de esta Provincia de Veraguas, un ciudadano de
Centro America acompañado de algunos individuos de tropa, el cual se dice
comisionado por las autoridades de esa Republica para tomar posesion del
territorio adyacente, y ejercer sobre él funciones gobernativas; como emanadas
de actos supremos de ese mismo Estado referentes á dominio sobre aquel
territorio. Si estos hechos fuesen ciertos, ellos constituirian un acto de agresion
sobre el territorio de la Nueva Granada dentro de cuyos limites, que son los
mismos que separaban el antiguo Virreynato de la Capitania-General de Guate-
mala en 1810, conforme á la Real Cédula de 30 de Noviembre de 1803, que
fueron reconocidos por el Articulo VII del Tratado firmado el 15 de Marzo de
1825, entre Colombia y Centro America, y de que Colombia habia estado en
plena posesion sin contradiccion alguna desde antes y despues del decreto
ejecutivo expedido en 5 de Julio de 1824, contra las empresas de colonizacion y
contrabando en la costa de Mosquitos, y en la que corre desde el Rio Chagres
hasta el de Culebras, se encuentra el territorio de las Bocas del Toro, cuya
administracion politica ha arreglado provisionalmente el Congreso de la Nueva
Granada por un decreto legislativo de fecha 30 de Mayo ultimo, de que el
Infrascripto acompaña dos exemplares impresos. Como el poder ejecutivo está
adoptando ya las medidas necesarias para la ejecucion inmediata del acto
legislativo citado muy pronto llegará á la Isla de la Boca del Toro con la fuerza
para restablecer en aquella costa el dominio y Señorio de la Nueva Granada.
Con este motivo se le ha prevenido al Gobernador que subscribe se dirija al del
Estado de Costarica haciendo relacion de los hechos, y solicitando que, si los
individuos Centro Americanos que existen en la Isla de la Boca del Toro en
calidad de encargados de mantener la posesion de ella, han venido de orden del
Gobierno de ese Estado, se sirva prevenirles que se retiren inmediatamente,
23
respetando los derechos de Señorio de la Republica de la Nueva Granada, y
dejando expedito & Sus autoridades el ejercicio de la jurisdiccion que les está
atribuida sobre dicha isla y territorio adyacente ; á menos que quieran perma-
necer alli como pobladores, y sometidos à las leyes y autoridades Granadinas,
gozando de las much as é importantes franquicias otorgadas legislativamente, lo
cual seria muy agradable para esta Gobernacion y para el poder ejecutivo de que
depende. Se promete el que subscribe, que la gestion amistosa que deja hecha
ă nombre y por expresa orden del poder ejecutivo nacional será debidamente
atendida por el Señor Gobernador del Estado de Costarica; y queen consecuencia
se expedirán las ordenes que deja indicadas para el regreso de los ciudadanos
Centro Americanos existentes en calidad de Comisionados en la Isla de la Boca
del Toro, 6 para Su pacifico sometimiento a las leyes y autoridades del 1
Republica. - -
Aprovecha, &c.
- (Firmado) MANUEL DE AYALA.
Al Señor Gobernador del Estado de Costarica.
(Translation.)
San Jose, December 15, 1836.
The claim made by the Governor of the Province of Veragua to the
possession of the Bay of Boca Toro, and the reply thereto, are as follows:—
Santiago, September 23, 1836.
THE Undersigned citizen, Governor of the Province of Veragua in the
Republic of New Granada, has the honour of addressing the Governor of the State
of Costarica in the Republic of Central America, in fulfilment of the express orders
transmitted to him by the executive national authority. The object of the present
communication is to inform his Excellency the Governor of the State of Costarica,
that a citizen of Central America, accompanied by some troops, and calling himself
a Commissioner from the authorities of that Republic, has arrived at the Island of
Boca del Toro on the northern coast of this Province of Veragua to take
possession of the adjacent territory, and to exercise over it the functions of
Government as emanating from the supreme acts of your State, in reference to
the dominion over the said territory. If these acts be true, they amount to an
aggression on the territory of New Granada; the territory of Boca del Toro
(the political administration whereof was provisionally arranged by the Congress
of New Granada by a legislative decree dated 30th May last, of which the
Undersigned incloses two copies) being within its limits, which are the same as
those that separated the ancient Viceroyalty from the Captaincy-General of
Guatemala in 1810, conformable to the Royal Cedula of November 30, 1803,
which were recognized by Article VII of the Treaty signed the 15th March,
1825, between Colombia and Central America, and of which Colombia has
been in full possession without any obstruction since before and after the
executive decree issued 5th July, 1824, against enterprises of colonization and
contraband on the Mosquito shore, and on the coast between the River Chagres
to that of Culeubras. As the executive power is already adopting the necessary
measures for the immediate execution of the foresaid legislative Act, it will very
shortly arrive at the Island of Boca del Toro with the force necessary to
re-establish the dominion and sovereignty of New Granada. With this view the
undersigned Governor has been instructed to address himself to the State of
Costarica, mentioning those acts, and requesting that if the Central Americans
who remain in the Island of Boca del Toro charged with the maintaining pos-
session thereof, have come by order of that State, it will be pleased to instruct
them to retire immediately, and to respect the rights of sovereignty of the
Republic of New Granada, leaving to its authorities the free exercise of the
jurisdiction that pertains to them over the said island and adjacent territory;
unless those Central Americans wish to remain there as settlers, submitting
to the Granadian laws and authorities, and enjoying the many and important
privileges conceded by the legislature, which would be very agreeable to this
Government and to the executive power on which it depends.
The Undersigned feels assured that the friendly remonstrance which he
now makes, in name and by express order of the national executive power, will
24
receive due attention from the Governor of the State of Costarica; and that in
consequence the necessary orders already intimated will be issued for the recall
of the Central American citizens established as Commissioners in the Island of
Boca del Toro, or for their peaceful Submission to the laws and authorities of
the Republic. ¿ 4.
The Undersigned, &c. «.
• - (Signed) MANUEL DE AYALA.
To the Governor of the State of Costarica.
Inclosure 7 in No. 5.
The Governor of Costarica to the Governor of Veragua.
San José, 30 Noviembre de 1836.
EL Infrascripto, Ministro General del Gobierno Supremo del Estado de
Costarica en la Federacion de Centro America, tiene el honor de informar al
Señor Gobernador de la Provincia de Veraguas en la Republica de la Nueva
Granada, que ha puesto en conocimiento del Gefe Supremo del Estado la
apreciable carta de vuestra Señoria No. 495 de 23 de Setiembre proximo pasado,
y por consecuencia ha recibido orden de satisfacerla con toda la atencion que se
merece el Señor Gobernador á quien se dirije. -
La Republica Federal de Centro America por el Articulo V de su Consti-
tucion, comprende todo el territorio que formaba el antiguo Reino de Guatemala.
Costarica, uno de los Estados de que se forma la Federacion, limitrofe con la
Republica de la Nueva Granada, en su carta fundamental hablando de la
extension de su territorio, fija por sus limites en las costas del mar del Norte la
boca del Rio de San Juan, y el Escudo de Veragua que eran sus antiguos
conocidos. *
Esto supuesto, Señor Gobernador, y siendo un hecho que la Bahia de
Boca del Toro y los islas situadas dentro de ella se encuentran entre la boca
de San Juan y el Escudo de Veraguas, tambien parece incuestionable que per-
tenecen á Centro Americo, y que ninguna agresion se comete por esta parte,
practicandose reconocimientos sobre aquellos puntos que aun cuando fuesen
disputables autoriza para hacerlos el Articulo VIII del tratado que existe entre
las dos naciones. -
El Gobierno de que es organo el que subscribe no tiene un pleno y perfecto
conocimiento de la clase de Comision que por el Supremo Nacional se haya
conferido al Coronel Galindo, que es el sujeto que sin ningun aparato hostil
ni sospechoso, ha formado en Londres una compania para colonizar, y con este
fin mando un ajente á la Bahia de Boca Toro, cuyo incidente es el objeto de la
reclamacion de vuestra Señoria; pero sí tiene fuertes motivos para creer que las
miras del Ejecutivo Federal, al decretar este reconocimiento, no han sido de
faltar en lo mas minimo á la Nueva Granada con quien tiene á mucha honra
estar en paz, y cuida de conservar la mejor armonia cual corresponde entre dos
naciones que por tantos titulos se identifican. •
Las consideraciones justamente debidas á su Gobierno, Señor Gobernador,
desde luego son las que presiden esta contestacion, y las que han determinado
al Gefe de este Estado á ordenarselo al que subscribe. El negocio, no le per-
tenece, sino al poder ejecutivo Federal á quien la Constitucion de esta Repub-
lica atribuye esclusivamente la direccion de las relaciones exteriores, y por lo
mismo el primer deber en la materia del Gobierno de este Estado, es darle
uenta con la atenta carta de vuestra Señoria, como lo ejecutará inmediatamente.
Entretanto las dos Republicas se entienden y aclaran en sus limites el
Gobierno particular de Costarica puede asegurar, que el de Centro America por
su parte no dará lugar á que sufra alteraciones perjudiciales la buena inteligencia
que ha reinado, y debe reinar, entre las dos naciones. -
Tales son, Señor Gobernador, los sentimientos de que es animado el Gefe
Supremo de Costarica, y al participarlos á vuestra Señoria tiene el que habla á.
mucha satisfaccion subscribirse del Señor Gobernador de Veraguas atento y
obediente servidor. 4. • .
(Firmado) JOSE ANSELMO SANCHO.
Señor Gobernador de la Provincia de Veraguas. - , ,
25
(Translation.)
San José, November 30, 1836.
THE Undersigned, General Minister of the Supreme Government of the
State of Costarica in the Federation of Central America, has the honour to
inform the Governor of the Province of Veraguas, in the Republic of New
Granada, that he has laid before the Supreme Chief of the State his esteemed
letter No. 495 of the 23rd September last, and in consequence has received
instructions to reply to it with due attention.
The Federal Republic of Central America by Article V of its constitution,
comprehends all the territories which formed the ancient Kingdom of Guatemala.
Costarica, one of the States of which the Federation is composed, and the
boundary State with the Republic of New Granada, in its fundamental charter,
speaking of the extent of its territory, fixes for its limits on the Atlantic the
mouth of the River San Juan and the Escudo of Veragua, which were its
ancient recognized limits.
This being premised, Sir, and it being certain that the Bay of Boca del
Toro and the islands situated within it lie between the mouth of the San Juan
and the Escudo of Veragua, it likewise appears unquestionable that these
belong to Central America, and that no aggression has been committed on this
side in surveying those places, which, even were the point disputable, Article
VIII of the existing Treaty between the two nations authorizes the proceeding.
This Government has not a full and perfect knowledge of the nature of the
commission conferred by the Supreme National Government on Colonel Galindo,
who is the individual that, without any hostile or suspicious views, has formed
in London a colonization company, and in this view has sent an agent to Boca
Toro, which incident is the cause of the remonstrance of your Excellency; but
it has strong reasons for believing that the views of the Federal Executive in
ordering this survey were not in the least intended to offend New Granada,
with which it deems it an honour to be at peace and to preserve the utmost
harmony, as it is proper such should exist between two nations which, on many
accounts, are identical in their interests.
The consideration justly due to your Government, Sir, animates this reply,
and has determined the chief of this State to instruct the Undersigned to make
it. The affair does not belong to him, but to the Federal Executive Power, to
whom the Constitution of this Republic commits exclusively the direction of its
foreign relations; and for the same reason the first duty of the Government of
this State is to lay before it your Excellency’s letter, which shall immediately
be done.
Until the two Republics agree and fix upon their boundaries, the Judicial
Government of Costarica may state that that of Central America will give no
room for any change prejudicial to the good understanding which has reigned,
and ought to reign, between the two nations.
Such, Sir, are the sentiments which animate the Supreme Chief of Costarica;
and in laying them before your Excellency, I have the satisfaction, &c.
- (Signed) JOSE ANSELMO SANCHO.
To the Governor of the Province of Veragua.
Inclosure 8 in No. 5.
Resolutions of the Government of New Granada.
Despacho del Interior y Relaciones Eaſteriores.
Mayo 3 de 1838.
EL poder ejecutivo de la Nueva Granada, fiel à los deberes que le imponen
la constitucion y las leyes, cuidará en todo tiempo de que ellas sean cumplidas
en todo la estencion del territorio de la Republica; y no permitirá por lo mismo
la ocupacion ilegal de una parte de dicho territorio por minguna persona ó asocia-
cion. Publiquese á continuacion del presente memorial con la Real Orden
espedida en San Lorenzo # 30 de Noviembre de 1803, sobre los limites
occidentales del antiguo Wirreynato. - - -
Por Su ejecucion. El Secretario,
(Firmado) POMBO.
26.
(Translation.)
Office of Interior and Foreign Relations, May 3, 1838.
THE executive power of New Granada, faithful to the duties intrusted to
it by the constitution and the laws, will ever take care that they be fulfilled
throughout the whole of the territory of the Republic; and for this reason it
will never allow the illegal occupation of a part of the said territory by any
individual or association whatever. Let it be published at the end of the
preceding memorial, together with the Royal Order dated San Lorenzo, 30th
November, 1803, upon the western limits of the ancient Viceroyalty.
For its execution. (Signed) POMBO,
The Secretary of State.
- =
Inclosure 9 in No. 5.
Boundary of Costarica to the Westuvard.
3 3
Extract from Domingo Juarros” “History of Guatemala,” vol. i, p. 56.
Provincia de Costarica.—LA quinta provincia, y la mas ál levante de todo el
reyno, es la de Costarica. Extiendose desde el Rio del Salto, que la divide de
Nicaragua, hasto el partido de Chiriquí, jurisdiccion de Veraguas, 160 leguas de
O. á E., y 60 N. S., del uno ál otro mar. Sus términos por el Mar del
Norte son desde la boca del Rio de San Juan hasta el Escudo de Veraguas; y
por el del sur desde el Rio de Alvarado, raya divisoria de la Provincia de Nica-
ragua hasta el Rio de Boruca, termino del Reyno de Tierra Firme.
(Translation.)
THE fifth province, and the last of the kingdom towards the east, is that
of Costarica. It extends from the River Salto, which separates it from Nica-
ragua, to the district of Chiriquí, in the jurisdiction of Veraguas, a distance of
160 leagues from west to east ; and from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from north
to south, about 60 leagues. Its limit on the Atlantic is from the mouth of the
River St. John to the little island called the Escudo de Veraguas; and on the
Pacific from the River Alvarado, the boundary of the Province of Nicaragua
to the River Boruca, which terminates the Kingdom of Terra Firme to the
westward. -
Inclosure 10 in No. 5.
Costarica and Neu) Granada Boundaries.
Extract from Domingo Juarros, vol. ii, p. 202.
SU poblacion se ha disminuido en estremo; su comercio se ha arruinado;
y sus minas no se trabajan; y, lo que es mas, una provincia, por muchos títulos
digna de memoria, se halla tan olvidada en el dia, que ni los autores de estos
reynos ni los estrangeros dan noticias de ella: de suerte que para dar algunos
apuntes de su historia nos ha sido preciso valernos de un informe que, por los
años de 1744, hizo Don José de Mier y Ceballos.
El referido Ceballos, vecino de la ciudad de Cartago, asienta en la intro-
duccion á su informe que, habiendo servido repetidas occasiones el oficio
Teniente de Gobernador tuvo proporcion de registrar los archivos del cabildo
de dicha ciudad, y que en ellos vió las escrituras, reales cédulas, provisiones, y
despachos, de donde ha sacado las noticias que comunica. -
Asegura nuestro Ceballos que encontró en el archivo de Cartago escrituras
cuyas fechas son del ano 1522, lo que nos persuade de las ciudades de Costarica,
son las mas antiguas de este reyno. Se hicieron las primeras entradas por Gil
Gonzales Davila en Nicoya y en Nicaragua.
27
Consta de cédula que se conserva en el archivo, que el primer Gobernador
y Capitan-General de Costarica fué Diego de Ostieda Chirinos, á quien hizo Su
Magestad esta merced por el tiempo de su vida, y la de uno de sus hijos; y se
les señaló por término de su jurisdiccion por la Mar del Norte desde la boca del
Rio San Juan, hasta el Escudo de Veraguas; por la Mar del Sur desde el Rio
del Salto de Nicoya hasta el Rio de Boruca. - -
(Translation.)
JUARROS says, in speaking of the deplorable condition of Costarica at
the present time:
The population is reduced to almost nothing; commerce is annihilated;
and the mines are no longer worked. In fact, a province that, in many
respects, merits particular attention, is now so much neglected, that none
of the writers of this kingdom, or foreigners, take any notice ofit. In order,
therefore, to give some notion ofits history, I have been obliged to avail myself
of the report drawn up in the year 1744 by Don José de Mier Ceballos.
Ceballos states in his introduction, that he is an inhabitant of Cartago;
and having frequently filled the post of Lieutenant-Governor of the province,
he has had ample means for examining the archives of the municipality of that
city, and that he availed himself of his access to the Royal cédulas, orders,
instructions, and despatches, which he found there, to extract the particulars he
furnishes. -
He infers from a writing he saw in the archives of Cartago, dated in the
year 1522, that the Province of Costarica is the most ancient of the whole
kingdom. It was invaded in 1522 by Gil Gonzales Davila. -
A Royal cédula which still exists in the archives of Cartago, records
that the first Governor and Captain-General of Costarica was Diego de Ostieda
Chirinos, to whom His Majesty granted this privilege for life, and for the life-
time of one of his sons; and the jurisdiction assigned to him for his command
was on the Atlantic, from the mouth of the River St. John to the Escudo de
Veragua; and on the Pacific, from the River del Salto de Nicoya to the River
Boruca. -
Inclosure l 1 in No. 5. • • ,
Eatracts from the Collection of Laus of the Kingdoms of the Indies—Madrid 1774.
Lib. ii, Tit. xv, Ley 4. Audiencia y Chancilleria Real de Panamá en
Tierra Firme.
EN la ciudad de Panamá, de el Reino de Tierra Firme, resida otra nuestra
Audiencia y Chancilleria Real. Y tenga por distrito la Provincia de Castilla del
Oro, hasta Portobello y su tierra, la Governacion de Veragua; y por el Mar del
Sur, asia el Peru, hasta el Puerto de Buenavista exclusive; y desde Portobello
asia Cartagena, hasta el Rio del Darien exclusive, con el Golfo de Uraba y
Tierra Firme, partiendo terminos por el levante y mediodia con las Audiencias
de el Nuevo Reyno de Granada y San Francisco de Quito; por el poniente con
la de Santiago de Guatemala; y por el septentrion y mediodia con los dos
Mares del Norte y Sur. , - -
Ley 6. Audiencia y Chancilleria Real de Santiago de Guatemala en la Nueva
España.
En la ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros, de la Provincia de Guatemala,
resida otra nuestra Audiencia y Chancilleria Real, con un Prisidente, Governador
y Capitan-General. Y tenga por distrito la dicha Provincia de Guatemala, y
las de Nicaragua, Chiapa, Higueras, Cabo de Honduras, la Vera Paz y Soconusco,
con las islas de la costa, partiendo terminos por el levante con la Audiencia de
Tierra Firme, por el poniente con la de la Nueva Galicia, y con ella y la Mar
del Norte por el septentrion, y por el mediodia con la del Sur. •
E 2
28
Ley 8. Audiencia y Chancilleria Real de Santa Fé en el Nuevo Reyno de
* . Granada. -
En Santa Fé de Bogotá del Nuevo Reyno de Granada, resida otra muestra
Audiencia y Chancilleria Real. Y tonga por distrito las provincias del nuevo
reino, y las de Santa Maria, Rio de San Juan, y la de Popayan, excepto los
lugares que de ella esten señalados a la Real Audiencia de Quito, y de la
Guayana, Ó Dorado, tenga lo que no fuere de la Audiencia de la Española; y
toda la Provincia de Cartagena partiendo terminos, por el mediodia con la dicha
Audencia de Quito y tierras no descubiertas, por el poniente y por el septen-
trion con el Mar del Norte y provincias que pertenecen à la Real Audiencia de
la Española, y por el poniente con la de Tierra Firme. -
(Translation.)
Book ii, Tit. xv, Law 4. Audiencia and Chancery Royal of Panamá in
- Tierra Firme. *
IN the city of Panamá in the Kingdom of Tierra Firme, let there reside
another Audiencia and Chancery Royal of ours; and let it have for its limits the
Province of Castillo del Oro, as far as Portobello and its lands, the Government
of Veragua, and on the Pacific towards Peru as far as the port of Buenavista
exclusive; and from Portobello towards Carthagena, as far as the River Darien
exclusive, with the Gulf of Urabá and Tierra Firme; bounded on the east and
south by the Audiencias of the New Kingdom of Granada and San Francisco
de Quito; on the west by that of Santiago de Guatemala; and on the north and
south by the two seas of the Atlantic and Pacific. -
Law 6. Audiencia and Chancery Royal of Santiago de Guatemala in
New Spain. - - -
In the city of Santiago de los Caballeros, in the Province of Guatemala,
let there reside another Audiencia and Chancery Royal of ours, with a Presi-
dent, Governor, and Captain-General; let it have for its limits the said Pro-
vince of Guatemala, and those of Nicaragua, Chiapa, Higueras, Cape Honduras,
Vera Paz, and Soconusco, with the islands on the coast; bounded on the east by
the Audiencia of Tierra Firme, on the west by that of New Galicia, and by it
and the Atlantic on the north, and on the south by the Pacific. -
Law 8. Audiencia and Chancery Royal of Santa Fé in the New Kingdom of
- Granada. -
In Santa Fé de Bogotá in the New Kingdom of Granada, let there reside
another Audiencia and Chancery Royal of ours; and let it have for its limits the
provinces of the new kingdom, and those of Santa Maria, River of San Juan,
and that of Popayan, except such parts of it as are assigned to the Audiencia of
Quito and of Guayana or Dorado; let it have what may not belong to the
Audiencia of Española, and all the Province of Carthagena, bounded on the
south by the aforesaid Province of Quito and undiscovered lands, on the north-
west by the Atlantic and provinces belonging to the Audiencia of Española, and
on the west by the Province of Tierra Firme.
29
Inclosure 12 in No. 5.
The Captain-General of Guatemala to the Spanish Minister of War.
Nota ministerial del Capitan-General de Guatemala, numero 467, al Secre-
tario de la Guerra sobre agregacion de una parte de la costa Mosquito al Nuevo
Reyno de Granada.
Exmo. Señor, Guatemala, 3 de Junio de 1804.
EN la adjunta representacion que me ha pasado el sub-inspector general de
estas tropas, Brigadier Don Roque Abarca, hace este gefe algunas observaciones
sobre el plan del Gobernador de la Isla de San Andres, Capitan Don Tomas
O'Neilli, de segregar de esta Capitania-General é incorporar al Virreynato de
Santa Fé, aquella pequeña isla, sus adyacentes, y una parte de la costa de Mos-
quitos, en los terminos aprobados por Su Magestad en Real Orden de
20 de Noviembre proximo anterior, á consultas de la Junta de Fortificacion y
Defensa de Indias. ” ,
Para dar curso á este papel segun corresponde he traido á la vista algunos
documentos relativos á la expresada Isla de San Andres que existen en mi
Secretaria. He hallado entre ellos la descripcion que en el año de 1793 escribió
de Real Orden el teniente de navio de la Real armada, Don José del Rio, de que
me ha parecido acompañar copia No. l. 4.
Habiendo examinado atentamente esta descripcion, ó disertacion como, la
llamó su autor, la encuentro muy conforme con las noticias que antes de ahora
habia tomado por varios conductos sobre las expresadas islas, y con el concepto
que en lo que llevo de este mando me ha hecho formar la correspondencia de
oficio seguida con su Gobernador Don Tomas O’Neilli, que ha sido frecuente y
nunca con mas atrazo que el de uno ó dos meses.
En especial lo que dice Del Rio en sus “Reflexiones Generales,” fojas 10 vuelta
me parece verdadero, en cuanto se dirije á persuadir que los colonos establecidos
en San Andres y Providencia no pueden tener otras miras que las del contra-
bando con los Ingleses de Jamaica, y que en vez de mantenerlos en aquellas
islas, donde no es posible formar colonias nacionales, bajo un pie solido, con-
vendria trasladarlos al continente. -
Asi lo reconocio Su Magestad cuando á consulta del Consejo de Estado
resolvió en Real Orden de 6 de Noviembre de 1795 (copia No. 2), “ que por
entonces no se obligase á los habitantes de San Andres á evacuar la isla y
reunirse en Bluefields, pero que se les inclinase y exitase á ello en ocasion
oportuna y por medios prudentes velando en tanto el Gobernador y siendo
responsable de su conducta.” .
De esta misma opinion fueron el Fiscal Don Miguel Bataller, y la Junta
de Guerra que habia en esta capital por el año de 1797 con respecto á la localidad
y producciones de las islas, se manifieste por escrito que todo el objeto que
movia á sus moradores á ser vasallos de Su Magestad era la proporcion
de hacer el contrabando y que pasada aquella guerra convendria traerlos á
Trujillo. Con este modo de pensar no es estraño que se negasen al Gobernador
O'Neilli los medios militares de defensa que pidió, y se le destinase por entonces
fuera de la isla, pues tambien se opinó que los Ingleses no pensarian en tomarla,
por la utilidad que sacaban del trato ilicito, para el cual les servia de escala con
la Costa Firme. • ..-
En un tiempo solicitó O'Neilli declaratoria sobre sí sus isleños podrian
llevar á vender sus frutos á las colonias extrangeras amigas y neutrales, diciendo
que asi lo practicaban antes de la ultima guerra. -
Le contesté en 7 de Agosto de 1802, que sin orden Real no podia permi-
tirse, y que unicamente debian comerciar con las posesiones Españolas, hacien-
dole sobre esto el encargo mas estrecho. Sin embargo la creencia general es
que comercion con Jamaica. Poco mal seria este, sí el contrabando fuese
limitado á sus propios consumos, pero tambien se cree con igual generalidad que
lo hacen extensivo á este y al nuevo Reyno de Granada. º - »
A principios del año anterior tuve una denuncia de introducciones fraudu-
lentas de efectos por el Rio de San Juan en cantidad muy considerable y de que el
almacen ó deposito era la Isla de San Andres, mencionando muy por menor
30
personas y circumstancias. Resultó cierta la denuncia en mucha parte, y
motiv6 providencias mias muy activas, de que he dado cuenta con testimonios
por la via reservada de Hacienda. Todavia está pendiente la causa que se ha
complicado con incidentes de gravedad. Lo relativo à dicho isla y á Su Gober-
nador O'Neilli no ha podido ni era facil justificarse. El sub-inspector Abarca
€onoce personalmente à este official, y adguirió otras noticias ensus viages por
la costa y establecimientos de Mosquitos. Yo solo añadiré quela segregacion de
territorio resuelta por Su Magestad es un grande alivio parami y mis succesores
en esta Capitania-General. Mi fin en este informe no esotro que el del mejor
servicio, y confiado en la pureza de mi intencion lo hago todo presente à
vuestra. Excelencia para que se sirva hacer de ello el use que estime con-
Veniente. - *
Dios guarde, &c. -
(Firmado) ANTONIO GONZALEZ.
- (Translation.)
Official letter of the Captain-General of Guatemala, No. 467, to the
Secretary at War, upon the annexation of part of the Mosquito coast to the
new Kingdom of Granada. - -
Most Excellent Sir, . Guatemala, June 3, 1804. -
IN the accompanying representation laid before me by the Sub-Inspector
General of the troops, Brigadier Don Roque Abarca, that chief makes some
observations on the plan of the Governor of the Island of St. Andrew, Captain
Don Tomas O'Neill, to separate from this Captaincy-General, and incorporate
with the Viceroyalty of Santa Fé, that small island, with those adjacent to it,
and a part of the Mosquito coast, in the manner approved of by His Majesty
in the Royal Order of the 20th of November last, in a meeting of the Committee
of Fortifications and Defence of the Indies. -
To give proper effect to this representation, I have examined several
documents relative to the said Island of St. Andrew existing in my office. I have
found among these the description drawn up in 1793, by royal command, by
Don José del Rio, Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, of which it seems to me
proper to inclose to you a copy, No. 1. -
Having examined attentively this description, or dissertation, as its author
calls it, I find it quite conformable to the information which I had previously
obtained from various sources respecting the said islands, and with the opinion
which, in the course of my command, I have formed from the official corres-
pondence of their Governor, Don Tomas O'Neill, which has been frequent, and
never with a delay in transit of more than a month or two. *
What Del Rio says in his “General Reflections,” page 10 et seq. appears
to me especially true, in as far as he endeavours to show that the colonists
established in St. Andrew and Providencia can have no other views than those
of contraband with the English of Jamaica; and that instead of continuing
them in those islands, where it is impossible to form national colonies on a
solid footing, it would be better to remove them to the continent.
This opinion was approved by His Majesty, when in the meeting of the
Council of State, it was resolved by the Royal Order of November 6, 1795
(copy No. 2), “that for the present the inhabitants of St. Andrew should not
be obliged to evacuate the island and settle at Bluefields, but that they should
be moved and induced to do so opportunely, and by fair means, under the
superintendence of the Governor, and his responsibility for their conveyance.”
The Fiscal, Don Miguel Bataller, and the Committee of War held in this
capital in the year 1797, were of the same opinion. With respect to the
locality and productions of the islands, it is shown by the report, that the sole
object which induced the inhabitants to be vassals of His Majesty was the
facility of smuggling; and the war being at an end it would be proper to remove
them to Truxillo. With such intentions towards them it is not extraordinary
that they should refuse the military means of defence required by Governor
O'Neill, and that it should be proposed to remove him from the island, since he
moreover gave the opinion that the English had no intention of taking the
3}
island, owing to the illicit traffic which it served them as an entrepôt to carry
with the Tierra Firme. " . .
On one occasion O'Neill requested me to inform him if his islanders might
carry their produce for sale to friendly and neutral foreign colonies, stating that
they did so before the last war. -
I replied to him on the 7th of August, 1802, that without a Royal order
this could not be permitted, and that they could trade with the Spanish posses-
sions alone; and I charged him very strictly on this point. Nevertheless, the
general belief is that they trade with Jamaica. This would be of little conse-
quence, were the contraband confined to their own consumption; but it is
commonly believed that they extend it to this kingdom and to that of New
Granada. - -
At the beginning of the last year I received information of the fraudulent
introduction of effects by the River San Juan in very considerable quantities;
that the warehouse or depôt was in the Island of St. Andrew, and giving very
minute details of the persons and the circumstances. For the most part this
information proved true, and gave occasion for the very active measures which
I took, as I have already reported, secretly through the Treasury. The cause,
which has become complicated by aggravating circumstances, is still pending.
The facts, as far as they concern the said island and its Governor O’Neill, have
not been proved, nor was it easy to do so. The Sub-Inspector Abarca knows
that officer personally, and obtained various intelligence in his voyages along the
coast and the establishments of the Mosquitos. I will merely add, that the
separation of the territory as resolved by His Majesty, will be a great relief to
me and to my successors in this Captaincy-General. My object in making this
statement is none other than the public good; and confident in the integrity
of my intentions, I lay the whole before your Excellency, that you may be
pleased to use it as you may judge proper.
(Signed) ANTONIO GONZAFLES.
Inclosure 13 in No. 5.
Boundary of Santa Fé and position of the Chiriqui River.
Authorities referred to :—
Baron Humboldt. s M. Dupons.
Colonel Hall. M. Pombo.
Captain Cochrane. A. de Alcedo.
M. Mollien.
In Bonycastle's “Spanish America,” the Viceroyalty of Santa Fé is described
as consisting of sixteen provinces, namely:- .
Jaen de Bracamoros Santa Marta
Quiros Mérida. }*
Maynas .* Chocó
Quito Three Provinces of Darien
Popayan Panamá, and -
Antioquia Veragua in Tierra Firme.
Tacames <sº
& San Juan de los Llanos
No notice is taken by any of the above writers, of the district of Tologalpa
on the Mosquito coast, extending from Cape Gracios à Dios to the River
Chagres, notwithstanding its assumed annexation to Colombia in 1803.
Geographical and Historical Dictionary of America and the West Indies.
Translation of the Spanish work of Don Antonio de Alcedo by G. A. Thompson.
Longman and Co., London, 1812.
Vol. i. page 451. -
• Chiriqui, a district of the province and government of Santiago de Veragua,
in the Kingdom of Tierra Firme, the last district of this province dividing the
32
government from that of Guatemala, and touching upon the Province of Costa-
rica. The capital is Santiago de Alauje. -
Chiriqui, a river of the above province which rises in the mountains on the
south, and enters the sea, serving as limits to that province, and dividing it
from that of Costarica in the Kingdom of Guatemala. -
Note.—The General Chart of the West Indies and Gulf of Mexico, drawn
chiefly from the surveys of Mr. Anthony de Mayne, R.N., and published at the
Hydrographical Office of the Admiralty, November 1, 1824, and corrected to 1832,
places the Chiriqui River in lat. 8° 55' 30° N., long. 81° 52' 30" W.; but the
latest surveys of Commanders Owen and Barnett place the same river in
lat. 8° 55' N., long. 82° 10' W.-F.C.
Inclosure 14 in No. 5.
Extract from the “Aurora de Costarica,” March 30, 1839.
EL Guarda Mayor del puerto de Moin ha entregado en este Ministerio un
documento official del Rey de los Mosquitos, que, traducido al Castellano, es
como sigue: -
“A todos los comerciantes de Moin, 6 á los que tocaren en este punto
como tales, de esta fecha en adelante.
“Por cuanto hemos sido informados de que un official o empleado ha sido
enviado de Cartago à Moin para exijir ciertos derechos marítimos y de puerto
à los buques que arriban à él: Por tanto deseamos y Os requerimos que de
ninguna manera pagueis mingunos derechos marítimos ni de puerto ; porque los
autoridades de Cartago no tienen derecho ni titulo alguno para hacer tal
demanda en nuestro territorio; sino que por el contrario estan obligados y por
mucho tiempo acostumbrados é pagar á nuestros mayores 6 antecesores cierto
tributo por el privilegio de introducirefectosen Costarica por nuestro puerto de
Moin : y es nuestra intencion de poner algun dia futuro un ofcial 6 empleado
que colecte nuestros derechosen Moin, y prohibir à todos y cualesquiera comer-
ciantes que quieran pagar y aun reconocer las demandas de cualesquier
autoridad de Cartago por el comercio de nuestro puerto de Moin.
“Dado de nuestro mano y sellado, en el Cabo de Gracias à Dios, hoy 26
de Enero de 1839.
(Firmado) R. C. FREDERICK,
Rey de la Nacion de los Mosquitos.”
(Translation.)
THE Comptroller of the port of Moin (or Matina) has transmitted to this
Ministry an official document issued by the King of the Mosquitos, which,
translated into Spanish, is as follows:
“To all merchants at Moin, or to those who may hereafter touch there
as such. -
“Whereas we have been informed that an officer or functionary has been
sent from Cartago to Moin, to exact certain maritime and port duties on vessels
arriving there: Therefore we desire and require you not to pay in any shape
whatever any maritime duties or port-charges; because the authorities of Car-
tago have no right or title whatever to make such levies upon our territory,
but on the contrary they are obliged, and for a length of time have been accus-
tomed, to pay to our ancestors or predecessors, certain tribute for the privilege
of introducing goods into Costarica by our port of Moin : and it is our intention
to place, on some future day, an officer or functionary, to collect our duties
in Moin, and to forbid all merchants and others from paying or even recogniz-
ing the demands of any authority of Cartago on account of the trade by our
port of Moin. a - • *
Given under our hand and signet, at Cape Gracias à Dios, this 26th day of
January, 1839. - *- : . . . * -
(Signed) R. C. FREDERICK,
King of the Mosquito Nation.”
I6
... à Dú”
- º- - _- -- nº
4 A C § 2–~~~ \ __* A.
º ºr 4 I, Zackwarºº º
*º a - ºr - -
º \\ * - _T . . %
s § - - - 7%zzwe Mè. ///
/%ºn Zºº 14.
2%
//
-
º
-
S.
W.
ſ º
º*
---
ºzº, (ºyzz /
& Cº (ºn/
ię
4tlap of the -
OSQUITO COAST.
\\
º-
º-
º \ =
©. H. º º
º) - -- * - *SS º º º - - \ - - -
©sº
º
º
- % | º
" .
%|
%
// %
s§
º- ſ \
- - -->ºtº ºn.
-> -* 5
s NW, º
º º %-
-
*
§
§
º
-->
º
º º
º *
SS
Nº
10
N. *%+ T.A
lºgo N º */ º
wº *N N - -
At Ca
2%
- \\ -
-
-
N. £%
N º
º %. ^ * º
gº sº * º -.
º %. -
% º
2.
º
ZZ Zazyz,372/zºo






























































33
Inclosure 15 in No. 5.
Memorandum.—Colombian Trading Licenses.
BETWEEN Porto Bello and Carthagena the entire coast is in the hands
of the aborigines. The San Blas Indians are the most warlike, but Bolivar
could never prevail on them to take arms in his service : they only trade with
the Jamaica people, like their neighbours more to the eastward. As their traffic
is in the way of armed vessels, the traders find it cheaper to pay for a licence
than to incur the expense of fitting out vessels as “force traders,” which was the
mode in which their trade was carried on formerly. This gives the New Gra-
nadian Government something, and the traders carry on their business without
molestation, or the necessity of hiding their vessels in the bush. This has also
probably given rise to the report that licences are taken out for the Mosquito
Shore. The Valiente Indians, on account of their proximity to Chagres, take
licences to trade with Boca del Toro and along all the coast of Veragua. West-
ward of Boca Toro, licences are not required.
A decree of the Government of the Republic of Colombia, dated Santa Fé
de Bogotá, July 5, 1824, declares all persons attempting to colonize any point
of that part of the coast of Mosquito from Cape Gracias à Dios inclusive to the
River Chagres, liable to severe penalties; and in consequence of this decree, all
vessels trading along the coast were required to provide themselves with
licences of the Colombian Government, for which they paid four rials the ton.
This memorandum is intended to dispel the idea that the issue of tradin
licences along the Atlantic coast by Colombia, originated in any right of sove.
reignty to it.
F. C.
Inclosure 16 in No. 5.
Eatracts from “Constable's Miscellamy,” Vol. XVII. Roberts' Narrative, 1816–
lS23.
Page 30.
Having in the year 1815 visited the western world, I resided upwards of
seven years among the free tribes scattered along the east coast ; and durin
that period traded at every settlement between the Gulf of Darien and the Bay
of Honduras.
Page 53.
Returning from the coast of San Blas, we passed Porto Bello, and proceeded
to Chiriqui Lagoon, which, although so far to the southward, is considered
part of the Mosquito shore under the jurisdiction of the Mosquito King, who,
notwithstanding that the Spaniards consider it a part of the Province of
Veragua (New Granada), annually sends his admiral to collect tribute from the
natives.
Page 86.
After leaving Boca del Toro, we visited the principal river of the Tiribees,
a tribe of Indians who, at the instigation of the Mosquito King, are constantly
at war with the Blancas and Talamancas, tribes in the interior, whom they hunt
like wild beasts; and no emotions of pity prompt them to spare thé aged
of either sex: the young only are saved, and sold as slaves to the principal
chiefs of the Mosquito nation. These Tiribees inhabit the country from the
entrance of the Boca del Toro Lagoon to the River Banana; a small bay to the
northward of which may be considered the boundary between them and the two
tribes above mentioned.
F
34
Page 87.
If the baneful influence exercised by the Mosquito chiefs over these poor
people were put an end to, it would add to the general happiness of themselves
and the neighbouring tribes, and would tend greatly to their advancement in
civilization.
Page 88.
The Rio Culebras or Snake River is considered the boundary between the
Province of Veragua (New Granada) and Costa Rica (Central America), and to
the northward of this river the Blancas sometimes repair in large parties for
the purpose of fishing and hunting. They are a mild race, and obliged to be
constantly on their guard against their enemies the Tiribees and others, who, on
one occasion when I was at Chiriqui Lagoon, fitted out, at the instigation of the
Mosquito Admiral, ten large canoes, on a kidnapping expedition against
them.
Page 124.
In pursuance of my determination to proceed to the northward, I quitted
Pearl Key Lagoon, and returning by Rio Grande to Printzapulco; I there met
Admiral Earnee, one of the principal chiefs of the Mosquito shore, who had
been as far to the southward as Boca del Toro collecting the King's tribute.
Inclosure 17 in No. 5.
Eatract from Commander Barnett's Report on Boca del Toro. 1840–1841.
Soon after the New Granadian officers had taken possession of Boca del
Toro (1836–1838), they were alarmed by a threatened attack from the Mos-
quito King, who in a formal message declared his right to the whole of this
shore, from Salt Creek to the Island of Escudo de Veragua. It is certain that
during the fishing season, the Mosquito men have not only found their way as
far as Escudo, but, taking advantage to land, have overpowered the native:
tribes on the shore, and, by exacting tribute, became a terror not only to the
Indian but European inhabitants.
Inclosure 18 in No. 5.
Evtract from “Some Account of the Mosquito Territory;” by Colonel Robert
Hodgson. William Blackwood. Edinburgh, 1822.
THE Mosquito shore lies between 16° 10' and 10° 25' north latitude, and
between 83° 55' and 87° 50' west longitude *. The sea-coast (in a general view)
forms an angle somewhat obtuse at Cape Gracias à Dios, in latitude 15° 0' and
longitude 83° 55'. From this cape the extent westerly is 85 leagues, and
southerly 95, making in the whole a coast of 180 leagues. The westerly ex-
tremity is Cape Honduras, latitude 16°, and the southern boundary is that
branch of the Lake of Nicaragua called Nicaragua River, in longitude 84° 10'
The reason for ascertaining these bounds is, that the Mosquito Indians
have, ever since the country was known to Europeans, possessed and used this
tract without any other people whatsoever interfering with their native right of
doing so, they having never been conquered by any, nor ever having been
friends with any but the British, who have likewise spread almost from one end
to the other of it. Under their protection white families have lived as far
westerly as Román River (where they still employ many negroes), and their
hunters used to go to Cape Honduras. But the most westerly settlement is
now at Cape River, and the most southerly at Punta Gorda, the inhabitants of
which employ both themselves and their slaves as far as Nicaragua.
It is not easy to determine with certainty the inland boundaries; but the
situations of part of the inhabitants will assist us in forming some judgment
* These bearings are incorrect according to more recent surveys,
35
thereof. Many of the Mosquito Indians live at least 100 miles aback from
the sea up several of the rivers, and above 200 miles up the river at Cape
Gracias ā Dios. The British have lived several miles up Román River;
above 100 miles up Black River; above 100 up Cape Gracias à Dios, River,
75 up Bluefields River, and several up Punta Gorda River; and this with
out the least molestation; for between all these and the Spaniards (who live
at more than double the distance) there is much uninhabited land, and
several tribes of friendly Indians who are in alliance with the Mosquitos.
But till the inland country be fully known, no bounds can properly be
fixed, but by imaginary lines of certain bearings, latitudes, and longitudes,
though indeed near Cape Honduras there is a river and a lagoon that go some
way up the country along which might be part of the western limit, and
the north side of the Lake of Nicaragua might be the southern one ; but these
two limits should not meet, because they would include some of the Spanish
Indian settlements, and go beyond a chain of mountains which I believe would
be found a natural south-west boundary, as I am informed they divide the con-
tinent in that direction; though, as it might be a century or two before the
British subjects and the Spaniards met, what each might then possess would
perhaps settle the boundaries in an eligible manner.
Inclosure 19 in No. 5.
Eatract from the “History of Guatemala,” by D. Juarros. Guatemala, 1808.
Vol. i., page 49.
ENTRE esta provincia (Nicaragua) y la de Comayagua estan las de Taguz-
galpa y Tologalpa, habitadas de Indios infieles de varias naciones, de diversas
lenguas, usos y costumbres, enemigas unas de otras, que son indistintamente
conocidas con los nombres de Xicaques, Moscos, y Sambos; con las mas de
ellas comercian los Ingles, quienes tenien un fuertecillo y algunas habitaciones
en las márgenes del Rio Tinto ; pero han sido obligado à desamparar este puesto.
Estiendense las citadas regiones de Taguzgalpa y Tologalpa a lo largo de las
costas del Mar del Norte desde el Rio Aguán hasta el de San Juan, en cuyo
trechose encuentran los Cabos Camaron, el de Gracias à Dios, y Punta Gorda.
(Translation.)
BETWEEN the Provinces of Nicaragua and Comayagua lie two provinces
peopled by uncivilized Indians of various nations, who are called indiscriminately
Xicaces, Moscos, and Sambos; with most of whom the English trade, who had
a small fort and some houses on the banks of the Black River; but they have
been obliged to evacuate them. These provinces extend along the Atlantic
coast from the River Aguan or Román to the San Juan, and are called the Pro-
vinces of Taguzgalpa and Tologalpa; within which tract are situated the Capes
Camaron, Gracias à Dios, and Punta Gorda. -
Inclosure 20 in No. 5.
Eatract from “ The British Colonial Library;” by Montgomery Martin.
Vol. i., page 136.
THE Mosquito shore (the Indians of which are in alliance with, and
in Some respects subject to, the Crown of Great Britain) extends from Cape
Gracias à Dios Southerly to Punta Gorda and St. Juan River, north-west and
westerly to Román River, and south-east beyond Boca del Toro to Coclel or
Coli, near the River Chagre and Porto Bello. The bay reaches from Cape
Catoche in 21° 31'; the north point of the Peninsula of Yucatan to Cape Hon-
duras in the south latitude and 86° west longitude. From thence the coast
comprehending Cape Gracios é Dios, and extending between 500 and 600 miles
to the mouth of the Rio San Juan, as it flows from the Nicaragua Lake, is
known by the name of the Mosquito shore. Within these limits lie the settle-
ments which have been considered the dependencies of Jamaica.
F 2
36
Inclosure 21 in No. 5.
Extract from “Remarks on the Coast of Nicaragua;” by Sir William S. Wiseman,
when Commander of Her Majesty's ship “Sophie” in 1820.
Page 177.
San Juan de Nicaragua.-The harbour is formed by a low island, which
with the coast incloses on extensive bay. On the east part the island is nearly
joined to the main land, and the entrance to the harbour is on the west. The
west point is called Arenas Point, which is situated in 11° north latitude.
The mouth of the River San Juan is exactly on the meridian of, or true
south from the Point Arenas; and by it there is a communication with the
Lake of Nicaragua. From the harbour of San Juan de Nicaragua the coast
trends to the north a little westerly, a distance of eighty leagues to Cape Gracias
à Dios, and is what is properly called the Mosquito shore.
Inclosure 22 in No. 5.
Eatract from a “Report of the Council of Jamaica respecting the Mosquito Shore,”
dated July 16, 1774.
To his Honour Lieutenant-Governor Dalling.
THE boundaries and extent of the Mosquito shore we find it difficult to
define precisely: Cape Gracias à Dios, in fifteen degrees of north latitude, is
reckoned the centre of the sea-coast, which extends from Cape Honduras to the
northern branch of the Desaguadero of the Nicaragua River San Juan, about
180 leagues; and the distant mountains which bound the Spanish territories
may be considered as the inland line.
No. 6.
Mr. Walker to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received July 8.)
(Extract.) Bluefields, Mosquito, May 20, 1847.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Mr. Addington's
despatch of 30th January last, directing me to transmit to your Lordship
all the information in my power to obtain as to the exact line of boundary
claimed by the King of Mosquito, as dividing his territory from the State
of New Granada and the other States of Central America—the grounds
upon which such claims rest, or may on the other hand be rejected by
New Granada or Central America. I am also to report what, in my opinion,
is the line of boundary which Her Majesty's Government should insist upon as
essential for the security and well-being of the Mosquito State.
In complying with your Lordship's instructions, I think it of importance
in the first place to remark, that it is known from the records of Her
Majesty’s foreign and colonial officers, from those of Jamaica and Hon-
duras, that for a longer period than 200 years, Great Britain has been
in intimate relation and friendship with the Mosquito chiefs and people.
Such relations have not been defined by any formal treaty; but the soldiers
of the two nations have frequently, in concert, taken offensive and defen-
sive measures against the common enemy. At the close of the war, the
Mosquito men having driven the Spaniards from their last post in Black River,
seem to have laid aside with us the weapons of warfare; and looking to
England for protection and advice, have since, in some measure and under
great difficulties, endeavoured to follow recommendations similar to those they
received in 1816 from General Sir George Arthur, formerly Superintendent of
Honduras, and a copy of which I have now the honour to transmit.
It is also to be easily collected from writers intimately acquainted with the
Mosquito shore, such as Dampier, Falconer, Frobisher, Bryan Edwards, Brookes,
Hodgson, Malham, Miller, Wright, Orlando Roberts, and other authorities,
37
that the tribes under the Mosquito Kings have been independent ever since
the downfall of Montezuma, and have had a recognized territory appertaining
to themselves. I regret that, not having copies of all the above-named books
I cannot refer in every case to the particular page and volume. .
In addition to this voluminous testimony, I have the honour to submit to
your Lordship's inspection the following papers, a perusal of which will clearly
show that both by Old Spain, and by the new States of Central America, a
Mosquito territory was and is allowed to exist somewhere. -
1. Original diary, which appears to have been kept by a settler, Mr. Grey,
a medical man connected for the time professionally with a commission sent
by the Captain-General of Guatemala to Black River in 1797, to treat with the
Indians of the Mosquito shore. The commission seems to have been under
Captain Pareja, the officer who afterwards conducted Prince Stephen on a visit
to Guatemala, where and on his route he received all the honours customarily
J
bestowed on an independent Prince. In this diary I have marked two places,
to which I would respectfully direct your Lordship's attention. The first
shows, among a list of toasts given by the Spanish Commissioner at a dinner to
the Indian chiefs, the recognition of the King, chiefs, and country of Mosquito;
and the second is illustrative of the independent footing on which the Mosquito
King negotiated with the Spaniards.
- 2. Original letter from the Secretary of the Government of Costarica,
dated 29th September, 1840, acknowledging the Mosquito Government.
3. Copy letter from Commandant of San Juan Nicaragua, acknowledging
the Mosquito Government. º -
4. Extract from treaty between the Supreme Government of Honduras and
General Lowrie Robinson, of date 16th December, 1843.
Besides all the foregoing evidence as to the existence of a Mosquito Terri-
tory, free and independent, I would also, under this head, respectfully refer your
Lordship to the copy of the petition from the British residents of San Andres
to Captain Bligh, of His Majesty's ship “Surveillante,” after his capture of
that island, which shows the Mosquito shore to have been confessedly exempt
by the Spaniards themselves from their jurisdiction.
Having now, as I humbly conceive, adduced a sufficiency of proofs to
satisfy the most prejudiced and the most sceptical, that a Mosquito territory has
existed and exists, governed by its own laws, and these administered by its own
hereditary Kings, I proceed to state the boundaries claimed by the King of
Mosquito as dividing his territory from that of the conterminous States of
Central America and New Granada.
The Mosquito Territory commences at Cape Honduras (Punta Castillo);
but without taking into consideration the tongue of land which forms the cape,
the proper boundary would lead from the sea-board in the meridian of 85° 50'
west, leaving the town of Truxillo a few miles to the westward, and following this
meridian till it meets the parallel of 13° 30'; after which it takes a south-
easterly direction over the mountain summits till it crosses the San Juan River.
After this the boundary takes a south-south-easterly direction over the
mountains till it meets the parallel 10° north, where it again takes a south-
easterly direction till it crosses the meridian of 82° 30', when it runs due east,
embracing Chiriqui Lagoon and several tributary rivers, continuing its course
until it strikes the meridian of 81° 50'; when it trends to the north till it
meets the sea-board at King Buppan (in Mosquito, King’s landing), opposite
the Escudo de Veragua, with all the islands and keys within the meridian of 82.
In obedience to your Lordship's commands I have had a map prepared
from the best and most authentic sources, and the lines denotive of the
foregoing boundary I have marked in black. *
The grounds upon which the rights of sovereignty over this expanse of
country appertain to the Mosquito Kings, consist in the long tenure of their
control over it. Malham, in his Gazetteer for 1795, states: “Mosquito shore
proper to extend from Cape Cameron to Fort Chagres, uninterrupted by any
Spanish settlement.” The Spaniards, however, after 1795, had a transient
possession of Cape Gracias à Dios and Black River; but all places so occupied
were either abandoned by the Spaniards or captured by the Mosquito people
before the commencement of the present century. From 1800 to about nine or
ten years ago, the Mosquito Kings appear to have been in undisputed and peace-
able possession of the territory I have traced out as belonging to them. At
38.
that time it appears that the Spanish authorities of the neighbouring States,
taking advantage of the peaceable disposition of the Mosquito people, advanced
claims to the King's territory, and committed aggressions upon it at Boca del
Toro, Matina, and San Juan. The aggressions were formally remonstrated
against, and the remonstrances have been regularly continued up to the last
year. Reprisals could easily have been made, but every dependence seems to
have been placed on the effective mediation of Great Britain.
In support of Mosquito sovereignty over the Boca del Toro, I have to
refer your Lordship to Malham's Gazetteer for 1795, already noticed; to
Roberts' Narrative, p. 86; and I have the honour to forward—
1. Original paper under date November 14, 1815, being the submission of
Prince Stephen and other Mosquito chiefs to King George, from which docu-
ment it will be seen that the Mosquito chiefs then exercised jurisdiction at Boca
del Toro. -
2. Commission granted to Magistrate, and laws sent to Boca del Toro by
King Robert Charles Frederic in 1832. - -
3. Depositions of Captain Peter Shepherd as to the allegiance being paid.
to Kings of Mosquito by the Valiente Indians of Chiriqui Lagoon, dated Decem-
ber 1844. It is further known to me from personal inquiry on the spot, and
can be proved at any time, that the British residents either born or located at
Boca del Toro, considered and consider themselves on a part of the Mosquito
shore under the dominion of the Mosquito King, and that it was under such
belief that the forefathers of many of the present inhabitants and also recent
settlers established themselves in Chiriqui Lagoon.
New Granada lays claim to this part of Mosquito as a revolutionary heir
of Old Spain, and in such character considers that she has acquired, within the
old Viceroyalty of which she was a part, all that Spain possessed when the
authority of that monarchy was extinguished ; but without entering into the
many questions involved by the claims of the several States to Viceroyalties
which have been broken up and mutilated beyond redemption, it will be seen
from the foregoing evidence, that at the time of the Revolution Spain was not
in de facto possession of the Boca del Toro. It consists with my knowledge
that about 1828 or 1829, on I presume a representation from your Lordship's
department, a letter was written by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to
the Superintendent of Honduras, desiring him to use his influence with the
King of Mosquito to protect a mining company which had been established on
the confines of Veragua. -
The very first settlement by New Granada was in 1836. I quote the cir-
stances from a report by Commander Darley of Her Majesty’s ship “Electra,”
addressed to Sir Charles Adam in May 1842:— -
“Some years ago two men named Joseph and Thomas Knap obtained
leave from the King of the Mosquito shore to trade on this coast, for which
privilege they were to pay the King 100 dollars a-year. About six years ago a
disgraced Colombian officer named Johnson came to Boca del Toro, and com-
bining with the two Knaps, they drew up a petition to the Colombian Govern-
ment praying it to take this place under its protection. They had the address
to get the signatures of several of the inhabitants, and added many more names
surreptitiously to it. Johnson was the bearer of the petition, and in consequence
the Colombian Government sent a small force down and took possession of the
place, established a custom-house, charging very high duties on all goods
imported, and otherwise greatly oppressed the people. Since the visit of
Colonel Macdonald in the “Tweed” last August, the Colombians have with-
drawn their establishment from Boca del Toro, and their authority has ceased to
exist here. Scarcely any Spaniards remain, and at present the people are per-
fectly free from any intrusion. All the people of the Boca del Toro consider
themselves subject to the King of the Mosquito shore, and detest the Spaniards,
whom they look upon as usurpers and tyrants.”
I am able to corroborate the foregoing account by a knowledge of the cir-
cumstances derived from Captain Shepherd and the Messrs. Knap. It was
jealousy on the part of the Knaps at Captain Shepherd's peculiar, and I must
say improper, privileges, that induced them to call the attention of the New
Granadian authorities to this place. I transmit copy of the licence granted to
Messrs. Knap permitting them to trade on the coast, but excluding them from
Chiriqui Lagoon. I also transmit copy of a letter from the Colombian Secretary
39
of State, M. Mosquera, being the first notice which appears to have been taken
by the authorities of Bogotá respecting the Boca del Toro settlements.
In support of the King's claim to Matina and Salt Creek, I have the honour
to transmit deposition by Señor Manuel Quijano, late Commandant of San Juan,
as to the Mosquito King having been in the habit of receiving tribute at
Matina, date August 30, 1841. And I subjoin report of Captain Darley on
the same subject, to the correctness of which I can bear testimony:
“The old Spaniards had a settlement at about fifteen miles from this place
inland, where they had extensive cocoa plantations. They regularly paid tri-
bute to the King of the Mosquito coast for this privilege, but never had any part
of the coast granted to them, nor did they ever settle on it. -
“Mr. Peter Shepherd was employed by the Spaniards to take the tribute
for the King, either three or four times; it amounted to five seroons of cocoa
and two of sugar each year. The flag of the Mosquito shore has not been
hoisted here on Sundays since the Spaniards of Costa Rica made the people of
Mosquito haul it down about two years ago, thereby taking forcible possession
of the place. At the same time the Spaniards came to this place, took possession
of it, and they have held it ever since. They do not pay any tribute; they have
established a custom-house, with regular officers and a few troops, hoisting their
own flag, and in short exercise full sovereign power.”
I submit deposition by Mr. Quin of Corn Island as to the King's sovereignty
over San Juan, dated August 27, 1841. And I again beg to quote from Captain
Darley's report, the following remarks : —
“With respect to the settlement of San Juan de Nicaragua, it is not easy
to ascertain if the Spaniards ever paid tribute for leave to establish a fort or
custom-house on the north bank of the river. My impression is they never had
leave for such a purpose. My reasons for so thinking are as follows:—The
King of the Mosquito shore claims the whole shore line both north and south
of the River San Juan, and inland to the range of the Central Mountains, which
may be fifty miles from the coast. Mr. Shepherd, who has lived upon the coast
since the year 1811, never knew the Spaniards to claim the North Bank, nor
ever to hoist the Spanish flag upon it. They had a look-out house, but not on
the North Bank; it is situated at the place called the Fort on the chart, where
three or four men were stationed merely to keep order amongst the boatmen
who came down the river for the goods landed there, but they did not hoist any
flag. Their custom-house was at Granadio. During the year of Independence,
in the year 1811, the patriots sent an armed brig to take possession of the
entrance to the river. At that time those Spaniards had two vessels lying in
harbour, which were armed. They landed five or six guns with the crews of
these vessels, and although the “Patriot” brig entered the harbour, they gave her
such a warm reception that she slipped her cable and put to sea again. It was
not until about six years ago, that the Government of Central America sent a
force down to San Juan, and established a custom-house on the north side,
certainly without the consent of the King of the Mosquito shore, who had pre-
viously made a grant to Mr. Shepherd of this very spot, which he is at any
time prepared to prove. The Mosquito Indians have several times threatened
to burn the houses put up by the people of Nicaragua, and turn them all away,
but feared to do injury to Mr. Shepherd, and they are most anxious to get rid
of them if permitted to do so.” -
With respect to the country from San Juan to Cape Honduras, every part of
it has been in the undisturbed possession of the King and Chiefs of Mosquito
since last century, and has never been interfered with until very lately. The
Commandant of Truxillo, about eight or nine months ago, sent an armed party
within the King's limits, and more recently he has repeated the same offence,
carrying off the property of British merchants. The inhabitants are now, how-
ever, mustering to repel the intruders, and I have no doubt that they will speedily
do so.” . -
If thought expedient by your Lordship, reference might be made as to
Cape Honduras being the boundary of the Mosquito dominions, to former
Superintendents of Honduras now living—General Gabriel Gordon, Major-
General Sir George Arthur, Major-General Sir Francis Cockburn, and Major-
General Macdonald.
I have traced in red lines the boundary which in my opinion I consider
40
would be most advisable for Great. Britain to insist on as essential for the well-
being of the Kingdom of Mosquito. - - -
his boundary ascends the Román River mid-stream as far as the junction
with it of the Guaupe, which river it ascends till it meets the parallel of
15° 10', when it follows the meridian of 859 50° W., until it meets the parallel of
13° 30', after which it takes a south-easterly direction over the mountain
summits till it crosses the San Juan River, when it descends the San Juan mid-
stream to the Atlantic Ocean. * :
Along the whole of this boundary line, especially where it crosses the
courses of the numerous rivers, there are points or look-out stations, which are
well known to and acknowledged by the inhabitants upon each side as dividing
their respective territories. The registering, therefore, of these points, and
running lines of connection through them are all that is wanted to form a com-
plete boundary. - -
All the territory thus embraced within the red lines is now, with the
exception of a custom-house on the north bank of San Juan, in the possession of
the King of Mosquito, and has been under the Mosquito Government during
the whole of the present century. - - . .
In abandoning the territory to the southward of San Juan, I would humbly
beg to advocate, as I did in my despatch to Lord Aberdeen of 21st July, 1846,
the case of the settlers at Boca del Toro, and crave for them such
indemnification for removal as to your Lordship may appear fair and
equitable. -
Inclosure l in No. 6.
Sir George Arthur, Superintendent of Honduras, to the King of Mosquito.
Prince George, Belize, January 14, 1816.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yester-
day’s date, and beg to assure you that the terms in which you have expressed
yourself at your reception here, are extremely gratifying; and, believe me, I
observed with high satisfaction, the attachment which the chieftains on your
landing so evidently demonstrated towards your person.
Your request to be crowned in the settlement, in presence of your chief-
tains and such of your people as are assembled here, I shall most cheerfully
comply with, and beg to propose that the ceremony shall take place on Thurs-
day, the 18th instant, the day on which we commemorate the birth of Her Most
Gracious Majesty the Queen of England. And I sincerely trust you will not be
disappointed in the advantage you expect to derive by its being understood by
your subjects, that you are in a particular manner under the protection of the
British Government. I need not say that it will be a most enviable duty to me,
to convey to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent your expressions of grati-
tude, as well as those of Prince Robert your brother, for the blessings you have
derived under the British Government, by the advantage of a liberal education,
and from having being brought up in the Christian religion.
Under Divine Providence it has been His Royal Highness' peculiar good
fortune to have acquired in the field all the fame which the highest Sovereign
could desire. His armies have been successful everywhere; but dazzling as such
glory is, it will not convey to His Royal Highness' heart more sincere and lasting
satisfaction than he will enjoy, if through your means the Mosquito nation and
the numerous tribes of Indians around you are brought to partake of the bles-
sings of civilization. - -
This was the great object which the King of England had in view when
on the death of your father in the year 1800, amidst the distress of your nation,
he held forth his hand to save and protect yourself and your brother. And
from the same motive has His Royal Highness the Prince Regent continued to
you his powerful protection, and therefore your gratitude to him will now be
best evinced by the accomplishment of his hopes and wishes.
Your present feelings towards His Royal Highness do you great honour,
and you may be assured I shall entreat the Right Hon. Earl Bathurst to submit
your letter with my humble duty to His Royal Highness, and as soon as I am
honoured with His Royal Highness' pleasure thereon, I shall take pleasure in
immediately communicating it to you. But if you would convince His Royal
Highness, beyond the extent of words, that you are truly grateful and sensible of
the blessings you have derived, I will tell you, Prince, how you may do so. Make
your people happpy, struggle to wean them from their present habits to a state
of civilization, introduce amongst them good and wholesome laws, instantly sup-
press the present cruel system of Government, and let no man suffer without
being fairly brought to trial, before at least five or seven of your Captains, and
even then administer justice in mercy; but above all endeavour to introduce the
Christian religion, in which you have been educated; this will be the best reward
His Royal Highness can feel. This will convince him that you have been truly
grateful, and you will by this means add a gem to his diadem, which will not
appear dim amidst the blaze of bright ones which encircle it.
You must not be disheartened at the undertaking; if the difficulties before
you are great, the greater will be your merit. Remember that Great Britain
herself, now adorned with so much glory and magnificence, was once inhabited
by barbarous and uncivilized men; and she now generously extends her assistance
to redeem your nation from the state of ignorance and rudeness from which she
has herself arisen. -
You personally expressed yourself anxious for my advice, and I have now,
Prince, truly given you the best my abilities enable me to offer you; and I assure
you, as far as I consider my instructions enable me, to assist you, nothing shall
be wanting on my part to contribute to your own and also to your brother's
accommodation. - -
You expressed yourself so much pleased with the portrait of His Royal
Highness the Prince Regent, that I must beg you will do me the favour to
accept it, and I will endeavour to procure another impression from England for
your brother and one for General Robinson. - -
You appeared greatly surprised that His Royal Highness looked so like a
Prince! I feel a pleasure in telling you how this happens, because you may
acquire the same appearance. He always acts like one.
(Signed) GEO. ARTHUR.
Inclosure 2 in No. 6.
The Secretary to the Government of Costarica to the Secretary to the Government
of Mosquito.
(Translation.) * San José, September 29, 1840.
THE State of Costarica, which, during its dependence under the Spanish
Government, and also under the Federal Government of Central America, could
not enter into treaties with the nations of this continent, nor with those of
Europe, now wishes to celebrate them with all, but especially with the Mosquito
Government; and is desirous that it should be in the most friendly manner, in
order that the subjects of both nations may be allied both commercially and in
the most intimate terms. -
There is however an obstacle in the way, which is, that the subjects of
the Mosquito Government interfere with and annoy the merchants who reside
at Moin or Salt Creek, a coast which exclusively belongs to the State of Costa-
rica. They come to demand duties from the ships which anchor there, main-
taining that the said coast belongs to the Mosquito nation. This cannot be ;
because for more than 300 years the Government of Spain was in possession of it,
which possession was respected even by the greatest nations of the globe ; and
because all these nations acknowledged the terrestrial and maritime empire of
that nation over all the parts of this continent which were under the protection
of its flag. - - -
Ever since this State separated itself from the rest of the Republic, and
was formed into a sovereign or independent State, it has preserved for itself the
occupation of this coast, which has always been considered as belonging pro-
perly to the State by the most ancient rights, without there having been, until
now, any dispute; and all the vessels which arrive at the said coast, of whatever
nation, acknowledge the government and laws of this State.
G
42
The subjects of Costarica never interfere with the Mosquitos in their terri-
tories, and why should the Mosquitos interfere with them They can of course
visit this coast, and have commercial transactions with the same freedom as any
other foreigner under the precise laws of nations; but they can by no means
come with the pretext of holding a right of property or dominion there.
Costarica will be friendly with the Mosquito nation, provided always that
the subjects of that nation will respect the authorities at Moin, and will respect
the order and moderation there established. When this shall be so, the Govern-
ments can then establish other relationships or treaties, which will be reciprocally
useful and advantageous for the subjects of the one and of the other. .**
You will make the present communication, which I direct to you by order
of the supreme chief of this State, known to your Government, and will
send me the reply through the military commander of the port of Moin or
Salt Creek. -
I have, &c. t
(Signed) M. GUIVARA.
Inclosure 3 in No. 6.
The Commandant of San Juan to the King of Mosquito.
(Translation.) San Juan, August 11, 1838.
THIS day I have had the great satisfaction to become acquainted and
converse with the worthy General Scipio, at the same time that I had the
pleasure to tender my particular friendship as a companion in arms; but not
content with this, I have wished also, in the name of my Government, to show
you the good disposition in which we are at present; and establishing a mutual
correspondence to secure the sacred rights of the two Governments in good
faith, I offer a strict friendship, and the customary respect to your nation.
Sire, the State of Nicaragua has completely recovered her rights, separating
herself out of hand from a bad formed Federation, which has done no more than
to destroy her treasury. She has recovered her ports, putting into employment
there subjects capable by their virtues of maintaining harmony with such
charges as my Government may desire; and I can assure you that if formerly
you suffered any vexations from the authorities at this port, it was not the fault
of my Government, but the imprudence of the Federalists in office that then
occupied that port ; for which cause I am now come here with a division to
compel them to quit this quarter altogether.
Sire, I am a commandant of operations for this Government; and I have
the honour to tender you my services and to salute you in the name of my
Government; and I only regret that, being obliged to march in a few days for
the capital, it prevents my proceeding in person to congratulate you ; but be
pleased to accept my best wishes, at the same time assuring you that the autho-
rities who remain at this port will always maintain the greatest harmony with
your nation, and will know how to afford all protection to such of your subjects
as may happen to come here.
All desire the honour of your high acquaintance.
Subscribing myself, &c.
(Signed) MANUEL QUIJANO.
Inclosure 4 in No. 6.
Eatract from Treaty between General Robinson and the Government of Mosquito,
dated December 16, 1843.
Article 2. ALL the inhabitants of the State of Honduras shall reciprocally
enjoy the same right of trade, navigation, and free fishery, under the protection
of the authorities of the Mosquito shore. .
Article 3. When authorities pass within the jurisdiction of either party,
they shall be specially respected, and shall receive the honours corresponding
with their rank, in accordance with existing ordinances. -
43
Inclosure 5 in No. 6.
The Petition of the Inhabitants of the Island of St. Andres.
To John Bligh, Esq., Captain of His Britannic Majesty's ship “Surveillante.”
Humbly showeth,
THAT in consequence of your arrival to this island on the 26th of last
month, and of your taking possession thereof in the name of His Britannic
Majesty, the minds of your petitioners have been much agitated and uneasy;
they, fearing the dreadful consequences which may hereafter happen, in case
the island should be left unprotected, especially as they have been informed
that threats have already been made, from which your petitioners conceive and
are very apprehensive that both their lives and properties are in great danger in
case that this island should be retaken by the Spaniards, who at all times,
on account that most of your petitioners are British subjects, and other
foreigners have had a jealous eye upon them, which will be much more so now,
it having already been said that some persons, underhand, had solicited the
British Government to take possession of this island. Could your petitioners
rely upon the promises which have been made to them, they would have
nothing to fear; but from what has happened since your arrival, you are
sensible and fully convinced that no dependence can be put in such assurances,
or in anything [else] that may be held out to them.
That under such distressful circumstances as hereinbefore mentioned, your
petitioners had rather, and are willing to, abandon the island, and to relinquish
all their lands, buildings, crops, or anything else which they cannot remove or
conveniently carry off, if they could procure a sufficient number of vessels for
to Garry away themselves, their families, slaves, and [any] other moveable
property, to any part of His Britannic Majesty’s dominions, but more particu-
larly to the Island of Jamaica or Grand Caymaines, and also to the Mosquito
shore, especially as many of your petitioners are poor, and have large families,
and their means could not afford them to make new settlements, and establish
themselves in or at any of the two first-mentioned places.
That most of your petitioners being British-born subjects, and that
such as are not, from the length of time which they have been amongst the
British, do also consider themselves as British subjects, for which, especially
as none of your petitioners have sworn allegiance to His Catholic Majesty,
they do conceive that they have a right to the protection of the British
Government.
Your petitioners, therefore, most humbly pray that you will be pleased to
take this their petition into your most serious consideration, that you will be
pleased to represent their dreadful and precarious situation to the Admiral, that
he may be pleased to grant your petitioners such convoy and other protection
for the safe removal of their persons, families, and properties, as in his wisdom
he shall deem fit. Your petitioners also pray that on the event of your leaving
this island with His Majesty's ship under your command, you will be pleased
not to leave the said island unprotected, but that you will be pleased to leave
such force for the protection thereof as you shall judge necessary.
And your petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray for your
prosperity, &c.
Signed by all the inhabitants, and more too, excepting however two or three
of the inhabitants, as also those who were off the island at the time.
Island of St. Andres, April 4, 1806.
G 2
44
Sub-Inclosure 1 in Inclosure 5.
Captain Bligh to the Governor of St. Andres.
Sir, “Surveillante,” St. Andres, March 26, 1806.
INDUCED by the most disinterested motives of humanity, and desirous
of avoiding the unnecessary effusion of blood, I request you will take into con-
sideration the infinite superiority of the force under my command, and the actual
inability you are under of making a successful opposition to it. Under those
circumstances I feel confident that you will not make a wanton sacrifice of the
lives intrusted to your charge, by refusing to surrender the island under your
government to His Britannic Majesty's arms.
I have, &c.
(Signed) JOHN BLIGH.
| Sub-Inclosure 2 in Inclosure 5.
The Governor of St. Andres to Captain Bligh.
Prospect Hill, Island of St. Andres, March 26, 1806.
THE forces your honour has already landed at the Cove command as
much respect, and consideration as your humane sentiments are worthy of.
Nothing could be more satisfactory to me than to be certain to be the only
victim sacrificed to the honour of my Sovereign's arms; I would then shut my
eyes to your strength, and look only to my obligation, as such was my promise
when I enlisted under his royal flag; the troops under my command are also
cordially willing to shed their blood in the compliance of so sacred a duty, and
I have no doubt but they would justify the same at any time: but should your
generous disposition towards humanity be accompanied with some terms, such
as will be undermentioned, I may perhaps contemplate your intimation with
that prudence that my situation and circumstances may require.
- I have, &c. * ,
(Signed) THOS. O’NEILLE.
Sub-Inclosure 3 in Inclosure 5.
Articles of Capitulation of the Governor of St. Andres.
March 26, 1806.
1st. His Catholic Majesty's flag to be lowered with a volley fired by the
Spanish troops.
2nd. The honours of war granted to the garrison, viz., to march with their
arms, beating drums, to the barracks whereat they’ll surrender themselves
prisoners of war, and give up their arms and ammunition.
3rd. The Church to be respected by the soldiers and sailors, the free
exercise of the Catholic religion to be permitted to those that profess the same,
and the vestments, sacred vessels, and everything dedicated to the divine wor-
ship to be unmolested, and considered perfectly at the disposal of the curate for
to remove it from off the island when there may be an opportunity.
4th. The persons and property of the inhabitants to be unmolested, and
twelve months’ time to be allowed to those not wishing to remain under the
British Government, for to dispose of it or carry away what part of the same it
may be convenient to them. *
Under the above articles the Island of St. Andres will be given up to His
Britannic Majesty's forces, together with the batteries, pieces of cannon,
ammunition, &c. therein contained.
(Signed) THOS. O’NEILLE.
45 }
Sub-Inclosure 4 in Inclosure 5.
Captain Bligh to the Governor of St. Andres.
Sir, - Island of St. Andres, March 26, 1806.
IN answer to your letter containing the terms on which you propose to
surrender the island and troops under your command to His Britannic Majesty's
arms, I beg leave to observe that in the event of receiving no further instruc-
tions on the subject, my possession of the island will be but temporary, being
only desirous to place the British inhabitants on it in a state of security and
independence, to effect which with the greater certainty, I feel it necessary to
remove the Spanish troops from off the island, and to require the following
stipulations on your part, in case it should be allowed to remain under your
government. In the first place you shall pledge your honour to allow all such
British inhabitants as shall be so disposed, to quit the island unmolested with
the whole of their property. Secondly, all those who are inclined to continue
upon it shall be at liberty to do so, their persons and property being respected.
On the other hand, the persons, religion, lands, and property (excepting vessels
with their cargoes, whether afloat or on shore) of the Spanish individuals will
be respected and inviolate.
I am, &c.
(Signed) JOHN BLIGH.
Sub-Inclosure 5 in Inclosure 5. y
The Governor of St. Andres to Captain Bligh.
Sir, St. Andres, March 26, 1806.
PERFECTLY satisfied by your Honour's answer, that the chief and
essential points of capitulation as settled and agreed upon, are so just and con-
sistent with the general laws of civilized nations, and being also very sensible
of the superiority of the force under your command, I must acknowledge my
weak situation, and the necessity of avoiding a fruitless resistance, and conse-
quently to Surrender, and constitute myself a prisoner to a generous and
honourable conqueror, who as one of so many gallant heroes of an illustrious
nation, will show every mark of kindness to a number of very recommendable
and laborious inhabitants that have been under my care for the space of nine
years, much to my satisfaction.
As for myself and garrison, we are perfectly at your Honour's command,
being disposed and very willing to follow the chance of the war. The additional
stipulation required by your Honour on my part, concerning British inhabitants
wishing to remove from off this island, shall be granted, pledging my honour that
they will be permitted to do so, with everything belonging to them, without the
least molestation, except the liberty of selling their lands, which must go back
to the Crown, who gave it without any charges whatsoever, but they may sell
the houses or any buildings, if they like, as their undisputed property. Should
there be any British inhabitants inclined to continue on the said colony for to
enjoy any property whatsoever, they shall bein every respect treated as Spaniards,
considering them under the same laws, which is conformable to the rights of
nations in general, and consistent with my limited authority.
I have, &c.
(Signed) THOS. O’NEILLE.
46
Inclosure 6 in No. 6.
Submission of Prince Stephen and Chiefs to King George.
Sire, -
WHEREAS by an appointed meeting of the most principal inhabitants
commanding the different townships of south-eastern Mosquito shore from the
confines of Wanks River to Buckatoro Lagoon inclusive, commanded by Prince
Stephen, King Regent of the above shore, held at Woollang on the fourteenth
of November, and year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifteen, in
behalf of giving our assent, consent, choice, and declaration to, for, and of the
appointment of the hereditary Prince Frederic (eldest son of our late King
George, King of all the Mosquito shore), to his father's Crown, Franc, and
Government, as our lawful King and Sovereign : and we, whose names are here-
unto subscribed, do give our assent, consent, choice, and declaration to, for, and
of the said hereditary Prince Frederic, to be our lawful King and Sovereign,
exclusive by a free and voluntary act and will without restraint or competition,
to bind ourselves and those whom we represent in our towns, to the safety of his
person, from treason, conspiracy, and intrigues, against his person, as far as
such treason, conspiracy, and intrigues may, shall, and will come within the
reach of our hearing, seeing, knowledge, and understanding: And further, we
bind ourselves and those whom we represent, to the fulfilment of his laws,
founded on reason, equity, judgment, and humanity: And further, we, the
captain, commandant, and representatives of the several townships whose names
are hereunto subscribed, do bind ourselves and those whom we represent, our
persons and properties, to the support and defence of our said beloved King
Frederic, against all his hostile foes and enemies, from whatever quarter they
may be pleased to spring, or in default of the said assent, consent, choice, decla-
ration, support, and protection of our lawful King and Sovereign, we bind our-
selves and those whom we represent, living in the several towns which we
command, to the penalty of his law, as far as such offence or default may be
deemed culpable. In the name of God and under the auspice of our King
Frederic, we do hereunto subscribe our mames to the above by our appointed
proxy William Boggs, on the day and year above written.
Stephen, Prince Regent and Commander-in-chief of the above shore.
Clementine of Tobapec, Governor.
Alexander Nowls, General, Commandant and Representative of
Wansanna.
Prince Eugene, Commandant and Representative of Dackwara.
Prince Perry, Duke of Brigales, General, Commandant and Repre-
sentative of Belos Carma.
Alexander Bigman, General, Commandant and Representative of Pearl
Key Lagoon.
Agustas Hall, Colonel, Commandant and Representative of Beamoona,
Arnold Dalbis, Admiral, Commandant and Representative of Morgan
Town, and Harbour-master, Cape-han.
Cyprima Drummond, Admiral, Commandant and Representative of all
Great River.
Tom Lee, Admiral, Commandant and Representative of Lia Sixa.
Mama Tara, Captain, Atakwas Representative.
Richard Yeney, Captain, Wanata Representative.
Gesper Malato, Captain, Comb Representative,
Fabian Null, Captain, Wastlaw Representative.
Felix Chembers, Captain, Peetkera Representative.
Gerves Rahee, Captain, Saklin Representative.
Gesar Riden, Captain, Belas Carma Representative.
Carlos Saada, Captain, Woolwas Representative.
Felix Woolasdura, Major, Belos Carma.
Barnobe Everett, Captain, Wooleea Representative.
Lorenzo Ileand, Captain, Riapoora Representative.
47
Goowin Platis, Captain, Leewapoora Representative.
Daniel Levingston, Captain, Nancabocono Representative.
Erasmus Driver, Captain, Sawa Representative.
Basil Mihore, Major, Commandant and Representative Sandy Bay.
Barnabe Tanna, Colonel, Commandant and Representative of Awas-
tara.
Jacob Tasbin, Captain and Representative, Pahara.
Jeffery Maker, Captain, Pahara Tara Representative.
Elia, Poolin, Captain, Morgantown.
John Powel, Captain, Winatcalia Representative.
Cyprine Drummer, Captain, Wooskera Representative.
Fabian Belian, Captain, Akeweeta Representative.
John Kerry, Captain, Quamwatta Representative.
Lucian Cyah, Captain, Wanata Representative.
I present the above to you, with my most hearty and best wishes for your
speedy enjoyment and happy reign in your kingdom.
peedy enjoym ppy reign In y (Signed) STEPHEN,
King Frederick. Prince Regent.
Inclosure 7 in No. 6.
Commission to Magistrate at Boca del Toro.
I DO hereby appoint Wm. Hodgson a Captain and Magistrate of the
Terribee and Valiente Indians, and collector of taxes from Manchioneal Bay,
Monkey Point, Boca del Toro, and other places adjacent.
And I also further insist that the Captain and Magistrate above named and
appointed, as well as all my officers touching at or residing in the above places,
will see them have all the rights of my other subjects, not allowing any pro-
visions, lines, staffs, canoes, or any articles whatever to be taken from them
without a just remuneration. t
(Signed) ROBERT CHARLES FREDERIC,
King of the Mosquito Nation.
Pearl Key Lagoon, October 26, 1832.
Inclosure 8 in No. 6.
Laws sent to Boca del Toro by the King of Mosquito.
WHEREAS it has been for numberless years past the constant custom and
practice of our male subjects to trapan, commit rapes, and in the most insolent
manner and without any provocation, to beat, and commit many depredations
on the bodies of our wives and of our daughters: I have therefore in the most
deliberate manner, through the repeated solicitation of many of our subjects,
and an anxious wish to promote the peace and welfare of our nation, declared
that I will punish with death any of my subjects who may hereafter be found
guilty of the above crime. -
(Signed) ROBERT CHARLES FREDERIC,
King of the Mosquito Nation.
Pearl Kay Lagoon, October 26, 1832.
48
Pearl Key Lagoon,
Mosquito Shore, October 26, 1832.
BE it made known to all my subjects on the Mosquito shore, that I forbid
any more Indians to be made slaves, under pain of death, after the 1st day of
November, 1832.
All Indian slaves prior to that date may remain in that state.
(Signed) ROBERT CHARLES FREDERIC,
- King of the Mosquito Nation.
Pearl Key Lagoon,
Mosquito Shore, October 1832.
WHEREAS it is my will and intention (from the date hereof) that all and
every one of my free male subjects, as well as all foreigners who reside or may
hereafter reside on any part of the Mosquito shore, shall pay unto such as I
shall hereafter appoint, the sum of one dollar each (tax-money), in lieu of three
dollars originally paid. And I hereby declare that I will exact from every male
subject above the age of fourteen years, the abovesaid sum of one dollar, payable
on the 1st day of September, to any chief that I may nominate to receive the
said taxes. The said chiefs to forward or cause to be forwarded, all and every
sum of tax-money to me, through any medium I may choose to make known to
them. º -
And further, I expect that the chiefs selected for the purpose of gathering
these taxes, will enforce the sum, and be responsible to me for any deficiencies
that may occur in the collection of the said taxes.
The tax-money I exact from each individual is as follows:—
Taa’es.
For every male from 14 years old and upwards, the sum dollars rials
of one dollar Gº tº- º tºº - - - - 1 O
For every male slave from 14 years and upwards, payable
by their owners - º º º º O 4.
Woolwa and Terribee Indians, if employed, the sum of
four rials, payable by their employers - - - 0 4
Valiente Indians (males), from 14 years and upwards t_º I O
(Signed) ROBERT CHARLES FREDERIC,
King of the Mosquito Nation.
Inclosure 9 in No. 6.
Deposition of Captain Shepherd respecting Valiente Indians.
NORTH BLUEFIELDS, Mosquito shore, this 2nd day of December,
1844, appeared before me, Alexander Hodgson, one of the magistrates of this
settlement, Captain Peter Shepherd, formerly of the Island of Jamaica, but now
an inhabitant of San Juan de Nicaragua, who, being solemnly sworn on the
Sacred Scriptures, hereby deposes: - w - - - *
That from the year 1814 to the year 1839, he, the said deponent, was in
the constant habit of making visits among the Valiente Indians on the River
Crikamavula, with whom during all that time he carried on considerable trade.
That he the said deponent also frequently carried certain chiefs of these
Indians (as Governor Jaspar Hall, Colonel Pacho, Captain Charley, and others,
whose names he has now forgotten) to Jamaica, to visit George Frederic, the
young King of the Mosquito nation, who with his brother was residing in that
island in the earlier portion of the above-mentioned time, under the tutelage of
the Duke of Manchester, the Governor. -
That on the occasion of these visits by the said Valiente chiefs, they were
in the habit of carrying with them commissions, as governor, colonels, captains,
&c., under the Mosquito King, which had been given them as such by former
British Governors of Jamaica, and which the Duke of Manchester caused to be
renewed, and which he himself signed.
49
That the said Indians took much pride in the possession of these docu-
ments, and frequently exhibited them to their friends, and that this deponent
had thus frequent opportunities of seeing them during all the course of the
above-mentioned time; but
That since the year 1836, when the Government of New Granada took
possession at Boca del Toro, individuals in the interest of that Government have
been among the said Indians, as this deponent has been credibly informed,
persuading them to deliver up or to destroy these said commissions, and that
this deponent thinks it doubtful whether any of these said commissions be now
to be found. -
And all this is truth, as this deponent shall answer to God. s
(Signed) PETER SHEPHERD.
Read over to the deponent, he being blind, and signed by him in my
presence.
- (Signed) ALEXANDER HODGSON.
Inclosure 10 in No. 6.
License granted to Messrs. Knap.
THIS is to certify to all whom it may concern, that I, Robert Charles
Frederic, King of the Mosquito nation, have granted full licence and liberty to
Messrs. Thomas and Joseph Knap to trade on all my coast of the Mosquito
shore (save and except that part thereof for which I have granted an exclusive
privilege to Messrs. Samuel and Peter Shepherd, viz., all parts of Chiriqui
Lagoon and as far eastward as King Buppan, as per my grant of 8th May of
this present year), and to build houses and land traders at any ports or places,
with the exception of Chiriqui Lagoon, &c., as aforesaid, the said Thomas and
Joseph Knap paying me in consideration thereof the annual sum of 100 dollars
in current money of the country, so long as he pleases to continue trading on my
coast: and I hereby further pledge myself to afford the said Thomas and Joseph
Knap all the protection and assistance in my power so long as he continues to
trade in a legal and peaceable manner.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal, at Cape Gracias
à Dios, this 11th day of July, 1833.
(LS) (Signed) R. C. FREDERIC,
King of the Mosquito Nation.
Inclosure l l in No. 6.
The New Granadian Minister to the Governor of Veragua.
(Translation.) Bogotá, June 7, 1833.
THE President of the State has seen the report contained in your official
letter of the 10th of March last, No. 20, respecting the establishment of
foreigners in Las Bocas del Toro, in virtue of which his Excellency has directed
me to order you, - t
First. That you will signify to every foreigner who has established himself
in the above-mentioned islands, that they belong to the territory of New Granada,
and that the Government of this State cannot, nor will not, permit the establish-
ment of foreign colonies within its territories without previously obtaining its
permission; neither will it allow them to possess themselves of the waste lands
belonging to the State, unless granted to them by cession or purchase.
- Secondly. You will also give the said foreigners to understand, that
although the Government of New Granada could order them to be expelled
from their possessions, in consequence of their having introduced themselves
into the territory and occupied the lands of the State without the consent of
Government, it does not wish to be prejudicial to them, but on the contrary to
afford them every possible protection, provided they solicit the necessary leave
to remain in the places where they have established themselves, and recognize
and subject themselves to the authorities and laws of the State, without causing
any injury whatever to the country. -
#50
Thirdly. You will also inform them that the territory which they occupy
is not only a part of this State, but that the lands of which they have possessed
themselves for their own personal advantage are the particular property of the
State, and in order that the Government may consent to their continuing in
them and reaping the benefit of them, it is necessary for them to solicit and
obtain from it a proper title to them in conformity with the laws of the country.
Fourthly. In order to make these notifications, you will commission the
alcade or other authority nearest to the islands in which the foreigners have
established themselves, or that to which the territory in which they are may
appertain ; this notification must be made to all the heads of families. *
You will have to give a circumstantial account of all these proceedings and
every step you take, and further report more extensively upon every matter
connected with the subject, and more particularly with respect to the municipal
jurisdiction to which those places occupied by the foreigners belong, as well as
signify to the Government what authorities might be necessary to establish there
to preserve the dominion of the State, and prevent the usurpation of the waste
lands which belong to it. -
God preserve you.
(Signed) J. RAFAEL MOSQUERA.
Inclosure 12 in No. 6.
Deposition of Señor Quijano as to tribute being paid to the King of Mosquito
at Matina.
Manuel Quijano, Coronel del Exercito del Estado de Nicaragua, y admi-
nistrador de la Aduana Maritima de San Juan de Nicaragua, de la edad
quarenta y Seis afios. -- r
CERTIFICO en debida forma y conforme han derecho que me consta
queen el Estado de Costarica se ha pagado siempre tributo anualmente al
Rey de los Mosquitos, y que esto se hacia desde mi infancia por orden del
Gobierno Español, y que a las haciendas de la madre del que habla en Matina
se le exijian por el Gobernador de la provincia un tercio de cacao anualmente
para pagar el tributo al Rey de los Mosquitos, y que le constatambien que hasta
el afio de 1823 se dexó el pagar por haberse proclamada la independencia de
España, y que de esto infiere que no hay in una duda que Matina y Salcrik
pertenecen al Rey de los Mosquitos.
Y que es quanto en pruebas de la verdad expone lo que certifico en este
papel por no usarse de papel sellado en este reyno, lo que firmo en Cabo
Gracias à Dios, 30 de Agosto de 1841.
(Firmado) M. QUIJANO.
(Translation.)
Manuel Quijano, Colonel of the Army of the State of Nicaragua, and
Collector of the Customs of San Juan de Nicaragua, aged forty-six years.
I CERTIFY in due form, that it consists with my knowledge, that in the
State of Costarica an annual tribute has always been paid to the King of the
Mosquitos, and this has been the case since my infancy, by order of the Spanish
Government, and that at the plantations of the mother of the subscriber in
Matina, the Governor of this province exacted annually a seroon of cacao to pay
the tribute to the King of the Mosquitos; and that it also consists with his
knowledge that since the year 1823 this payment has been discontinued, in con-
sequence of having proclaimed their independence of Spain; from which it is to
be inferred that there is not a doubt that Matina and Salt Creek belong to the
King of the Mosquitos. - - - - -
. . . In testimony of the truth of what is herein set forth I hereby certify on
this paper, no stamped paper being used in this kingdom.
. . . . Given under my hand at Cape Gracias à Dios, this 30th August, 1841.
. . . . . . . . . . . (Signed) M. QUIJANO.
51.
Inclosure 13 in No. 6.
Deposition of Patrick Quin.
THIS is to certify that Patrick Quin at present of Corn Island, planter,
aged 68 years, has been for upwards of 41 years, a trader and planter on
the Mosquito shore, having come to Corn Island in July 1800. That in
the year 1802 he met a craft belonging to the Mosquito King at Boca del Toro,
manned with Mosquito men and a chief, who informed him they were bound to
San Juan de Nicaragua, to receive from the Spanish 400 dollars as tribute for
King Stephen, which they said was paid annually for that port. At that time.
there was not a Spaniard at Boca del Toro, it being solely inhabited by Valiente
Indians, the Mosquito Indians coming there once a-year to strike hawksbill
turtle, and the King's craft also once a year to receive tribute from the Valiente
Indians in Cricamaula River. That in the year 1802 he carried despatches from
O'Neil, the Governor of San Andres, for San Juan de Nicaragua. That on his
arrival there he was informed that the Mosquito men had shortly previous
thereto plundered two Spanish schooners laying in that port from Havana,
and believes it to have been done in consequence of a defalcation in payment of
the tribute-money; it further consists with his knowledge that the Spaniards of
Matina paid annual tribute in cacao to the Mosquito King, and were in the
habit of supplying all the Mosquito canoes touching at Salt Creek with plantains
by way of tribute, the Spaniards of Matina always considering the coast of
Costarica as belonging to the Indians subject to the Mosquito King.
- - (Signed) PATRICK QUIN.
Corn Island, August 27, 1841. -
Witness,
(Signed) John Bowden.
No. 7.
Mr. O'Leary to Wiscount Palmerston.—(Received September 6.)
(Extract.) Bogotá, June 29, 1847.
WITH reference to your Lordship's despatch of the 16th of February
last, and to my despatch of the 10th ultimo, both on the subject of the
boundaries of the Mosquito Territory, I have the honour to acquaint your
Lordship that I have endeavoured to obtain some authentic information
respecting the boundary claimed by the King of Mosquito. Until lately,
when a claim was asserted by some civil and military servants of Her
Majesty, on behalf of the King of Mosquito, to certain portions of the coast
to the south of the River San Juan, I understand that that river was the
southern boundary of the King's territory. And as far as a title can be acquired
by a state of perfect independence, by long and uninterrupted possession, and
the cultivation of the soil, by the absence of any Spanish establishment or
settlement whatever, and even by the recognition of that independent State in
former times by Spanish authorities, the title of the King of Mosquito to the
.# between Cape Cameron and the River San Juan, cannot be fairly
isputed. * -
p Nevertheless, both Central America and New Granada assert a right to that
portion of the coast lying between the Chiriqui Lagoon and Cape Gracias ā Dios.
Both these Republics pretend to derive their rights from the Kings of Spain. On
a former occasion I stated facts which in my opinion destroyed or impaired those
rights; but assuming that the Spanish Sovereigns had a perfect right of dominion
over the contested territory, it would appear that that right devolved upon New
Granada rather than upon Central America, for under the colonial rule, the
jurisdiction over the territory in question, after being transferred with frequency
from the Viceroyalty of New Granada to the Captain-Generalship of Guate-
mala) now Republic of Central America) and vice versd, and at one time from
that of both these colonies to the Captain-Generalship of Cuba, was finally
restored to New Granada by Royal letters-patent dated the 20th of November,
1803. Therefore if the right of "; Spanish Sovereigns was valid, so also is
52
that of New Granada, and consequently the pretension of Central America is
arbitrary and null, and the insignificant establishment at the mouth of the River
San Juan, and that at Matina or port of Cartago, are usurpations. Therefore
it is not necessary, and it may be prejudicial to the object your Lordship has
in view, to enter into negotiations with Central America, which Republic
cannot confer rights which do not belong to her, at least as far as regards the
sea-board. *
The question then lies between the King of Mosquito and New Granada.
This Republic has no possessory rights on the coast between the Chiriqui
Lagoon, in the vicinity of which, at Boca del Toro, she formed a settlement,
and the River San Juan; and I am inclined to believe that the Granadian
Government would gladly accept that river as the north-western boundary of
the Republic. And looking at the map, the River San Juan would seem to
afford to the King of Mosquito a distinct and secure boundary line on that
frontier.
But the extent and importance of the tract of coast situated between the
River San Juan and the Chiriqui Lagoon, cannot be overlooked, in connection
with the interests of the King of Mosquito. If the pretensions of the King
to this portion of the coast could be maintained, the Chiriqui Lagoon, which
affords safe anchorage, would likewise form a secure frontier.
I would therefore respectfully suggest the expediency of setting the whole
question at rest, by means of a negotiation with New Granada.
After effecting an arrangement with New Granada, it will not perhaps be
difficult to obtain, should it be deemed expedient, the concurrent consent of those
provinces of Central America which are conterminous to the Mosquito Territory.
As I stated to your Lordship in my despatch of the 10th ultimo, I
have no means of ascertaining the limits claimed by the King of Mosquito or
the Republics of New Granada and Central America in the interior of the
disputed country. I have confined my observations to the coast, and therefore
only point out on the map herewith inclosed (executed by Mr. Vice-Consul
Mark), by yellow lines, the tract to which New Granada and Central America
lay claim, remarking at the same time that it is very recently that Costarica,
a province of the latter, has abandoned her pretension to the Chiriqui Lagoon
and the district between it and the River Chagres. The boundary proposed
for the King of Mosquito is marked on the map by red lines.
No. 8.
Mr. Walker to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received November 8.)
My Lord, Bluefields, Mosquito, September 21, 1847.
I HAVE the honour to forward to your Lordship copy of a letter which I
considered it right, on the lst instant, to address to the Commandant presently
acting for Nicaragua at the mouth of the St. John’s River, on the subject of
the arrest, by his orders, of a young French gentleman named De Barruel.
I transmit a copy of the letter which M. de Barruel senior addressed to
me intimating the transaction. •'
I do not know the Messrs. de Barruel personally, but I have heard many
persons to whose judgment I defer, give a very favourable report of young M.
de Barruel’s respectable and amiable character. He was released a short time
before the cutter arrived with my letter. I have the honour to forward copy of
Commandant Sala's reply to me. *~
My notice to the Commandant as to the Mosquito flag being under the
protection of England, was called for by his insolent conduct to the cutter when
last at St. John's, expressed in his letter to Commander Watson, and a copy of
which accompanies this despatch.
I have had frequent complaints from British subjects and from foreigners,
as to the arrogant and exacting behaviour used towards them by the Com-
mandant of St John's, and recently I have had one from Baron Bulow.
There is no saying to what extent these subordinates of the State Govern-
ments would carry their oppression if unchecked. -
I have, &c. -
(Signed) PAT. WALKER.
- - - -
3.5" 37° 36” 5.5% &/" 3.3% 3.2% $/" , 70. 75% 77° 76." 75°
N N NCN N N N NTNTNTNTNT N N N N - NT_NT N N NI-RSI N-Tº-S.
| (amarº" - -
--- - º - - - -
=s* WTºsº, -
-
N-
N
N
N
N
/60
-
- -
s - -
H O (N D U R A / S.
N
... N
/5°N \ - S. ºn lº /.5%
/ O % I - - - - -
N -
N º -
§ - - ".
* *
*. - S. ..
º - - * ,
N ** * , ºf º
N
%
& a 5 g : ; ; ; ;
§/%
º,
º
- º N
G º S/20
y
ſ
ſº ºf ' {}
º
sº
Grºſſ of Zhaº º º
º
a tº a r * * * * *
§ //?
º
º º o/ (wayo - -
lſo
pº Mº"
- -
| Wººs
ºforto Bello
- ºs
---
--~~~
-
| - º
N yº y §§s. . . . . 6.
º (7 -
79° 7% 77° 76° 7'


























53
Inclosure 1 in No. 8.
Mr. Walker to the Commandant of San Juan.
Sir, Bluefields, Mosquito, September 1, 1847.
I HAVE to motify to you that I have received from M. de Barruel senior,
information that his son (who is likewise his associate in business) has been
imprisoned by your orders, for refusing to accept, as a legal tender, certain
monies of a spurious nature. :
M. de Barruel, at a distance from his own Consul, has requested my inter-
position, as the functionary of a friendly nation, and I have now to demand from
you the instant release of M. de Barruel junior. Should this demand not be
immediately complied with, you must hold yourself responsible for the conse-
U16'I) CeS.
Q This despatch will be presented to you by Commander Watson of the
Mosquito navy, who proceeds to San Juan in the Mosquito cutter of war
“Sun,” to deliver it into your hands. Some doubt it appears existed in your
mind as to the recognition of the Mosquito flag, I have consequently to
advise you that the Mosquito flag and nation are under the particular protection
of the British Crown. -
Having now, Sir, discharged a necessary duty, I trust that you will not
receive otherwise than as friendly the remarks I now offer you. By resorting to
extreme measures with M. de Barruel you have drawn down on your Govern-
ment the resentment of one of the most powerful nations of the world: a nation
most sensitively alive to the slightest dishonour passed on her subjects, and for
which, should injustice be apparent, she will exact ample indemnity. The
act has also been perpetrated within the dominions of the King of Mosquito.
I have refrained from bringing under the notice of this Government M.
de Barruel’s application, as I hope that on consideration, and on receipt of
my letter, you will see cause to set M. de Barruel at liberty, and thereby
prevent consequences which will lead to regret. -
I think it fair to tell you, as until now you can hardly have received the
information, that Mr. Chatfield, Her Majesty's Consul-General in Central
America, has received instructions to point out to the States of Central America
the boundary which the British Government are determined to maintain in
right of the King of Mosquito, and this boundary comprehends the San Juan
River.
I have, &c.
(Signed) PATK. WALKER.
Inclosure 2 in No. 8.
M. de Barruel to Mr. Walker.
M. le Consul-Général, Port Saint Jean, le 24 Août, 1847.
A 200 lieues de distance du Consul-Général de ma nation, permettez moi.
de venir employer l'appui du haut fonctionnaire appartenant au Gouvernement
d’une nation amie.
Mon fils et mon associé, M. Antonio de Barruel Beauvert, a €té brutalement
jeté en prison par le Commandant du Port St. Jean de Nicaragua, hier, 23 à
10 heures du matin; et ce soir 24 a 6 heures ily est encore.
Cet acte arbitraire, dans l'exécution duquel le Commandant et un autre
Soldat se sont portés à des voies de fait contre mon fils, cet acte arbitraire a €té
commis pour nous obliger a recevoir de l'argent faux comme étant bon, et voilà
la justice des autorités de l’Amérique Centrale.
J'ai l'honneur de vous supplier, M. le Consul-Général, de vouloir bien
réclamer au Commandant du Port St. Jean, la liberté immédiate de mon fils,
en réservant à M. Baradère, votre collègue, Consul-Général en France à Guate-
mala, le Soin de faire ce qu'il jugera convenable au sujet d'une arrestation et
mise en prison querien ne motivait, si ce n'est la haine contre les Anglais et les
Français.
54
En nous plaçant sous votre protection immédiate nous pouvons d'avance
vous assurer de la gratitude de la nation Française à laquelle je ne manquerai
pas à faire connaitre l'injustice brutale et sauvage des Centro-Américains.
En attendant le prompt effet de votre puissant appui, j’ai l'honneur
d'ètre, &c. s
3. (Signé) VICOMTE A, DE BARRUEL BEAUVERT,
De la maison de eommerce A. de Barruel et Co.
Inclosure 3 in No. 8.
The Commandant of San Juan to Mr. Walker.
San Juan de Nicaragua, Setiembre 6 de 1847.
EL comandante del cuter “ Sun” ha puesto en mis manos la comunicacion ,
que con el se ha servido V. dirijirme en 1° del corriente, relativa á inter-
venir sobre la detencion que con arreglo á las leyes del Estado a que estan
sujetos todos sus habitantes le impuso mi autoridad al joven Barruel, por faltas
que cometia, y que no es del caso referirle. ... 4
Una semejante reclamación, de parte de V. a solicitud de un Visconde
Frances, que se precia de saber el derecho de gentes, y que con su larga resi-
dencia en el Estado, debe estar al cabo de nuestra legislacion, es sorprendente,
pues que el sabe, y V. no debe ignorar, que en caso de haberme exedido en
mis atribuciones, hay una autoridad en el Estado unica que puede jusgarme, y
ante la que estoy pronto a responder cuando el caso llegue. " ,
Aprecio como debo el aviso amigable que V. se sirve darme, sobre la
particular proteccion que la Corona Britanica esta dispuesta á dar á la bandera
y nacion Mosquita, sin entrar en la cuestion de su legitimidad que lo mismo que
la otra de limites territoriales es propia de los Gobiernos; y las ordenes del
mio marcaran la senda que como subalterno debo seguir.
Me hoy el gusto de subscribirme, &c.
• (Firmado) ANTO, SALAS.
(Translation.)
San Juan de Nicaragua, September 6, 1847.
THE commander of the cutter “ Sun” has placed in my bands the letter
which you were pleased to address to me on 1st current, relative to an inter-
vention on account of the youth Barruel, for faults which he had committed,
and to which there is no necessity to refer further, than it was done according
to the rules of the State to which all the inhabitants placed under my authority
are subject.
.. This same reclamation on your partin favour of a French Viscount, who
ought to know the law of nations, and whose long residence in the State should
have made him acquainted with our legislation, is surprising, as you cannot be
ignorant that in case I had exceeded my functions, there is only one authority
in the State with the power to judge me, and to which I would be called upon
speedily to reply in any case. - •
I appreciate as it deserves the friendly notice which you have given me as
to the particular protection which the British Crown is disposed to afford to the
flag of the Mosquito nation; but without entering into the question of its
legitimacy, or ofits territorial limits, which is the province of the Governments,
I can only obey the orders which I receive from my superiors. º -
lbeg to subscribe myself, &c. s
• (Signed) ANTO, SALAS.
55
Inclosure 4 in No. 8.
The Commandant of San Juan to Commander Watson.
Señor Capitan de la balandra “Sol,” San Juan, Mayo 22 de 1847.
SIN embargo de que verbalmente manifesté a V. que no era reconocida
la bandera que trajo enarvolada subuque ; sin embargo de que dije a V. que
la arriase o desocupase el puerto; sin embargo de que ni ahora la reconosco,
ni la reconoceré mientras la que V. llama nacion no sea tenida portal pár
todas las demas naciones, y particularmente por la mia, y que Supabellon se
vea 4 la par de los que hasta ahora conocemos; y sin embargo de que no debia
admitirlo en el puerto por lo mismo de serun buque de una nacion que para
mi Gobierno no estal; queriendo obrar con urbanidad y etiqueta, permito a V.
la permanencia en la bahia, mientras evacua la comision que ha manifestado
traher de tomarla correspondencia del vapor, y mientras que informando a mi
Gobierno de lo ocurrido me diga lo que debo hacer en otra vez que se presente
igual caso ; sin omitir si que yo no permitiré otra ocasion no permitiré el
que subuque con el mismo pabellon entre al puerto, sin que para esto tenga
ordinacion espresa de mi Gobierno.
No obstante lo ocurrido, señor capitan, puede V. estar Seguro del aprecio
con que de W. particularmente me subscribo, &c. -
(Firmado) ANTO. SALAS.
(Translation.)
To the Captain of the cutter “Sun,” San Juan, May 22, 1847.
ALTHOUGH I have told you verbally that the flag which your vessel
bears is not recognized ; although I have told you that you must either take it
down or leave the port; although I do not now recognize, nor will do so, as long
as what you call a nation is not considered as such by all the other nations, and
more especially by mine, and its flag is not on a footing with those which we
are acquainted with ; and although I ought not to admit your vessel into the
port, being the vessel of a nation which by my Government is not held as such,
yet from a wish to act with civility and politeness, I consent to your remaining
in the bay, until you have executed the commission you have shown me you
bear—to receive the letters from the steamer; and until I have informed my
Government of what has happened, and shall receive instructions how to act on
another occasion of the same sort, do not forget that I will not allow it another
time that your vessel should enter the port bearing the same flag unless I have
express orders from my Government to do so. g -
Notwithstanding what has happened, captain, be assured of the esteem
with which I subscribe, &c. -
(Signed) ANTO. SALAS,
No. 9.
The Right Hon. E. J. Stanley to the Secretary to the Admiralty.
Sir, - Foreign Office, November 24, 1847.
WITH reference to Mr. Addington’s letters to you of the 31st of March
and of the 30th of June last, the first of which recommended that a ship of war
should be sent to the Mosquito Territory, and the other defined the extent of the
coast frontier of that territory, I am directed by Viscount Palmerston to transmit
to you, for the consideration of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, a
copy of a letter which has been communicated to his Lordship by Mr. Walker,
Her Majesty's Consul-General at Bluefields, from which it appears that the
Commandant acting for the Government of Nicaragua, at the mouth of the St.
John's River, has expressed his determination not to acknowledge the flag or
the territorial rights of the Mosquito Kingdom. And I am to suggest that the
56
officer in command of any ship of war which may be sent to the Mosquito
Coast, should be instructed to communicate with Mr. Walker as to the best
means of assisting the Mosquito Government to resist the pretensions of the
Nicaraguan Commandant in the St. John’s River, and to maintain the
occupation by the Mosquito authorities of both banks of the mouth of that
river.
I am, &c.
(Signed) E. J. STANLEY.
No. 10.
Mr. Chatfield to Wiscount Palmerston.—(Received November 22.)
My Lord, Guatemala, September 11, 1847.
I HAVE had the honour of receiving your Lordship's despatch of the
30th of June last, instructing me to inform the authorities of the States of
Central America bordering on the Kingdom of Mosquito, that the extent of
coast to which Her Majesty's Government consider the King of Mosquito to be
entitled, is that from Cape Honduras down to the mouth of the River San
Juan.
In communicating the opinion of Her Majesty's Government to the States
of Honduras and Nicaragua, I have taken the precaution of inserting the words
“without prejudice to the right of the Mosquito King to any territory south of
the River San Juan,” lest it might be argued hereafter, that the assertion for
Mosquito of a right to the mouth of the River San Juan, is an abandonment of
any rights he may have to exercise authority on the coast between San Juan
and Veragua.
I have acted in this instance, partly on the views communicated to me,
confidentially, in Lord Aberdeen’s despatch of the 23rd of May, 1845, and
partly on those expressed in my despatch to your Lordship of the 15th of April
last. + -
- I have, &c. ,
(Signed) EREDK. CHATFIELD.
Inclosure I in No. 10.
Mr. Chatfield to the Principal Secretary of the Governments of Honduras
and Nicaragua.
Sir, Guatemala, September 10, 1847.
QUESTIONS having arisen at various times with the States of Honduras
and Nicaragua as to the extent of the coast frontier of the Kingdom of Mosquito,
Her Majesty's Government have carefully examined the various documents and
historical records which exist relative to this subject, and they are of opinion
that the right of the King of Mosquito should be maintained as extending from
Cape Honduras down to the mouth of the River San Juan ; and I am therefore
instructed to inform the supreme Government of the States of Honduras and
Nicaragua, as I have now the honour to do, that this is an extent of coast
to which Her Majesty's Government consider the King of Mosquito to be
entitled, without prejudice to the right of the Mosquito King to any territory
south of the River San Juan; and that Her Majesty's Government will not view
with indifference any attempt to encroach upon the rights or territory of the
King of Mosquito, who is under the protection of the British Crown.
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDK. CHATFIELD.
57
No. 11.
Mr. Walker to Viscount Palmerston–(Received December 8.)
(Extract.) “Alarm,” off Jamaica, November 8, 1847.
I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship that Her Majesty’s ship
“Alarm” arrived at Bluefields on the 23rd ultimo, for the purpose of communi-
cating with me as to the invasions which had been committed on the Mosquito
Territory, and of affording to the King a passage to Jamaica.
I have the honour of forwarding copy of a letter which I received from
Captain Loch, of Her Majesty's ship “Alarm, and copy of my reply to that
officer, on the subject of the services which would be required of the ship under
his command. - * - .
I considered, by taking a passage in Her Majesty's ship, I should best
promote the interests of Mosquito, not only by affording the King support and
assistance in his intercourse with strangers, but by being enabled to have
personal communication with Sir Charles Grey as well as with the Major-
General commanding the forces, and the Commodore, on the steps which it is
important should be taken without delay to settle finally the question of
boundary according to your Lordship's decision. -
On the 25th ultimo the King held a Council. I am not yet in possession
of an extended copy of the minutes of this meeting, but it was resolved to send
a letter to the President of the State of Nicaragua, notifying the intention of the
Mosquito Government to reassume on the 1st of January ensuing, with British
assistance, the King’s sovereignty at the mouth of the River St. John’s; a copy
of this letter I have the honour herewith to transmit. The King in Council
also provided for the administration of the Government during his absence, by
devolving this duty on Mr. George Hodgson, senior member of the Council.
On the evening of the 25th Her Majesty’s ship weighed anchor, and pro-
ceeded to St. John's, where she arrived on the evening of the 26th. As had
been arranged between Captain Loch and myself, preparations were made on
the following forenoon to salute the Mosquito flag. The Nicaraguan flag
being hoisted on the northern bank of the St. John's River, it was thought
advisable by Captain Loch and myself to send an officer ashore to notify that
the King was on board Her Majesty’s ship; that he was to be saluted; and that
it was necessary the Nicaraguan flag should be hauled down, which was accord-
ingly done by order of the Acting Commandant. The King's flag being then
run up, and a royal salute given, Her Majesty’s ship again stood to Sea.
Inclosure 1 in No. 11.
Captain Loch to Mr. Walker.
“Alarm,” Mosquito Shore, off Bluefields.
. - October 22, 1847. -
I AM directed by Commodore George R. Lambert, second in command
of Her Majesty’s ships and vessels on the North America and West Indian
station, to put myself in communication with you, relative to certain aggressions
that have been committed on the Mosquito Territory, by officers and persons
under the authority of the Government of Nicaragua; and I beg to inform you
that I shall be most happy to follow your wishes for the benefit of Her
Majesty's service as far as I can in accordance with my duty and instructions;
and for this end may I request you will be pleased to place me in early posses-
sion of the various circumstances which may require the service of Her
Majesty’s ship under my command.
I have also the honour to inform you that I am directed to embark His
Majesty the King of Mosquito for a passage to Jamaica, provided it should still
be considered advisable for him to go there.
I have, &c.
(Signed) GRANVILLE G. LOCH, Captain.
Sir,
58
Inclosure 2 in No. 11.
Mr. Walker to Captain Loch.
Sir, Bluefields, Mosquito, October 23, 1847.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22nd
instant, putting yourself in communication with me relative to certain aggres-
sions that have been committed on the Mosquito Territory by officers and
persons under the authority of the Governments of Nicaragua and Honduras;
and requesting me to place you in early possession of the various circumstances
which may require the services of Her Majesty's ship under your command.
Having had the pleasure of communicating personally with you yesterday,
and placing my views before you, I think you concurred with me in opinion
that, under the circumstances, it will be most advisable for the present not to
employ Her Majesty's ship under your command in any other service on the
southern coast of this kingdom, beyond recognizing the King's sovereignty at
the mouth of the River St. John.
As I do not entirely possess a knowledge of recent transactions to the
northward, and as I will have an early opportunity of conferring with the
Commodore on them, when perhaps I shall have received more authentic infor-
mation, I think it desirable to abstain from operations in that quarter until the
King shall have accomplished his visit to Jamaica.
The King will be ready to embark on Monday at as early an hour as you
may find it convenient to receive him. -
-, I have, &c. -
(Signed) PATK. WALKER.
Inclosure 3 in No. 11.
The Council of State of Mosquito to the Secretary to the Government of Nicaragua.
Sir, Bluefields, Mosquito, October 25, 1847.
I AM this day commanded by the King in Council to notify through you
to his Excellency the President of Nicaragua, the fact that many protests against
usurpation by the State of Nicaragua on the King's territory have been made to
the Government of your State; and that these remonstrances have not only
been unredressed, but have been unnoticed.
After due deliberation and necessary communication with Her Britannic
Majesty's Government, the ally and protector of this kingdom, it has been
determined that the King shall now, with the assistance of Her Britannic
Majesty's Government, assert and recover his ancient and hereditary rights.
It is the hope of the King in Council, that his Excellency and the Govern-
ment over which he presides, to insure that good relationship between Mosquito
and Nicaragua which is so important for their mutual benefit, will give orders
to withdraw the Nicaraguan establishment from its present position at the
mouth of the River St. John.
The King in Council, anxious to act in harmony and with courtesy towards
Nicaragua, will allow the State of Nicaragua until the 1st day of January
ensuing, to withdraw; after that date, notice is hereby openly given, that
forcible means will be employed to maintain the King's rights and authority.
I have, &c. -
(Signed) GEORGE HODGSON,
Senior Member of Council.
Page 59.
20’ //7.' &3° 30.’ 40 30.’ 20" . f() &2%rtoforwnwich 30. Aſ' 30.’ 27. 7(?
SSN RN NSSSSSSI |NNNNNN N
N
§
N .*
º oft'
S S
N z
Ş S
§ S §
S | N z
% C S/?
S Q N
S N
§ §9%
AV3's &
| & S .
S S. N ;:
- § s z º
& S s §30 ||
|
N
s o Terraba f
40S 40
* * &
§ - $ §
§ 3. - - id
SS º - - 7- N
&#asſ=sº- dB AS' T.A. T E OF W E P. A. G. UTA iº ||
Ø\ſ =$$es （ OrūCa
jº ( sm S -
S >. N -
N -
20R 1 º §30 ||
§ º Pueblo Nuevo ...'
//7S m O 4.
| i
S § {
s . *~ N #
| | ||ſ ." §§ -- 27–. NS y \ſº . . - N oxid
&°N * -Pi— -- =<===== “º r iði
…cº. A § -- *=s=sº T. T \\
f(ſ) (C E A ------- º # & N
- - Öğ. =º
§ ! &##!. N
§ ~f~ : §
N l -
§I=\;=\;=WI–WHNWHNWLNWLNL's N=N=N=N=N=N=S
30 //7 &% .5/7 A/2" .30% 30.’ /7 gº?” 50 40’. 30 20' /(2^
7. /?. Harrº on 2/#tho,







59
No. 12.
- Mr. Chatfield to Wiscount Palmerston—(Received December 16)
My Lord, l Guatemala, September 29, 1847.
IT was stated in the inclosure No. 21 of the despatch which I had the
honour to address to your Lordship on the 15th of April last, that the Chiriqui
River, which divides the New Granadian Province of Veragua from the Central
American State of Costarica, is situated in latitude 8° 55' north, longitude
82° 10' West. -
On more inquiry I discover this to be slightly inexact, and that the River
Chiriqui, which makes the dividing boundary of the two territories, is in reality
situated in latitude 8° 50' north and longitude 81° 34' west, nearly in a line
with the Escudo de Veragua, which is a rock or small island in the sea, at a
short distance from the main land, and which rock was the limit of the jurisdic-
tion of the Royal Audiencia or Chancery of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala
on the side of the Viceroyalty of Santa Fé de Bogotá.
The error arose from the circumstance of there being two rivers named
Chiriqui on the Atlantic shore, one of which flows into the Chiriqui Lagoon;
and that the River Chiriqui which formed the ancient boundary of New
Granada and Central America, is not set down in the chart of the coast which I
consulted.
I have since met with Captain Barnett’s latest survey (West Indies, sheet
XI, 1837, hydrographer's office); and I annex a sketch of the proper boundary,
terminating at the Chiriqui River and the Escudo de Veragua, as it existed at
the time of the Spanish Government, and which, notwithstanding the pretensions
of New Granada, has received no subsequent alteration.
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDF. CHATFIELD.
No. 13.
Mr. Walker to Viscount Palmerston.-(Received December 27.)
My Lord, Queen's House, Jamaica, November 22, 1847.
SINCE my arrival here I have examined the public records; and besides
satisfying myself on other points connected with the friendly relations which
have so long subsisted between the British Government and the Mosquito
nation, this investigation has enabled me to correct an error in my despatch to
your Lordship of 20th May last. -
In that despatch I remark, that “our relations with Mosquito have never
been defined by any formal treaty ;” I have now the honour to forward extract
from the proceedings of the House of Assembly of Jamaica, ratifying a treaty
entered into between King Jeremy and Governor Sir N. Lawes in 1720.
I have also the honour to refer your Lordship for very interesting informa-
tion relative to the Mosquito Territory, to be found in “Long's History of
Jamaica,” page 314 (Lowndes, London, 1774); “Sloane's History of Jamaica,”
vol. i., Introduction, page 76 (London, 1707); “Journals of House of Assembly
of Jamaica,” vol. i., Appendix, page 23; “Parliamentary Debates of the House
of Commons,” vol. xii., 1776-7, page 327.
I have, &c.
(Signed) PATK. WALKER.
I 2
60
Inclosure 1 in No. 13.
Extracts from the Journals of the House of Assembly of Jamaica, June 1720.
Vol. ii, page 330.
A MESSAGE from his Excellency being brought to the House by his
secretary, together with a copy of an agreement between his said Excellency
and Jeremy, King of the Mosquito Indians, as also instructions to Captain
Samuel Towgood, Commander of the sloop “Endeavour,” for bringing hither
fifty of that King's subjects; the same are in the words following:—
Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly,
The early resolutions you have come to concerning what I last recom-
mended to you in relation to the Mosquito Indians, and the confidence you
have placed in me to treat with their King, promising on your parts to make
good such agreement as I should make with him, deserves my hearty thanks,
which I return you in the sincerest manner; and to show you that I have
nothing so much at heart as the honour of His Majesty, the peace, welfare, and
prosperity of this his island, and the desire I have of embracing every oppor-
tunity given me to do you service, I have, without the least delay, and with the
advice of the council, come to an agreement with the Prince of the Mosquitos;
copies of which I have ordered to be laid before you, also of the instructions I
have given Captain Towgood for his bringing hither fifty of that King's subjects;
and doubt not but what I have done will meet with your concurrence, and that
you will raise the needful supplies to defray the charge of so useful and
beneficial an undertaking, being persuaded the advantages and services proposed
by those Indians will answer all our expectations.
Gentlemen,
I take the opportunity of returning you my grateful acknowledgment for
your dutiful and kind address which leaves me no further room to doubt, but
gives me just hopes, of your going through the public business recommended to
you with that harmony, vigour, and despatch becoming so worthy an assembly,
loyal subjects to His Majesty, and lovers of your country. -
(Signed) NICHOLAS LAWES.
Jamaica SS.
Articles of Agreement made at St. Jago de la Vega, in the Island of
Jamaica, the 25th day of June, in the year of our Lord 1720, between his
Excellency Sir Nicholas Lawes, Knight, His Majesty's Captain-General and
Governor-in-chief in and over the said Island of Jamaica and all the territories
thereon depending in America, Chancellor and Vice-Admiral of the same, &c.,
of the one part, and His Majesty Jeremy, King of the Mosquito Indians, on the
main land of America, of the other part. -
Imprimis. His said Majesty King Jeremy doth hereby covenant and
faithfully promise, to and with his said Excellency Sir Nicholas Lawes, that he
will, as soon as may be after his arrival to his kingdom, gather together and
send on board Captain Towgood's ship, fifty able private men of his subjects,
and proper officers to command them, and that they shall immediately upon
their arrival in this island go out in the woods, to pursue and destroy the
rebellious negroes lurking in the mountains, and shall continue on such pursuit
or expedition six months certain. w
Imprimis. His said Excellency Sir Nicholas Lawes doth likewise hereby
covenant and faithfully promise, to and with His said Majesty King J eremy,
that he will pay or cause to be paid unto each private man of his said subjects
that shall pursue the rebellious negroes, the sum of eight pieces of eight or forty
shillings of the current money of the island, and twelve pieces of eight, or three
pounds of current money of this island, unto each officer, and sixteen pieces of
eight, or four pounds current money of this island, unto the chief captain or
general, per month. -
6]
Imprimis. That his said Excellency Sir Nicholas Lawes shall and will
provide and furnish such of the subjects of His said Majesty King Jeremy as he
shall send over, and that shall pursue the rebellious negroes, with arms and
ammunition, provision, and with other necessaries that shall be found proper for
such an expedition. - -
Imprimis. That his said Excellency shall and will take due care, at the
end of the said six months, to send them home to their own country if they
shall desire it, but if any of them shall seem inclined to remain in this island,
and become planters, that then they shall have all the liberty that any of the
subjects of this island now have, or hereafter may have, and that if at their
return they shall desire to carry with them the arms furnished them by his said
Excellency Sir Nicholas Lawes, then that the prices of such arms shall be deducted
out of the pay that shall be then due to them, otherwise, that they shall return
them to his said Excellency.
Imprimis. That his said Excellency Sir Nicholas Lawes will provide rum
and flour sufficient for the voyage home, and return of the said fifty men
hither, and that Captain Towgood shall be allowed and paid twenty shillings per
head for the passage of each of the subjects of His said Majesty King Jeremy
that he shall bring over, and that the said Captain Towgood shall be further
rewarded for such services as he shall perform in endeavouring the transportation
of the said people, according to his deserts.
Lastly. That such of the subjects of His said Majesty King Jeremy as
shall come over to pursue the rebellious negroes as aforesaid, shall be equally
entitled to all such plunder as they shall take in such pursuit, with the white
men that shall go with them as guides, according to the several Acts of this
island for encouraging parties to suppress rebellious negroes.
In witness whereof, as well his said Excellency Sir Nicholas Lawes, as His
said Majesty King Jeremy, have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and
seals, the day and year first above written.
(Signed) NICHOLAS LAWES.
The mark >< of JEREMY.
King of the Mosquitos.
Sealed and delivered in the presence of
(Signed) FRA. Rose.
SIM. CLARKE.
Jamaica SS.
Instructions to Captain Samuel Towgood, Commander of the sloop “Endeavour.”
Whereas I have this day with the advice of His Majesty's Council, and at
the request of the Assembly, treated and agreed with Jeremy, King of the
Mosquito Indians, for fifty of his subjects to repair to this island and to go into
our woods in pursuit of the rebellious and runaway slaves, and also have agreed
with you the said Samuel Towgood, for transporting of them in your said
sloop, at twenty-shillings per head, you are therefore to observe the following
instructions, viz.: e &
Imprimis. You are to receive on board of your said sloop the King Jeremy
and Captain Haney, and to carry them with all possible speed to their own
country, treating them in the handsomest manner you are capable of .
2nd. You will herewith receive an order directed to the Captain of Fort
Charles to deliver to you thirty fusees or muskets, with cartouch boxes and
powder and ball proportionable for a defence, in case you should be attacked on
your passage, and at your return you are to take care that the said thirty fusees
be re-delivered to the said Captain of the fort.
3rd. You will also receive from His Majesty's Receiver-General one
puncheon of rum, four barrels of flour, and one barrel of sugar, for the use of
£ing Jeremy’s voyage, and his subjects who you are to bring with you, and you
are to entertain them with all possible civility and kindness. . -
4th. Upon your arrival with King Jeremy at the Mosquitos, you are to
assist him in getting his commission published in the most solemn manner, and
in order to have all his subjects made acquainted therewith, you will cause His
Majesty's proclamation, herewith given you, to be proclaimed, requiring all the
Mosquito Indians to pay due obedience thereunto.
62
When the foregoing solemnity is over, you are to press King Jeremy to
dispatch you with fifty of his subjects, with proper officers, and make the best
of your way with them to this island, pursuant to the agreement this day made
with the said King and you.
Given under my hand at St. Jago de la Vega, the 24th day of Junº º &
Vol. ii, page 334.
To his Excellency the Governor, .
The humble address of the Assembly.
May it please your Excellency,
We, His Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Assembly of Jamaica,
return your Excellency our most hearty thanks for your kind message of yester-
day, and communicating to us an agreement you have made with the King of
the Mosquitos, for bringing hither fifty of his subjects to pursue and destroy
the rebellious negroes. g tº gº
We firmly believe such an undertaking is highly of advantage to this island,
and hope it will answer all the good ends we are fully persuaded your Excel-
lency proposes, or that we can expect thereby. w
Therefore as we have already, so we do again, assure your Excellency that
we will take such care to enable your Excellency in all respects fully to comply
with your contract, as shall demonstrate how much we have at heart His
Majesty's honour and our own country’s service. º
Vol. ii, page 340.
Resolved,—That it is the opinion of this Committee that the House will,
out of the Additional Duty Bill, make good his Excellency’s engagements with
Mosquito Indians.
Vol. ii, page 477.
Jamaica Ss. -
To his Grace Henry Duke of Portland, Captain-General and Governor-in-chief
of His Majesty’s Island of Jamaica.
The humble address of the Assembly.
May it please your Grace,
We, His Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Assembly of this
His Majesty’s Island of Jamaica, taking into consideration the continual insults
and many depredations on the settlers and inhabitants of this island by rebel-
lious and runaway negroes and other slaves, most humbly beseech your Grace
will be pleased to send for such a number of the Mosquito Indians, to be sent
out in parties to quell and suppress the said rebellious and runaway negroes and
slaves, as you shall think proper to accomplish that work, and that until such
Indians may be had, your Grace will be pleased to order parties of the inha-
bitants to be sent out into those parts of the island most infested with them, as
the settling the lands in the windward parts of this island lately vested in the
Crown for that purpose would tend to the safety and honour of His Majesty’s
Government and the public welfare of this island, and be a means to prevent the
increase of rebellious and runaway slaves. We therefore pray your Grace
would be pleased forthwith to order surveys to be made of the said lands
according to the direction of the said Act, and that the surveyors be protected.
We take leave to assure your Grace that we shall take care to comply with any
contracts your Grace shall make with the said Indians, and make sufficient
provision for defraying the charge of the said surveyors and of the other
parties.
Gentlemen,
You may assure yourselves that I shall always readily concur with you
in all methods that may be proposed for the real advantage and service of this
island. I have with concern received several complaints about the insults and
depredations committed by the rebellious negroes, and am glad to see you have
prevented my acquainting you with them, in order to your finding out some
63
effectual means to be freed from that constant uneasiness several labour under,
and shall by the first opportunity apply for such a number of the Mosquito
Indians as shall answer the ends you propose. I shall also give the necessary
directions about surveying the lands in the windward parts of the island, and
shall with pleasure encourage everything that can tend to your safety, the
public welfare, and the honour of His Majesty's Government.
Inclosure 2 in No. 13.
Eatract from Journals of the House of Assembly of Jamaica.
Vol. i., Appendix, page 23.
The Governor of Jamaica's answers to the inquiries of His Majesty's
Commissioners.-22 Car. II, 1671. -
THE next region due south from Yucatan is the Honduras, Guatimala,
the River of Nicaraguas, Costa Rica, the River Chagre, and Porto Bello, a very
rich but very thinly inhabited country, but many more Indians than Spaniards,
and some towns of Indians only that deny any subjection to the Spaniards.
On the coast of this main live the Musketo Indians, and about Cape Gracias à
Dios others who are not subjects to the Spaniards, but have a very good
country in their possession, where our people not seldom trade for turtle-shell
and some other commodities, and find them very kind and friendly, but bitter
enemies to the Spaniards.
Inclosure 3 in No. 13.
Eatract from “Long's History of Jamaica.”
Vol. i., page 314. (Lowndes, London, 1774.)
THAT part of the South American Continent included in what is called
by the Spaniards Costa Rica, and occupied by the Mosquito and other Indians
in alliance with, or subject to, the Crown of Britain, extends from Cape
Gracias à Dios southerly to Punta Gorda and St. Juan's River; north-west and
westerly to Romain River; and south-easterly beyond Boca del Toro to Coclee,
or Cocoli, near the River Chagre and Porto Bello. Between Cape Gracias à
Dios and the Golfo Dolce, the Spaniards have one fortress at Omoa, where
there is a good harbour, in which a guarda costa, within these few years, has
been generally stationed. The territory belonging to the Mosquito Indians
(properly so called) extends from St. Juan's River, a little to the southward of
Punta Gorda, to Cape Honduras, or, as the Spaniards call it, Punta Castillo,
running about 500 miles or upwards, uninterrupted by any Spanish settlement.
No. 14. -
Mr. Chatfield to Wiscount Palmerston.—(Received January 8, 1848.)
My Lord, - Guatemala, November 16, 1847.
I HAVE just received from the Governments of the States of Nicaragua
and Honduras, replies to my note of the 10th of September last (a copy of
which I had the honour to inclose for your Lordship's information in my despatch
of 11th of September), acquainting them with the extent of territory which
Her Majesty's Government consider the Mosquito King to be entitled to.
These replies consist mostly of former statements and assertions, without
anything to explain the ground on which the two States found any right to the
Mosquito Territory.
I have made a few observations in rejoinder, to intimate, that whatever
may have been the rights of Spain in respect to these countries, the mere
64
act of throwing off their Spanish allegiance does not constitute them the heirs
and successors of Spain, as regards those rights. •
Indeed if the Central American States would comprehend this truth, it
might serve to moderate their pretensions to territories and rights which it is
incumbent on them to show are derived from Spain by succession or inhe-
ritance. . * .
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDRC. CHATFELD.
Inclosure l in No. 14.
The Secretary to the Government of Nicaragua to Mr. Chatfield.
Casa de Gobierno, Managua, Octubre 14 de 1847.
MIENTRAS este Gobierno Supremo no há tenido contestacion alguna de
V. á la comunicacion que le dirigió por este Ministerio desde 19 de Novembre
de 1842, y que de nuevo se le adjunta en copia autorizada, fundando incontesta-
blemente los derechos de este Estado en la costa llamada de Mosquitos y puerto
San Juan del Norte, con ocasion del procedimiento del Coronel Señor Alexandro
Macdonald, ex-Superintendente de Belize, contra el de igual grado Señor Manuel
Quijano, Administrador entonces de aquel mismo puerto, y al travez de las
mejores relaciones de paz, amistad y comercio con los subditos Britanicos, por
la misma vía y las demas legitimas de Nicaragua, ha visto con extraordinaria
sorpresa la nota de V. de 10 del proximo anterior que suponiendo cuestiones de
territorio entre la tribu nomade de Mosquitos y los Estados de Honduras y
Nicaragua, avisa: que despues de haberlas examinado a la luz de varios docu-
mentos historicos, el Gobierno de Su Magestad Britanica es de opinion: que
el area correspondiente á ese imaginario reyno, se extiende desde el Cabo de
Honduras hasta la desembocadura del Rio San Juan en el Atlantico, y que
como aliado suyo esta dispuesto a prestarle toda proteccion contra qualquier
atentado que se infiera por parte de estos Estados. -
El Señor Consul Chatfield sabe muy bien, que el orden establecido para
que toda sociedad que se considere en la capacidad de nacion obtenga su recono-
cimiento como tal, es el de que el Gefe de ella por el organo de sus Ministros ó
agentes suyos directos y acreditados, lo solicite en forma para los efectos de la
soberania con arreglo al derecho internacional; y es constante que el pretendido
Rey de los Mosquitos nunca ha ocurrido por medio de ningun agente suyo al
Gobierno de Centro America, ni de alguno de sus Estados, solicitando se le
reconociese por Soberano, ni menos suscitado cuestiones de territorio inde-
pendiente con los de Honduras y Nicaragua; por manera que mi Gobierno, con
toda legalidad y buena fe, puede declarar y declara, que jamas ha reconocido, ni
reconoce, tal Reyno ni Rey Mosquito, y que por tanto, tampoco puede reconocer,
ni reconoce, esas pretenciones territoriales que V. refiere en su citada comunicacion.
En ningun tiempo ha podido existir, ni existe al presente, ese Reyno de
Mosquitos. Todo en verdad, Señor, se reduce a ciertos salvages que vagan en
el desierto y bosques de la costa de Honduras y Nicaragua viviendo de la caza
y de la pesca, sin edificios, sin idioma conocido, sin escritura, sin artes, sin
comercio, sin leyes y sin religion, que conforme á los principios reconocidos
los hicieran esparecer ante el mundo civilizado, componiendo una sociedad
regular, y lo que es mucho mas, constituyendo un imperio. Lo que hay de
incuestionable, si se ha de hablar con franqueza, es que algunos subditos
Britanicos, al favor de los establecimientos vecinos de Jamaica y Belize, y con
ocasion del comercio establecido por el Gobierno Español, y despues por la
Republica del Centro, pudieron arribar á dichas costas, y familiarizarse con
aquella tribu ; y observando el estado virgen y abundante de algunas pro-
ducciones naturales de aquella parte del territorio Centro Americano, y su vén-
tajosa posicion geografica, entrando en el deseo de apropiarselo, escogiendo
al efecto el medio de enseñar impropiamente su idioma Ingles y parte de sus
costumbres a algunos de los mismos Mosquitos, llevar consigo al hijo de alguna
familia favorita entre ellos, educarlo á su manera, y preparar asi ese instrumento
que sirviese a sus designios con el titulo de Rey. Este personage fantastico no
se ha presentado ni puede presentarse ante la civilizacion del siglo 19º ni
65
darse a reconocer á este Gobierno, ni á otros vecinos, puesto que no puede
haber soberania en esta fraccion selvatica del Pueblo Centro Americano, por
que tal hecho daria derecho á las hordas salvages que existen en las diferentes
partes del globo, para que protegidas por cualquier otro Gobierno formasen
Reynos; y puestos en paragon con los estados cultos, señalasen limites a la
civilizacion, y estableciesen el desorden y la anarquia universal.
Subditos y agentes de Su Magestad Britanica son los que han anunciado
y proclamado al caudilo de la espresada tribu por Soberano y aliado del Gobierno
Ingles; pero ninguno de estos mismos agentes ha podido presentar, ni ha
presentado ante alguno de los Gobiernos de Centro America, credencial que
lo hiciera aparecer como agente propio y directo del supuesto Rey de Mos-
quitos; ni la Gran Bretaña misma ha tenido acreditado siquiera un encargado
de negocios ante estos Gabinetes, para que pudiera haber promovido esas
cuestiones de soberania, territorio, y apropriacion de un puerto reconocido
por todo el mundo como propiedad del Estado soberano de Nicaragua. Por
el contrario, el propio Gobierno de Su Magestad Britanica por medio del Gefe
de sus fuerzas navales sobre la linea del Atlantico que baña el litoral Norte de
este continente, el Vice-Almirante Sir Carlos Adam, al establecer el bloqueo
de 1842, en el Puerto de San Juan del Norte, lo ha reconocido y declarado por
de Nicaragua para estrechar al Gobierno de este Estado, á que cubriese a ciertos
subditos Britanicos ciertos cantidades que reclamaban en la suma de catorce
mil pesos, como lo hizo saber a este Ministerio y al comercio de las demas
la C1O 16S. -. •
Honduras y Nicaragua no han sometido ningunas cuestiones con los
Mosquitos al conocimiento del Gobierno de Su Magestad Britanica; ni los
derechos ni los intereses de estos Estados permitian un tal compromiso.
Segun la precitada nota de V. Su Magestad Britanica es protectora de los
Mosquitos; y por lo mismo carece de imparcialidad, unica que pudiera dar visos
de justicia a su opinion en favor de la enunciada tribu, mayormente cuando las
supuestas cuestiones sobre territorio solo han sido movidas por subditos Brita-
nicos. Por consiguiente, esa opinion del Gobierno Britanico que V. expresa,
no puede ser considerada como una resolucion en las predichos cuestiones con
los Mosquitos, y mucho menos como una regla que les sirviera para pretender
fijar de derecho, ni de hecho sus imaginarios limites territoriales desde el Cabo
de Gracias á lo largo de la costa del norte de estos Estados hasta la rama seten-
trional del Rio San Juan de Nicaragua, como V. dijo en su comunicacion de 15 de
Noviembre de 1842, remitiendose á un dictamen dudoso del Consejo de Jamaica.
Tampoco se puede concebir a vista de los principios de justicia universal
que pudiera reputarse en manera alguna como atentado de Nicaragua contra
esos Centro Americanos selvaticos, llamados Mosquitos, la conservacion de los
derechos de propiedad y posesion de este Estado en la misma costa del norte y
puerto San Juan. Al contrario, Nicaragua recibirá como tal atentado, hostilidad
y guerra de parte del Gobierno Britanico, toda ocupacion que bajo su proteccion
ejecuten los Mosquitos de cualquier punto del puerto de San Juan, la descon-
ocerá, resistera y repelerá con el poder de la justicia, y con todas sus fuerzas
hasta desaparecer si es necesario completamente de la faz de la tierra, antes que
consentir que por una raza amalgama entre la mas esplendida civilizacion y la
mas obscura barbaria, se le arrebate la propiedad que segun las grandes demar-
caciones de la naturaleza sancionadas por las leyes, el derecho internacional, y
la posesion inmemorial, le corresponde en el puerto San Juan, y costa llamada
de Mosquitos.
Asi lo protesta solemnemente mi Gobierno; denunciará el despojo con
que se le amenaza ante todos los Gobiernos justos de las naciones cultas; y el
mundo mirará como la ambicion de algunos subditos Ingleses, ofusca la
esclarecidamente del Gabinete de Su Magestad Britanica hasta el grado de
hacerlo consentir en que la Augusta Reyna Victoria aparesca al lado de un
salvage despreciable. t R
Tales son los conceptos que mi Gobierno me ha prevenido transmitir al
Señor Consul-General, en contestacion de su citada de 10 del proximo anterior;
y al verificarlo tengo la honrosa satisfaccion de subscribirme de V. obediente
y seguro servidor. - . .. º -
r. (Firmado) SEBASTIAN SALINAS.
K
(Translation.)
Government House, Managua, October 14, 1847.
THIS Supreme Government, being without any answer from you to the
communication which this Ministry addressed to you on the 19th of November,
1842, an authorized copy of which is herewith inclosed, supporting incontestably
the rights of this State on the coast called Mosquito, and the port of San Juan
on the north, on the occasion of the proceedings of Colonel Alexander Mac-
donald, ex-Superintendent of Belize, against Colonel Manuel Quijano, then the
Administrator of that port, and in disregard of the best relations of peace, amity,
and commerce with British subjects, has seen with extraordinary surprise your
note of the 10th of last month, which, supposing questions of territory between
the nomade tribe of Mosquito and the States of Honduras and Nicaragua, states,
that after a careful examination of various historical records, Her Britannic
Majesty’s Government are of opinion that the proper extension of that imaginary
kingdom is from Cape Honduras to the mouth of the River San Juan on the
Atlantic; and that as their ally they are disposed to grant every protection
against any aggression which these States may make upon it.
You know, Sir, very well, that the established practice for a society which
considers itself capable of assuming the rank of a nation, to obtain its recogni-
tion as such, is, that its Chief, by his Ministers, or direct accredited agents,
should formally solicit the recognition of his sovereignty, according to interna-
tional law; and it is certain that the pretended King of Mosquito has, never
applied by any agent of his own to the Government of Central America, nor to
any of its States, soliciting their acknowledgment of him as a Sovereign, much
less raising questions of territory apart from those of Honduras and Nicaragua;
wherefore my Government, legally and in good faith, can and does declare that
it has never recognized, rior does recognize, such a kingdom or King of Mosquito,
and therefore it cannot recognize, and does not recognize, the territorial preten-
sions spoken of in your note above referred to.
The Kingdom of Mosquito has never existed, and does not now exist.
Truly, Sir, all is reduced to a few savages, who wander in the deserts and forests
on the coast of Honduras and Nicaragua, living by the chase and fishing, with-
out houses, without a known language, without written characters, without
arts, commerce, laws, or religion, which, according to received principles,
would make them appear before the civilized world as composing a regular
Society, and what is much more, constituting an empire.
What is unquestionable, if one may speak candidly, is, that certain
British subjects, under favour of the neighbouring settlements of Jamaica
and Belize, and in consequence of the traffic established by the Spanish
Government, and subsequently by the Central Republic, came to the coasts
and familiarized with the Mosquito tribe; and seeing the virgin state and
abundance of the natural productions of that part of the Central American
territory, and its advantageous geographical situation, they became desirous of
appropriating it; seeking, for the purpose, the improper means of teaching
their English idiom and a part of their customs to some of the Mosquitos, -
carrying with them the son of some favoured family, educating him in
their fashion, and thus preparing an instrument to serve their designs with the
title of King. This fantastic personage has not and cannot be presented to the
civilization of the nineteenth century, nor make himself acknowledged by this
Government or by other neighbouring ones, since there cannot nor ought to be
a sovereignty in that wandering fraction of the Central American people; for
such an act would give a right to the savage hordes who exist in different parts
of the world to form kingdoms under the protection of other Governments, and
to put themselves in comparison (en paragon) with civilized States, which would
place limits on civilization, and establish disorder and universal anarchy.
... Subjects and Agents of Her Britannic Majesty are the persons who have
announced and proclaimed the leader of this tribe as a Sovereign and ally of the
English Government; but none of their agents has been able to present or has
presented to any Government of Central America credentials of his appearing
to be a real and direct agent of the supposititious King of Mosquito; neither has
Great Britain herself accredited a Chargé d'Affaires to these Governments, who
might have moved these questions of sovereignty, territory, and appropriation
67
of a port acknowledged by the whole world as the property of the Sovereign
State of Nicaragua. On the contrary, the Government of Her Britannic.
Majesty, through the medium of the chief of its naval forces on the Atlantic
station, Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Adam, in establishing the blockade of 1842 at
the port of San Juan on the North, recognized and declared it as belonging to
Nicaragua, in order to coerce the Government of this State to pay various
Britannic subjects certain sums they claimed, amounting to 14,000 dollars, as he
made known to this Ministry and to the trade of other nations.
Honduras and Nicaragua have submitted no questions with Mosquito to the
knowledge of Her Britannic Majesty's Government; neither the rights or
interests of these States admit of their doing so.
According to your mote hereinbefore referred to, Her Britannic Majesty
is the protector of the Mosquitos, and consequently wants the impartiality which
alone can give a semblance of justice to her opinion in favour of the aforesaid
tribe, especially as the assumed questions respecting territory have been moved
by British subjects alone. Therefore the opinion of the British Government
which you announce cannot be considered as a resolution in the said questions
with the Mosquitos, and much less as a rule which might serve them as a pre-
tence for fixing either de jure or de facto their imaginary territorial limits, from.
Cape Gracias à Dios along the northern coast of these States to the northern
branch of the River San Juan of Nicaragua, as you say in your communication
of the 15th November, 1842, referring to a doubtful report of the Council of
Jamaica. *
Neither is it to be conceived, in the face of the principles of universal
justice, that it could in any way be reputed an aggression on the part of Nica-
ragua upon those Central American savages called Mosquitos, the conservation of
the rights of property and possession of this State in the coast of the north and
port of San Juan. -
On the contrary, Nicaragua will receive as such aggression, hostility, and
war on the part of the British Government, any occupation which under its
protection the Mosquitos may effect on any part of the Port of San Juan.
Nicaragua will disallow it, resist and repel it, with the force of justice and with
all her strength, until if necessary she disappears completely from the face of
the earth, before she consents that a mixed race between the most splendid civi-
lization and the most obscure barbarism should Snatch away a property which,
according to the great demarcations of nature, sanctioned by laws, international
right, and immemorial possession, belongs to her in the Port of San Juan and on
the coast called Mosquito.
Thus my Government solemnly protests. It will denounce the spoliation
with which it is menaced before all the just Governments of civilized nations;
and the world will see how the ambition of a few English subjects darkens the
enlightened mind of the Cabinet of Her Britannic Majesty, to the point of
making it agree that the august Queen Victoria should appear at the side of a
despicable Savage.
Such are the views which my Government has directed me to transmit to
you, Sir, in answer to your letter of the 10th of September last; and in doing so
I have, &c.
(Signed) SEBASTIAN SALINAS.
Inclosure 2 in No. 14.
The Secretary to the Honduras Government to Mr. Chatfield.
Casa del Gobierno, Comayagua, Octubre 13 de 1847.
ELEVE éconocimiento del Señor Presidente de este Estado la comunica-
cion apreciable de V. fechada el 10 de Setiembre àltimo, y en consecuencia ha
tenido à bien prevenirme que de à V. la contestacion siguiente. s
Repetidas veces, Señor Consul-General, se ha patentizado à todas luces
que el pretenso Rey Mosco, reconocido como tal solamente por el Gobierno
Britanico, carece del menor asomo de dominio eminente sobre ninguna parte del
territorio de Honduras, y que no puede mi debe darselo el hecho de queen la
costa del norte vague errante la tribu gºlia que se denomina pomposa-
68
mente nacion Mosquita. La cuestion se ha dilucidad o anteriormente por la
prensa en los diversos escritos que se han dado á luz, y ningun apoyo nuevo se
necesita alegar para que se evidencia de parte de quien esta la justicia. Por
esto y por que al presente de una manera hostil, se hace intimacion de tomarse
una propiedad que ha correspondido y corresponde á Honduras, ninguna razon
se añadirá puesto que se da á penetrar facilmente que la fuerza y no la convic-
cion sera la que termine la contienda que se promueve espontaneamente.
Vsted á nombre de su Soberana pronuncia una formal declaratoria sin que
antes se manifestase á mi Gobierno que podia entrar en la competencia oficial
de V. el verificarla, con notable detrimento de la dignidad anexa á los supremos
poderes de este Estado, introduciendo formas inusitadas é hiriendo las maximas
admitidas generalmente entre los pueblos cultos. •
Notable es tambien que el ilustrado Gabinete de St. James, por el titulo de
protector del Gefe de los incivilizados Mosquitos, que entre todos los Gobiernos
de la tierra solo el reconoce, se atribuya el derecho de hacer reclamos é intima-
ciones que caben unicamente en el interes del que es de creerse era beneficiado
en promoverlas, y sobre lo cual no ha dado el menor paso. ºs
Igualmente es digne de repaso, que sin observarse ninguno de los medios
que prescribe el Derecho de Gentes, para apropriarse un territorio disputable á
lo mas, se occurra á la fuerza, como si no hubiesen razones que escuchar,
derechos que examinar, formas que guardar, y Zelos que despertar. -
Las naciones de Europa y de America, Señor Consul, no miraran con una
funebre apatia é indiferencia, este nuevo sistema de adquisicion de territorios,
desconocido y contrario á los principios observados por convenio general entre
los Gobiernos.
El de Honduras es debil, y potente el de la Gran Bretaña, no obstante hara
valer sus derechos. Ellos tendran la misma importancia que si fuesen con-
travertidos entre naciones iguales por su preponderancia y recursos.
Por consecuencia, mi Gobierno protesta solemnemente que usará de los
medios que emplean todos los del mundo para garantir sus territorios, y repeler
cualquiera agresion; y V. ó el Gobierno Britanico responderán ante el cielo y
la tierra, de los males que produzca la lucha con que se provoca, á pretexto de
vindicar los derechos de su protegido el Gefe de los barbaros Mosquitos.
Asi el Señor Consul-General como de orden suprema tengo el honor de
contestar á V. su apreciable citada repetiendole que soy, &c.
(Firmado) SAÑTOS GUARDIOLA.
(Translation.)
Government House, Comayagua, October 13, 1847.
I HAVE laid before the President of this State, your esteemed note of the
10th of September last; and in consequence ofit he has been pleased to desire
me to answer you as follows:— .
It has been repeatedly demonstrated irrefragably that the pretended King
of Mosquito, recognised as such by the British Government alone, wants the
smallest shadow of dominion over any part of the territory of Honduras; and it
cannot and ought not to be considered a fact, that on the north coast the
uncivilized tribe wanders errant, promptly styled the Mosquito nation.
The question has already been explained by the press, in the various
writings published; and no new proofis necessary to be alleged, to show on
which side justice rests.
Therefore, and because now in a hostile manner, an intimation is made
that a property which has belonged and does belong to Honduras, will be taken,
no reasons will be added, since itis easily seen that force, and not conviction,
will terminate the dispute spontaneously raised. l.
You, in the name of your Sovereigm, make a formal declaration, without
previously announcing to my Government, that you are officially competent to
do so, with notable injury to the dignity pertaining to the Supreme Powers of
this State, introducing unusued forms, and offending against maxims generally
admitted by all civilized people.
It is also remarkable that the enlightened Cabinet of St. James, under the
title of Protector of the Chief of the uncivilized Mosquitos, and which alone
of all the Governments of the earth, recognizes them, should arrogate the right
of making claims and intimations which exclusively belong to him who it is to
be supposed would benefit by promoting them, and respecting which, the least,
step has not been taken. tº - © - • - ; . . . -
It is equally worthy of notice, that, without attending to any of the means
prescribed by the law of nations for appropriating a territory at most disputable,
force should be resorted to, as if there were no reasons to be heard, rights to
be examined, forms to be observed, and jealousies to be awakened.
The nations of Europe and America, Sir, will not see with mournful apathy
and indifference this new system of acquiring territories, unknown and contrary
to the principles observed by general usage between Governments.
The Government of Honduras is weak, and that of Great Britain powerful.
Nevertheless it will make its rights known. They will have the same
importance as if they were balanced between nations of equal preponderance
and resources. -
Therefore my Government solemnly protests that it will use the means
which all the world employs, to guarantee its territory, and to repel any
aggression; and you or the British Government will answer before heaven and
earth, for the ills which the contest may produce, which is provoked on the
pretext of defending the rights of its protégé, the Chief of the Mosquito
barbarians. . - . .” a
Thus, Sir, by supreme order, I have the honour to reply to your esteemed
note above referred to, assuring you, &c. - -
(signed) SANTOS GUARDIOLA.
Inclosure 3 in No. 14.
Circular to the States of Nicaragua and Honduras.
Sir, - Guatemala, November 15, 1847.
THE note which you addressed to me on the 14th of October last shall be
laid before Her Britannic Majesty's Government.
Having at different times explained the error which the Supreme Govern-
ment of — entertains respecting the rights and position of M Osquito as an
independent nation, I should not have deemed it necessary to recur to the sub-
ject, except for the importance of reminding your Supreme Government that no
intelligible ground has at any time been stated by the Central American States
for denying the existence of the Mosquito Territory.
The position assumed by your Government rests on a supposed hereditary
right derived from Spain, to whom it is alleged, as I understand, that the Moš-
quito Territory formerly belonged, as a part of the Spanish possessions in
America, it being assumed that the act of expelling Spain from this continent
has conferred upon the States who expelled her all the sovereignty and rights
which Spain is considered to have enjoyed in it. w -
On an impartial consideration of this question, I am convinced that your
Supreme Government will perceive the fallacy of such reasoning, and admit
that no State can justly claim to inherit rights or territories from a nation which
does not even recognise its political existence. -
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDEQ. CHATFIELD.
No. 15.
Mr. Walker to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received February 3, 1848.)
My Lord, - Bluefields, Mosquito, December 20, 1847.
I HAVE the honour to transmit to your Lordship minutes of a meeting
of the Council of State of this kingdom held on the 25th October last.
70,
The minutes contain a letter addressed to the Government of Nicaragua,
expressive of the determination of this Government, with British assistance, to
retake on the 1st January the mouth of the St. John’s River. -
I have, &c.
(Signed) PATK. WALKER.
Inclosure in No. 15.
Eatract from Minutes of the Council of State of Mosquito.
Bluefields, October 25, 1847.
PRESENT :
His Majesty the King.
Honourable George Hodgson. Honourable James Porter.
Honourable Alex. Hodgson. Honourable John Dixon.
Honourable Halstead Ingram. Honourable James Green.
THE Council having conferred with his Honour the British Resident,
resolved on forwarding the following letter to the Secretary of the Government
of Nicaragua, declaratory of their intention, with the assistance of the protecting
Power, to retake possession of the port of St. John's on the 1st January:-
- Office of Council of State,
Sir, Bluefields, Mosquito, October 25, 1847.
I AM this day commanded by the King in Council to notify through you
to his Excellency the President of Nicaragua the fact, that many protests against
usurpations by the State of Nicaragua on the King's territory have been made
to the Government of your State; and that these remonstrances have not only
been unredressed, but have been unnoticed.
After due deliberation and necessary communication with Her Britannic
Majesty’s Government, the ally and protector of this kingdom, it has been
determined that the King shall now, with the assistance of Her Britannic
Majesty’s Government, assert and recover his ancient and hereditary rights.
It is the hope of the King in Council that his Excellency and the Govern-
ment over which he presides, to ensure that good relationship between Mos-
quito and Nicaragua, which is so important for their mutual benefit, will give
orders to withdraw the Nicaraguan establishment from its present position at
the mouth of the River St. John's. --
The King in Council, anxious to act in harmony and with courtesy towards
Nicaragua, will allow the State of Nicaragua, until the 1st day of January
ensuing, to withdraw. *
After that date notice is hereby openly and expressly given that forcible
means will be employed to maintain the King's rights and authority.
I have, &c.
- (Signed) GEORGE HODGSON.
The Secretary of the Supreme Government of Nicaragua. - -
The Council having expressed to His Majesty their anxious wishes for a
safe passage to Jamaica and a pleasant sojourn there, adjourned sine die.
(Signed) J. W. LITTLE,
Acting Clerk of Council.
71
No. 16.
Mr. Walker to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received February 3, 1848.)
My Lord, Bluefields, Mosquito, December 20, 1847.
I HAVE the honour to transmit to your Lordship minutes of a meeting
of the Council of State of this kingdom held on the 8th instant.
The minutes contain correspondence between the Council and Government
of Nicaragua on the subject of the port of St. John's. Resolutions of the
Council for causing the interior boundaries of the kingdom to be marked out ;
for calling out the militia to retake St. John's; and for naming the town at
the river’s mouth, “Grey Town.”
I take, &c.
(Signed) PATK. WALKER.
Inclosure in No. 16.
Eatract from Minutes of the Council of State of Mosquito.
Bluefields, December 8, 1847.
PRESENT :
**- His Majesty the King.
Honourable George Hodgson. Honourable James Porter.
Honourable Alex. Hodgson. Honourable John Dixon.
Honourable Halstead Ingram. Honourable James Green.
The Honourable George Hodgson, who had been entrusted with the admi-
mistration of the Government in the absence of the King and British Resident,
submitted to the King in council a letter, of which the following is a trans-
lation :
Government House, Leon, November 8, 1847.
Mr. George Hodgson, residing in Bluefields,
Your communication of the 25th ultimo, in which, under the title of senior
member of council of the pretended King of Mosquito, demanding in his name
the abandonment of the establishment at the mouth of the River St. John’s, and
fixing for this step the 1st of January ensuing, and threatening therefore to use
forcible means of maintaining the rights of the said named King of Mosquito,
was presented to my Government, who have directed me to inform you that
upon the question of territorial limits and recognition of the kingdom and King
of Mosquito, communications have been addressed to Mr. Chatfield, Her Britannic
Majesty's Consul-General in Central America; but if any steps are taken to
occupy the port by the force threatened, the Government of Nicaragua is dis-
posed, as it has informed the said Consul in a communication dated the 14th
October last, and a copy of which is now sent you, to put in motion its whole
strength to defend the dignity of the State, and in which case the hostilities which
will ensue will have no other origin than in the designs of those who wish the
occupation of a port which this State has possessed from time immemorial.
(Signed) SEBASTIAN SALINAS.
The Clerk of Council was directed to make the following reply:—
- Office of Clerk of Council,
Sir, Bluefields, Mosquito, December 8, 1847.
I am commanded to inform you, that your letter of the 8th November,
addressed to the Honourable George Hodgson, senior member of the council,
was this day submitted to the King in council.
The council passes over in silence the disrespectful tone of your letter, but
...tº hº * -- - - ---,
72
directs me forward to you copies of addresses which His Majesty received on his
recent visit to Jamaica, from the honourable the council and house of assembly
of that island; and I am to remind you that the civilized world knows that for
rank, independence, intelligence, and wealth, the public bodies of Jamaica which
have been named, cannot be excelled in the State of Nicaragua.
The port of St. John’s will be retaken possession of by British and
Mosquito troops on the 1st January, and it will remain with your Government
to embrace His Majesty's offers of a cordial union and alliance.
I have, &c.
(Signed) ALEX. RENAUD,
Clerk of Council.
To the Secretary of the Government of Nicaragua.
-*
A conference being had with his Honour the British Resident, and the
British Resident having suggested the propriety of causing the interior
boundaries of the kingdom to be marked out by sufficient monuments, it was
resolved to nominate and expedite, with the earliest dispatch, a commission for
the purpose, of which the Honourable John Dixon should be a member.
With reference to the conferences the council have had with his Honour
the British Resident, on the subject of the St. John's River, and more particularly
to a communication which the Resident has this day made to the council, for
practically establishing the full rights of sovereignty of the King of Mosquito
over all the mouths of the St. John's, and over the navigation of the lower part
of that river, it was resolved that on the appearance of the first British ship of
war, with orders to co-operate with the Mosquito Government in asserting
the King's rights to the River St. John's, that the entire strength of the Blue-
fields militia and detachments from Pearl Key Lagoon and Corn Island, should
proceed to St. John's to compel the evacuation of all points of the river up to
the Serapaqui, and without prejudice to any rights the King may be hereafter
legally enabled to assert beyond that point.
His Majesty having expressed to the council the very regal reception he
had met with in Jamaica, and the particularly friendly and kind treatment he
had received from the Governor, his Excellency Sir Charles Grey, it was
resolved that the town at the mouth of the St. John’s should be called for the
future Grey Town. -
(Signed) ALEX. RENAUD,
Clerk of Council.
No. 17.
Mr. Walker to Wiscount Palmerston.—(Received Fehruary 3, 1848.)
- My Lord, Bluefields, Mosquito, December 21, 1847.
I OBSERVE in a reply by the State of Nicaragua to Mr. Chatfield's noti-
fication of the British Government’s determination to maintain the rights of the
King of Mosquito to the territory from Cape Honduras to St. John's, that they
observe to that gentleman that in a declaration of blockade by Sir Charles Adam
in 1842, that officer, in substance, acknowledged the right of Nicaragua to the
harbour of St. John’s.
This is not a fact. Sir Charles Adams happened at the time to send me a
draft of his proposed declaration of blockade, and observing that its wording
might afford a clue to Nicaragua to indulge in the idea of right to St. John's, I
returned the document to the Admiral with a respectful recommendation that it
should be altered, which was done, as your Lordship will see by Sir Charles
Adam's letter to me, herewith transmitted, and by a declaration of blockade in
question. - **
- - I have, &c. -
(Signed). PATK. WALKER.
73
Inclosure in No. 17.
Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Adam to Mr. Walker.
(Extract.) “Illustrious,” June 17, 1842.
I HAVE altered the declaration by omitting all mention of the coast, which
will do all that is necessary for your purpose. I do not wish to introduce any
debateable description in a document of the sort, and I think it is quite right to
make the omission which has been made.
I must write to the Colonel officially to require that the declaration of
blockade may be inserted in the “Belize Gazette,” and I shall send a copy to
Lord Elgin, to request that it may be inserted in the official paper of Jamaica.
No. 18.
Mr. Chatfield to Wiscount Palmerston.—(Received February 21, 1848.)
(Extract.) Guatemala, December 3, 1847.
THE post of yesterday brought me a note from the Government of the
State of Nicaragua, on the occupation of the port of San Juan by Mosquito; and
I have the honour to inclose herewith two printed copies of its inclosure, with
translations of the correspondence and documents contained therein.
The second inclosure, a copy in French of the Treaty between England and
Spain, signed in London, 14th July, 1786, I presume I need not trouble your
Lordship with. - -
The Nicaraguan Minister, in his note to me, defends the right of Nicaragua.
to San Juan, on the reiterated ground of its having formerly been occupied by
Spain, and of its having subsequently been considered by the Federal Govern-
ment of Central America, and by the Constitution of Nicaragua, as an integral
part of the State. -
The annexed translated papers consist of the report of the Commandant of
San Juan to his Government, stating that Her Majesty’s ship “Alarm” arrived
off the port on the 27th October last, and that on the following day two officers
came on shore and delivered a letter from the Mosquito authorities, declaring
that the port would be taken possession of in the name of the Mosquito King, on
the 1st January next.
Inclosure No. 7 is a copy of a letter from the Nicaraguan Government to
the Mosquito Agent, Mr. George Hodgson, stating that the question of boundary
on the side of Mosquito, whose King the Government does not recognize,
is arranging with me. -
Next follows the protest of the Commandant Bermudez to the Captain of
Her Majesty’s ship “Alarm;” with a note added, to the effect that the Mosquito
Government's bommunication is sealed with the seal of Her Majesty's Agent in
Bluefields. -
The remaining documents are copies of two Royal Orders dated in 1796,
making, by command of the King of Spain, the port of San Juan a port of
entry of the second class; and, finally, a letter from General Muñoz, the com-
mander of the Nicaraguan troops, reporting his arrival at Granada from Leon,
on the 6th of November. i
The ostensible object of his visit to Granada is to defend the State against
Mosquito, and on that plea to get possession of the arms scattered amongst
persons disaffected to the Government in Leon; but there is not of course the
slightest idea of making any resistance. * ,
The Nicaraguan Government acquaints me that it has named two lawyers
of this city, Messrs. Durán and Lopez, to treat with me on the question of San
Juan; but, independent of their unfitness to entertain questions of this nature,
I conceive that I am without authority to discuss the right of Mosquito to the
left bank of the River San Juan at its mouth, after the communication I
addressed to the Governments of Nicaragua and Honduras on the 10th of
September last, under your Lordship's pºllow of the 30th June preceding.
74
I shall however be happy to learn from your Lordship, as solicited in
my, despatch of the 16th of last month, what regulations are to govern the
trade up and down the River San Juan, after the occupation of the port by
Mosquito. w -
My impressionis, that Mosquito, while asserting its rights, should act with
moderation. -
Inclosure lin No. 18.
The Nicaraguan Minister to Mr. Chatfield.
Casa de Gobierno, Leon, 13 de Noviembre de 1847.
LAS copias que tengo el honor de acompañar a este despacho, impondran
al Señor Consul-General de los ultimos acontecimientos sobre la proxima ocu-
pacion del puerto de San Juan del Norte, intimada por Mr. George Hodgson,
con titulo de consejero el mas antiguo del Gobierno Mosquito. Mi Gobierno,
en vista de semejantes documentos, ha considerado que este asunto llevado por
medios fuertes debe producir desavenencias entre los Gobiernos de Su Magestad
Britanica, el del Estado de Nicaragua, y los otros de Centro America, en cuyo
concepto deseoso de agotar las medidas racionales, justas y pacificas, que
siempre ha estado dispuesto a usar; ha deliverado dar al Señor Consul, mayor
conocimiento de los fundamentos de derecho que le asisten para mantener la
posesion del dicho de San Juan no obstante las explicaciones que hasta hoy se
han hecho.
Por el Articulo I de la Convencion firmada en Londres el 14 de Julio de
1786, reconocio Su Magestad Britanica el derecho que el Rey de España tenia
en las costas de Mosquitos, en el hecho de establecer que los subditos Ingleses
que hasta entonces habian gozado la proteccion de la Inglaterra, evacuarian
aquellos paises, igualmente que el continente en general é islas adyacentes sin
excepcion. El Articulo XI aun está mas expreso, acerca de esto, pues con la
mira de evitar toda especie de duda tocante a la verdadera construccion del con-
venio, se obligó Su Magestad Britanica a dar las ordenes mas positivas para la
evacuacion de los paises mencionados por todos sus subditos de cualquiera deno-
minacion, y que si apesar de esta declaracion hubiesen personas tan audaces que
retirados al interior del pais, osaran oponerse á la evacuacion convenida, lejos de
prestarles el menor auxilio, lo desaprobaria en el modo mas solemne, como
igualmente lo haria con los que adelante intentasen establecerlo despues de
esta convencion. Despues de esto, Señor Consul, la constitucion de la
Monarquia Española expedida en 1812, y que el Rey Fernando VII juró con
aplauso de toda la Europa, y en particular de Su Magestad Britanica, demarcando
los limites del antiguo Reyno de Guatemala, comprende el territorio Mosquito,
y los mismos, como se ha dicho ya otra vez, reconoció la Republica Federal de
Centro America, y en particular respecto a Nicaragua, la Constitucion publicada
en 1826. * , º .
El Señor Consul habra visto estas constituciones; pero como puede
suceder que no haya tenido conocimiento de la Convencion á que me refiero, el
Director Supremo me manda remitir a V. la copia autorizada que hallará
tambien inclusa a la presente. Esta copia es fielmente sacada de la celebre
coleccion de Don Jose de Abreu y Bertodano, a virtud de una Real Orden de 13
de Junio de 1738, bajo el reinado de Felipe III, publicada en Madrid el año de
1801, se halla igualmente en la de Don Jose Cantillo dada a luz el año de 1843,
y en la que se emitio en Paris bajo el titulo “Recueil des Traités d'Alliance de
Paix, de Commerce &c., depuis 1761 jusqu'à présent, seconde édition; Revue et
augmentée par M. Martens;” de manera que bien examinado todo á la luz de los
principios, hallara el Señor Consul-General de Su Magestad Britanica que mi
Gobierno bajo la mejor buena fé ha sostenido la cuestion sobre pertenencia del
mencionado territorio, y que en tal caso aun no es llegado el de que se empleen
los medios coactivos que solo pueden emplearse contra un agresor injusto, y
eso, cuando se han agotado los medios pacificos, que establece el derecho inter-
nacional. - º « •
Por tanto mi Gobierno no ha vacilado en nombrar a los Señores licenciados
Don Joaquin Duran y Don Venancio Lopez de mancomun et insolidum con
objeto de que si el Señor Consul-General estubiese competentemente autorizado
75
en el negocio de que se trata, mande suspender toda ocupacion del referido
puerto de San Juan, que actualmente posee Nicaragua, mientras del modo mas
armonioso se da termino a dicho negocio, ya sea viniendo el Señor Consula este
Estado, 6 recibiendo en esa capital los comisionados que nombre mi Gobierno,
si es que tiene efecto la suspension de medidas hostiles.
Mi Gobierno confia en la notoria ilustracion del Señor Consul, que se
dignará escuchar Sus votos, que solo tienen en mira la paz y harmonia entre
Gabinetēs unidos portantos titulos; y el Infrascripto, &c,
(Firmado) SEBASTIAN SALINAS.
(Translation.)
Government House, Leon, November 13, 1847.
THE copies which I have the honour to annex to this despatch will
inform Her Majesty's Consul-General with the latest occurrences respecting the
early occupation of the port of San Juan on the North, intimated by Mr. George
Hodgson, styled the oldest councillor of the Mosquito Government. My
Government, reflecting on these documents, considers that the affair, carried
through by forcible means, must produce misunderstanding between the Govern-
ments of Her Britannic Majesty, the State of Nicaragua, and those of Central
America : Wherefore, desirous of using rational, just, and peaceable means,
which it is ever disposed to adopt, it has resolved upon giving you a fuller
knowledge of the grounds of right which authorize it to maintain possession
of the port of San Juan, notwithstanding the explanations which have been
made to the present time.
By Article I of the Convention signed in London on the 14th July,
1786, His Britannic Majesty acknowledged the right which the King of Spain
possessed on the Mosquito shore, in the fact of agreeing that English subjects
who until then had enjoyed the protection of England should evacuate those
countries, as also the continent in general, and islands adjacent, without excep-
tion. The Article XI is even more explicit on this point, since, in the view to
prevent all kind of doubt respecting the true construction of the Convention,
His Britannic Majesty was required to give positive orders to evacuate the
aforesaid countries by his subjects of every class; and if, notwithstanding this
declaration, persons should audaciously retire into the interior, and dare to
resist the evacuation agreed on, so far from giving them the smallest aid, their
conduct would be formally disapproved, as would also happen in respect to those
who should endeavour to establish themselves there, after this Convention.
Subsequently, Sir, the Spanish Constitution of 1812, and which the King Ferdi-
nand VII swore, with the approval of all Europe, and particularly of His
Britannic Majesty, defining the boundaries of the ancient Kingdom of Guate-
imala, comprises the Mosquito Territory; and these, as has already been said,
the Federal Republic of Central America acknowledged, and especially as
regards Nicaragua, the Constitution published in 1826.
You have seen, Sir, these Constitutions; but as it is possible you may not
have seen the Convention I refer to, the Supreme Director desires me to send
you inclosed an authorized copy of it.
This copy is faithfully extracted from the famous collection of Don José
de Abreu and Bertodano, in consequence of a Royal Order dated the 13th
June, 1738, in the reign of Philip III, published in Madrid in 1801. It is also
to be found in the collection published by Don José Cantillo in 1843, and which
was published in Paris under the name of “Recueil des Traités d'Alliance, de
Paix, de Commerce, &c., depuis 1761 jusqu’à présent. Seconde édition. Revue
et augmentée par M. de Martens.” . -
These, well examined, according to enlightened principles, Her Britannic
Majesty’s Consul-General will find that my Government, acting in the best
faith, has sustained the question of proprietary right to the aforesaid territory,
and in such case that of employing coercive measures has not arrived; such
measures being only just against an unjust aggressor, and then after expending
peaceable means established by international right.
Wherefore, my Government has not hesitated to name the licenciates Don,
Joaquin Durán and Don Venancio Lopez, “ de mancomun et insolidum,” in
- t L 2 -
76
order, if Her Majesty's Consul-General should be competently authorized in
the matter under consideration, that he may order the suspension of the occupa-
tion of the said port of San Juan, which Nicaragua actually possesses, while this
affair is concluded in the most friendly manner, either by your coming to this
State, or by your receiving in Guatemala the Commissioners named by my
Government, if hostile measures should be suspended.
My Government confides in your well-known illustration, that you will
deign to listen to its wishes, which are solely directed to preserve peace and
harmony between Cabinets united by many ties; and the Undersigned has, &c.
(Signed) SEBASTIAN SALINAS.
Inclosure 2 in No. 18.
ULTIMAS noticias recibidas en el Ministerio del Gobierno sobre la
ocupacion del puerto de San Juan por subditos Britanicos so pretesto de pro-
teccion de los Mosquitos; y sobre la llegada de la fuerza de linea á la ciudad
de Granada, que lleva por objeto establecer los medios de defensa que á Nicar-
agua le competen una vez que está amenazada su dignidad y sus derechos por
una invasion extraña.
l.—The Commandant of San Juan to the Nicaraguan Minister of War.
Comandancia, de San Juan, 27 de Octubre de 1847.
Ayer, á las cinco de la tarde, arribó cerca de este puerto una fragata de
guerra Inglesa llamada “Alarma;” alamanecer fondeó en la bahia, y como á las
nueve de la mañana se me presentaron dos oficiales y pusieron en mis manos
la comunicacion que adjunto cerrada, encargandome la pusiese en manos del
Gobierno á la mayor brevedad, y una cópia que le incluyo traducida de un
tanto que me dieron, indicandome ser del mismo tenor de la dirijida al Gobierno:
tuvieron la osadia de imponerme que de esta fecha en adelante no se enarbolase
el pabellon del Estado, en razon de pertenecer el puerto al Rei de los Mos-
quitos. Yo les reproduje, que mi Gobierno no reconocia tal Rei, que yo era un
subalterno, y que tenia que sostener las ordenes de este á costa de mi vida; y
que, puesto que el plazo que ponian era el de dos meses, no tenian que injerirse
absolutamente en el Gobierno interior y economico del puerto mientras no
fuera vencido dicho termino; y que lo isaria cada vez que fuera de costumbre;
con lo cual se retiraron, é isaron á bordo el pabellon Mosco, y le hicieron un
saludo de vientiuna salvas de artilleria de calibre mayor. Estas disputas y la
intimacion hecha, me obligaron á hacerle al Comandante de la fragata una
protesta por duplicado, de la que incluyo copia, la cual diriji á bordo por
medio de un oficial, y no dieron ni recibo, ofreciendo volver la misma fragata
con la contestacion dentro de tres ó cuatro semanas, levantando anclas en el
mismo acto y haciendose á la vela.
Todo lo ocurrido me ha puesto en la necesidad de mandar á mi propia
ordenanza, conduciendo dichas comunicaciones hasta ponerlas en manos del
Gobierno, esperando que la resolucion que recaiga se me comunique con el
mismo á la mayor brevedad posible; teniendo presente que dos meses se van
en un instante, y espero se le encargue al Prefecto de Granada se interese en
que le facilite á la ordenanza el pasaje á su regreso.
Todo lo expuesto, Señor Ministro, espero se sirva ponerlo en el alto con-
ocimiento del Director Supremo, reiterandole entre tanto las protestas de
sumision y respeto con que me firmo su atento servidor. -
(Firmado) RAFAEL BERMUDEZ.
2.—Mr. Hodgson to the Nicaraguan Minister.
- Oficio del Consejo de Estado,
Señor, Bluefields, Mosquito, 25 de Octubre de 1847.
Hoi he sido mandado por el Rei en consejo, á notificar por medio de V. á.
su Excelencia el Presidente de Nicaragua, el hecho de que muchas protestas
contra usurpacion por el Estado de Nicaragua en el territorio del Rei, han
77
sido hechas al Gobierno de su Estado; y que estas representaciones, no solo
han dejado de producir correccion, sino que han quedado desatentidas. Despues
de la debida deliberacion, y la comunicacion necesaria con el Gobierno de Su
Magestad Britanica, aliado y protector de este Reyno, se ha determinado que
el Rei ahora con la asistencia del Gobierno de Su Magestad Britanica, sostenga
y recobre sus antiguos hereditarios derechos.
El Rei en consejo espera que su Excelencia y el Gobierno sobre el cual
preside, para asegurar aquellas buenas relaciones entre Mosquitia y Nicaragua,
que son tan importantes para mutuo beneficio, dará ordenes para quitar el
establecimiento Nicaraguense de su presente posicion en la boca del Rio de
San Juan. - -
El Rei en consejo deseoso de obrar armoniosa y cortesmente con respecto
á Nicaragua, concederá al Estado de Nicaragua, el quitarse hasta el 1º. de
Enero proximo. Despues de esta fecha, se dá noticia por esta abierta y expresa-
mente, de que serán empleados los medios fuertes para manter los de autoridad
del Rei.
Tengo el honor, &c.
(Firmado) , GEORGE HODGSON,
Antiguo Miembro del Consejo.
3.—The Nicaraguan Minister to Mr. Hodgson.
Contestacion.
Señor, Leon, 8 de Noviembre de 1847.
LA comunicacion de V. de 25 del mes proximo anterior, en que, bajo
el titulo de antiguo miembro del consejo del pretendido Rei de los Mosquitos,
encarece á nombre de este la desocupacion del establecimiento de la boca de
San Juan del Norte, señala para ello por ultimo termino el 1º. de Enero inme-
diato, y amenaza que despues de vencido serán empleados los medios fuertes
para mantener los derechos del expresado Rei de los Mosquitos; fué presentada
á mi Gobierno, quien me ha prevenido decir á V.: que el asunto sobre limites
territoriales y reconocimiento del Reyno y Rei Mosquito, se ventila actualmente
con Mr. Frederico Chatfield, Consul-Jeneral de Su Magestad Britanica en
Centro America, que segun se asegura, está autorizado suficientemente para
concluirlo; pero que si los hechos sobre ocupacion del puerto, se llevasen
adelante por la fuerza con que se amenaza el Gobierno de Nicaragua, está dis-
puesto como lo tiene manifestado á dicho Señor Consul en la comunicacion de
14 de Octubre ultimo, de que le acompaño á V. un tanto, á poner en accion
todo su poder para defender la dignidad del Estado; y en tal caso, las hostili-
dades que sobre vengan no han tenido orijen, sino de parte de los que intenten
la ocupacion de un territorio que le pertenece, y que posee de tiempo inme-
morial. Quiera, &c. -
(Firmado) SEBASTAN SALINAS.
4.—Protest of the Commandant of San Juan.
Copia de la Protesta hecha en 27 de Octubre de 1847, al Comañdante de la
fragata Inglesa “Alarma.”
Señor, 27 de octubre de 1847.
Informado el infrascrito Comandante de este puerto de la boca de
San Juan de Nicaragua, de la asistencia y cooperacion que con mano fuerte se
ha decidido á prestar el Señor Comandante de la fragata de guerra “ Alarma”
de Su Magestad Britanica, á nombre del Gobierno Británico, en favor de la
ocupacion que intenta hacer de éste puerto el Rei de los Mosquitos, no puede
menos el infrascrito que altamente condolerse del ataque que dicha asistencia
envuelve contra los derechos de soberanía é integridad del territorio del Estado
libre de Nicaragua, á cuyo Gobierno representa el mismo infrascrito en la
actual ocasion, y á cuyo nombre se vé estrechado á protestar contra el abuso
de las fuerzas navales y del nombre de la gran nacion á quien representa el
Señor Comandante de la fragata “Alarma.” Careciendo el Estado de Nica- .
78
ragua en las presentes circunstancias de otros medios de defensa de sus derechos
que los que proporcionan la razon y la justicia, sostenidas unicamente por la
moral del mundo civilizado, á cuya frente se halla la Gran Bretaña, el Gobierno
de Nicaragua se reserva por medio del infrascrito el derecho de reclamar como
le convenga y con toda la eficacia que le sea posible, la violacion y la usurpacion
de un puerto de su territorio que en todos tiempos ha sido de este Estado; que
por tal lo han reconocido siempre todos las naciones comerciales, y que aunque
se ocupe por otro poder ajeno, de derecho continuará siempre perteneciendo al
territorio Nicaraguense en que la naturaleza lo colocó. Deseo, Señor Com-
andante, que esta protesta, se sirva V. admitirla en forma devolviendome
aceptado por V. uno de los dos papeles de un mismo tenor en que la realizo, y
al mismo tiempo tengo el honor, &c.
(Firmado) RAFAEL BERMUDEZ.
La fragata de que se hace referencia en las notas anteriores, está tripulada
por oficiales Ingleses, y tres o cuatrocientos hombres—el pabellon con que entró
á San Juan es el Británico, y despues enarboló la bandera llamada Mosca: en el
sobre de la comunicacion dirijida por el nombrado oficio del consejo de Su
Magestad Mosquita, vino el sello del Consul Británico existente en Bluefields;
de manera que todo es obra de subditos Ingleses en la costa de Mosquitos.
5.—Royal Order.
Para acreditar el indisputable derecho que el Estado de Nicaragua tiene
real y efetivamente sobre el puerto de San Juan que hoy se nos quiere arrebatar,
insertamos en este lugar los documentos siguientes.
- lº. Con el objeto de fomentar la poblacion y comercio de la Isla del
Carmen, se ha servido Su Magestad teniendo en consideracion el dictamen del
Virrey de Nueva España, Marquez de Bramiforte, habilitar el puerto de su
presidio en clase de menor con todas las gracias y franquicias concedidas por
decreto de 10 de Octubre de 89 y ordenes posteriores á los de esta clase.
Asi mismo para que la Provincia de Nicaragua y otras del Reyno de
Guatemala distantes mas de trescientas leguas de la capital y puertos de Omóa
y Santo Tomás de Castilla, pueden hacer un comercio directo con la metrópoli,
sin los inconvenientes de tan gran distancia, se ha dignado Su Magestad
habilitar el de San Juan de Nicaragua á orillas del rio de este nombre en clase
de menor ampliando por ahora dicha habilitacion á la ciudad de Granada en el
Lago de Nicaragua, hasta dondo es navegable aquel rio; de modo que todas las
libertades y exenciones que correspondan al puerto de San Juan las ha de
gozar con calidad de por ahora la ciudad de Granada. De su Real órden lo
participo á V. S. para su cumplimiento. -
Dios guarde, &c. * (Firmado) GARDOQUI.
Aranjuez, 26 de Febrero de 1796. .
Señor Gobernador Intendente de Nicaragua.
6.—Royal Order.
2º. Para que Don Juan Zavala pueda verificar la expedicion que se propone
hacer desde Cádiz al puerto de San Juan, se ha servido el Rey mandar por un
efecto de su real proteccion, que repitiendo el encargo hecho á V. S. por Real
órden de 26 de Febrero proximo sobre éste asunto, se le prevenga ahora
promueva las siembras de Algodon, las cuales probablemente se fomentarán con
la abertura del puerto, y se le franqueen á Zavala los operarios para las cortas
de maderas esquisitas, palo de tinte, y otros artículos comerciables como
tambien los carruajes y embarcaciones menores que necesite: todo sin perjui-
cio de la Ley 3a. título 14, libro 6°, y otras que prohiben el servicio personal,
exhortando y persuadiendo V. S. y los Alcaldes mayores á esos habitantes para
se ocupen en estos trabajos; que procure V. S. por todos los medios posibles se
le den los víveres para la marinería y operarios de las faenas y puerto, á los
mismos precios que los dá el pueblo de Masaya para el consumo de la guarnicion
del Fuerte de San Cárlos; que se le franquee la maestranza de Rivera de Granada
para la construccion de embarcaciones chatas, en que se ha de subir la carga por
el rio, sobre el pié y por los jornales que paga la Real Hacienda, caso que no se
79
necesite con urjencia para alguna obra del Real servicio: que el derecho de
consulado y donativo único que ha de pagar la expedicion por la libertad
concedida á los puertos menores, se deposita en esas cajas para hacer barracones
de firme en los parajes que el consulado paraciese conveniente; que para las
providencias economicas respectivas á este asunto, pida V. S. informe á Zavala
siempre que esté cerca, y pueda darlo, pues como autor del proyecto, y por sus
conocimientos prácticos del rio, puede influir su dictamen en el acierto finalmente
que de todo le que ocurriese, dé V. S, cuenta al Presidente Don José Domas á
quien por la Real órden de la misma fecha citada se le encargó protejiese esta
empresa. De órden de Su Magestad lo participo á V. S. para su cumplimiento,
y le prevengo que observe los progresos de este proyecto de Zavala, para
informar á su tiempo, y que pueda el Rei premiar digmamente su zelo y esfuerzos
en promover un objeto de tanta importancia advirtiendo que por ahora le ha
concedido Su Magestad absoluta libertad de derechos de introduccion en España
del dinero y frutos que retorne su expedicion. . .
Dios guarde, &c. (Firmado) GARDOQUI.
Aranjuez, 28 de Marzo de 1796. e- -
Señor Gobernador Intendente de Nicaragua.
7.—Order of General Muñoz.
Ejercito del Estado Jeneral en Jefe.
A las dos de la tarde de hoi he entrado con la division de mi mando á la
plaza de esta ciudad. A una legua distante salieron a recibirme todas las
autoridades y personas mas notables de la poblacion; el pueblo ha recibido las
tropas del Supremo Gobierno con el mayor entusiasmo y en union de ellas ha
victoreado muchas veces al Supremo Gobierno. Nada ha dejado que desear la
cortesia, urbanidad y entusiasmo con que han sido recibidas las tropas.
Todo lo que digo á V. para satisfaccion del Supremo Director, reiterandole
mis pretestas, &c. - -
(Firmado) J. T. MUNOZ.
Quartel-Jeneral en Granada, 6 de Noviembre de 1847. -
Señor Ministro de la Guerra.
(Translation.)
The latest intelligence received by the Government respecting the occupa-
tion of the port of San Juan by British subjects, under the pretext of protection
of the Mosquitos; and respecting the arrival of the troops of the line at the
city of Granada, for the purpose of establishing proper means of defence, when-
ever the dignity and rights of Nicaragua shall be threatened by a foreign
unVaS1On. r •
Comandancia, San Juan, October 27, 1847.
YESTERDAY evening at 5 oclock an English frigate of war called the
“Alarm” arrived off this port. At daybreak she anchored in the bay; and
about 9 oclock in the morning two officers presented themselves to me, and
placed in my hands the communication which I inclose, sealed, charging meto lay
it before the Government with as little delayas possible; and also a copy, which
I inclose, translated, of a similar communication which they delivered to me,
indicating that it was of the same tenor as that addressed to the Government.
They had also the assurance to intimate to me, that from this day forward the
flag of the State must not be hoisted, because the port belonged to the King of
the Mosquitos. I replied that my Government did not recognize such King,
and that I, who was but its subaltern, had to obey its orders at the cost of my
life; and since the term they allowed me was two months, they should not
interfere in any way in the internal and economical government of the port till
the said term were run ; and that I would hoist the flag on all customary occa-
sions. Whereupon they retired; and on board hoisted the Mosco flag, and
saluted it with twenty-one guns of the largest calibre. .
These disputes and the intimation made to me obliged me to make a protest
80
in duplicate to the captain of the frigate, of which I inclose a copy, and which I
sent on board by an officer; but they did not acknowledge its receipt, saying
that the frigate would return with the answer in three or four weeks, they imme-
diately weighed anchor and set sail.
These occurrences have obliged me to dispatch my own orderly with the afore-
said communications, who will place them in the hands of the Governor; and I
hope that the resolution that may be formed will be communicated to me with
the least possible delay, keeping in mind that two months pass in an instant;
and I hope the Prefect of Granada will be charged to facilitate a passage to the
orderly on his return. - -
I hope, Sir, that you will lay what is here set forth before the Supreme
Director; and meantime I repeat, &c.
(Signed) RAFAEL BERMUDEZ.
. Office of the Council of State,
Sir, Bluefields, Mosquito, October 25, 1847.
I HAVE this day been commanded by the King in Council to notify
through you to his Excellency the President of Nicaragua, the fact that many
protests have been made to his Government against the usurpation by the State
of Nicaragua of the territory of the King; and that these representations have
not only failed to procure redress, but have remained unnoticed. After due
deliberation, and the necessary communication with the Government of Her
Britannic Majesty, the ally and protector of this kingdom, it has been deter-
mined that the King, with the assistance of Her Britannic Majesty's Government,
shall now maintain and recover his ancient hereditary rights.
The King in Council hopes that his Excellency the President and the
Government over which he presides, in order to insure those friendly relations
between Mosquito and Nicaragua, which are so important to their mutual
benefit, will give orders to remove the Nicaraguan establishment from its present
position at the mouth of the River San Juan. .
The King in Council, desirous to act harmoniously and courteously
towards Nicaragua, will allow the State of Nicaragua till the 1st January next
for the removal. After that date, notice is hereby openly and expressly given,
that strong measures will be employed to maintain the King's sovereign rights.
º I have, &c. “. .
(Signed) GEORGE HODGSON,
Senior Member of Council.
Sir, - Government House, Leon, November 8, 1847.
YOUR communication of the 25th of last month, in which, under the title
of Senior Member of the Council of the pretended King of the Mosquitos, you
require in his name the removal of the establishment at the mouth of the River
San Juan del Norte, appointing for this the 1st January next as the latest term,
and threaten that thereafter strong measures will be employed to maintain the
rights of the said King of the Mosquitos, was presented to my Government,
which has ordered me to inform you that the subject of the territorial limits and
the acknowledgment of the Kingdom and King of Mosquito is actually under
arrangement with Mr. Frederie Chatfield, Her Britannic Majesty's Consul-
General in Central America, who, as he avers, is sufficiently authorized to con-
clude it; but that if the acts respecting the occupation of the port should be
proceeded with by the threatened force, the Government of Nicaragua is pre-
pared as it has already manifested to the said Consul in the communication of
14th October last, of which I send you a copy, to employ all its power to defend
the dignity of the State; and in such event the hostilities which may ensue
will have originated solely on the part of those who attempt the occupation of
a territory which belongs and has from time immemorial belonged to Nicaragua.
Receive, &c. .
(Signed) SEBASTIAN SALINAS.
81
Copy of the Protest, made on the 27th of October, 1847, to the Commander of
the English frigate “Alarm.” t
Sir, October 27, 1847.
THE Undersigned Commandant of the port of the mouth of San Juan de
Nicaragua, being informed of the forcible assistance and co-operation which the
commander of Her Britannic Majesty's frigate “Alarm,” in name of the British
Government, has decided to afford in favour of the occupation of this port
intended by the King of the Mosquitos, cannot but deeply deplore the attack
which said assistance involves against the rights of sovereignty and integrity
of the territory of the free State of Nicaragua, whose Government the Undersigned
represents on this occasion, and in name of which he is called upon to protest
against the abuse of the naval forces and the name of the great nation which
the commander of the frigate “ Alarm” represents.
The State of Nicaragua, in present circumstances, wanting other means for
the defence of her rights than those afforded by reason and justice, sustained
solely by the morality (moral) of the civilized world, at the head of which is
Great Britain, the Government of Nicaragua reserves to itself, through the
Undersigned, the right of remonstrating as may be convenient, and with all
possible means, the violation and usurpation of a port within its territory, which
has always belonged to this State, which all commercial nations have ever
recognized as such, and which, although it may be occupied by a foreign Power,
will always continue to belong to the Nicaraguan Territory, where Nature has
placed it.
I request, Sir, that you will receive the protest in due form, returning to
me one of the duplicates in which it is made, accepted by you, and at the same
time, I have, &c.
(Signed) RAFAEL BERMUDEZ.
The frigate referred to in the foregoing notes is manned by English officers
and 300 or 400 men. The flag with which she entered San Juan is the British;
and she subsequently hoisted the flag called the Mosquito flag. On the envelope
of the communication of the so-called officer of the Council of His Mosquito
Majesty is the Seal of the British Consul resident at Bluefields. So that the
whole is the work of English subjects on the coast of Mosquito.
TO prove the indisputable right which the State of Nicaragua really and
effectually has to the port of San Juan, which it is now desired to take away
from us, we here insert the following documents.
In order to foment the population and trade of the Island of Carmen, His
Majesty has been pleased, in consideration of the report of the Viceroy of New
Spain, the Marquis of Bramiforte, to make its port a port of entry of the second
class, with all the privileges and immunities granted under the Decree of 18th
of October, 1789, and subsequent orders applicable to port of that class.
Further, that the Province of Nicaragua and others of the Kingdom of
Guatemala, distant upwards of 300 leagues from the capital and ports of Omoa
and Santo Tomas de Castilla, may trade direct with the metropolis without the
inconvenience of such great distances, His Majesty has been pleased to make a
port of entry of San Juan de Nicaragua, on the banks of the river of that name,
of the smaller class, extending, for the present, such order to the city of Granada,
in the Lake of Nicaragua, as far as such river is navigable; wherefore all the
privileges belonging to the port of San Juan are to be enjoyed for the present
by the city of Granada.
By Royal order I communicate this to you, &c.
• * (Signed) GUARDOQUI.
Aranjuez, February 26, 1796. -
To the Governor Intendent of Nicaragua.
82
THAT Don Juan Zavala may effect the shipment which he proposes to
make from Cadiz to the port of San Juan, the King has been pleased to order
as a mark of Royal protection, that renewing the instructions contained in the
Royal Order of 26th February last upon this subject, you are now directed to
promote plantations of coffee, which will probably be encouraged by the open-
ing of the port; and you will aid Zavala with labourers for the felling of choice
woods, Brazil woods, and other commercial articles, as also carriages and small
vessels as he may require, without prejudice to the law 3, title 14, book 6, and
others prohibiting personal service, you and the first alcaldes exhorting and
enjoining the inhabitants to work. That you procure by every possible means
that provisions be found for the seamen and labourers on board and in the port,
at the same prices as those paid by the people of Masaya for the garrison of
the Fort of San Carlos. That you give the use of the naval stores in Granada
for the construction of flat-bottomed boats for bringing up the cargo by the
rivers, atthe same rate and distances as the Royal Treasury pays, if not required
for any urgent service of the King. That the dues of the Consulado and the
sole contribution which the shipment has to pay for the privilege allowed in the
smaller ports, be deposited in your custody for erecting strong sheds in the
places which the Consulado may consider best. That for the several financial
measures connected with this expedition, you will require a report from Zavala,
if he should be near the spot and can give it; for as the author of the project,
and by his knowledge of the river, his report may be of much use. Finally,
you will report all that occurs to the President Don José Domas, to whom by
Royal Order of this date instructions are given to favour this enterprise.
By order of His Majesty I communicate this to you for its fulfilment; and I
desire you to watch the progress of Zavala's project, to report thereon oppor-
tunely, and that the King may duly reward his zeal and exertions in the pro-
motion of an object of such importance ; adding that for the present His
Majesty has granted an absolute freedom of all import duties into Spain on the
money and produce returned by this expedition or shipment.
(Signed) GUARDOQUI.
Aranjuez, March 27, 1796.
To the Governor Intendent of Nicaragua.
Army of the State. General-in-chief.
AT 2 P.M. this day I entered the square of this city with the force under
my command. A league off, all the authorities and notables came out to receive
me. The populace welcomed the troops of the Government with the greatest
enthusiasm, and with them have frequently cheered the Supreme Government.
Nothing was left to be desired, by reason of the courtesy, urbanity, and enthu-
siasm with which the troops were received. .
I report this for the satisfaction of the Supreme Director, renewing, &c.
(Signed) J. T. MUNOZ.
Head-Quarters, Granada, November 6, 1847.
No. 19.
Mr. Chatfield to Wiscount Palmerston.-(Received February 25, 1848.)
My Lord, Guatemala, December 9, 1847.
SINCE writing to your Lordship on the 3rd instant, I have received the
accompanying letter from M. Joaquim Durán, proposing, as the Commissioner
of Nicaragua, to conclude a definitive arrangement with me on the question of
the sovereignty of San Juan.
Having learned that the Guatemalan Government had been solicited by
Nicaragua to confer with me on the same subject, and that it intended to
address me upon it immediately, I deemed it advisable to decline M. Durán's
proposal. -
I have, &c. g
(Signed) FREDK. CHATFIELD.
83
Inclosure l in No. 19.
Señor Duran to Mr. Chatfield.
Señor, - Guatemala, 6 de Diciembre de 1847.
POR el ultimo correo ordinario venido de los Estados el Miercoles primero
del corriente mes a esta ciudad, he recibido del Gobierno de Nicaragua una
comunicacion por la cual se me autoriza para que en union del Señor Licenciado
Don Venancio Lopez, ó solo, convenga con el Señor Consul-General en que
haga valer su influencia y facultades si las tuviere, a fin de que ninguna fuerza
extraña perturbe á aquel Estado en la pacifica posesion del puerto de San Juan
del Norte, mientras que el mismo Señor Consul puede pasar allá a concluir un
arreglo definitivo sobre el dominio del expresado puerto, ó aquel Gobierno
manda comisionados que lo efectuen en esta ciudad, si el Señor Consul no puede
verificar su viage.
Esta medida del Gobierno de Niearagua, como el Señor Consul advertira,
ha nacido de que el Señor George Hodgson, antiguo miembro del Consejo
del Rey Mosco, en nombre del mismo, y bajo la proteccion del Gobierno de Su
Magestad Britanica, ha intimado al de Nicaragua que si el dia lº de Enero
proximo no quita el establecimiento que en el citado puerto de San Juan tiene,
seran empleados los medios fuertes para mantener los derechos de su autoridad.
Yo estoy dispuesto a prestar al Gobierno del Estado de Nicaragua el
servicio que me pide en este negocio, y deseo saber si el Señor Consul se prestará
á la solicitud del mismo Gobierno manifestada en aquella comunicacion,
diciendome en tal caso que dia y a que hora podré yo pasar a casa del Señor
Consul con tal objeto.
Tengo el honor, &c.
(Firmado) JUAQN. DURAN.
(Translation.)
Sir, Guatemala, December 6, 1847.
BY the last ordinary courier which arrived in this city from the States,
on Wednesday the Ist instant, I received from the Government of Nicaragua a
communication, by which I am authorized in conjunction with the Licentiate
Don Venancio Lopez, or alone, to confer with you, to exert your influence and
your powers if you should have any, in Order that no foreign force should
disturb that State in the peaceable possession of the port of San Juan del
Norte, until you yourself shall arrive there to conclude a definitive arrangement
regarding the dominion of the said port, or that Government shall send com-
missioners to effect it in this city, if you cannot undertake the journey.
This measure on the part of the Government of Nicaragua, as it will
acquaint you, has sprung from the circumstance of Mr. George Hodgson,
senior member of the Council of the Mosquito King, in the name of the same,
and under the protection of Her Britannic Majesty's Government, having inti-
mated to the Government of Nicaragua, that if on the 1st day of January next,
it does not remove the establishment which it has in the aforesaid port of San
Juan, strong measures will be employed to maintain the rights of his authority.
I am disposed to lend the Government of the State of Nicaragua the
service it asks of me in this business, and Wish to know if you will lend
yourself to the solicitation of the said Government, manifested in the herein-
before referred communication, acquainting me in Such case, on what day and at
what hour can call at your house for that purpose.
4. I have, &c.
(Signed) JUAQN. DURAN.
M 2
84
Inclosure 2 in No. 19.
Mr. Chatfield to Señor Duran.
Sir, Guatemala, December 9, 1847.
I HAVE had the honour of receiving your letter of the 6th instant,
proposing to conclude with me a definitive arrangement on the question of
San Juan. - *
Frequently since the year 1836, I have suggested, without effect, that the
Government of Central America should demonstrate the rights which they
assume to the Mosquito Territory, and I have had conferences with the Nicaraguan
Government in particular, thereon.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of this Government having acquainted me
that the Government of Nicaragua has solicited its mediation on the Mosquito
question, I propose making a communication to this Government on the
subject. -
J But that you may be aware of the latest communication that has passed
with the Nicaraguan Government, I avail myself of the opportunity to annex,
for your information, a copy of a circular note which I addressed on the 15th
of last month to the States of Nicaragua and Honduras, explaining to them
again, their error respecting the political rights they have acquired by the
withdrawal of Spain from this continent, and repeating that the separation of
these States from the Dominions of Spain, conveys no inheritance to them
of any territories or rights possessed by Spain in regard to other countries; and
that they cannot aspire to the fulfilment of treaties and engagements to which
they were not and are not contracting parties.
- I have, &c.
(Signed) FRED. CHATFIELD.
No. 20.
Mr. Chatfield to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received February 25, 1848.)
My Lord, Guatemala, December 13, 1847.
THE Guatemalan Government addressed a note to me on the 7th instant,
of which I have the honour to inclose a copy with translation, offering its
mediation and good offices for the arrangement of the Mosquito question with
Nicaragua, and proposing to suspend for the space of four months the occupa-
tion of San Juan, as announced by Mr. George Hodgson, a member of the
Mosco Government, for the 1st of January next, in order in the meanwhile to
investigate and arrange the matter peaceably.
I have replied, stating my inability to enter into a discussion on this subject,
without your Lordship's instructions, or to give an order in a case in which 1
have no discretionary action. Nevertheless, as this Government has expressed
a wish that its intercession should not appear to Nicaragua wholly unavailing, I
have added that I am willing to submit to Her Majesty's Government any
proposals or explanations on the San Juan question, that the Government of
Nicaragua may transmit to me for the purpose, reminding it that the question
of the Mosquito right to the San Juan, has been for upwards of six years under
discussion, and that the functionaries of Central America have only resided on
the spot from which they are now requested to retire since the year 1832.
Moreover, that the population is principally composed of British and Mosquito
subjects, the Nicaraguan functionaries and soldiers being almost the only
foreigners; and these are lodged in houses belonging to British traders.
I beg to repeat what I have said elsewhere, that I anxiously await infor-
mation, as to the regulations to be adopted for the trade of the San Juan, after
the occupation of its shore by Mosquito. -
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDEQ. CHATFIELD.
85
Inclosure 1 in No. 20.
The Guatemalan Minister to Mr. Chatfield.
Guatemala, 7 de Diciembre de 1847.
EL Gobierno del Estado de Nicaragua se ha dirigido al de Guatemala
acompañando copia de la nota que remitio a V. S. con fecha 13 de Noviembre,
referente al asunto suscitado de nuevo en estos dias sobre el puerto de San
Juan del Norte, y un impreso en que se ven los ultimos acontecimientos, entre
ellos la intimacion hecha el 25 de Octubre por el Señor Jeorge Hodgson—con-
cediendo por termino el primero de Enero proximo, para que aquel Gobierno
quite el establecimiento Nicaraguense de su presente posicion en la voca del
Rio de San Juan, pues de lo contrario serán empleados los medios fuertes para
ocupar aquel punto; y al mismo tiempo de informar de la disposicion en que se
halla para agotar todos los medios que esten en su capacidad, a fin de que el
asunto se arregle de una manera pacifica, solicita la mediacion de este Gobierno
para que la interponga con el Señor Consul-General de Su Magestad Britanica,
con el objeto de conseguir mande suspender las medidas indicadas, mientras que
yendo el Señor Consul a Nicaragua, como allá se anunciaba, o viniendo comi-
sionados de aquel Gobierno á esta capital, se examine y sea terminado el negocio
de una manera satisfactoria.
Mi Gobierno por muchas razones que no se ocultan a la penetracion de
vuestra Señoria no podia negarse a prestar al de Nicaragua este servicio; y antes
bien desea, con el mejor animo, obsequiar su recomendacion, moviendolo a
hacerlo con el mayor interes las consideraciones de fraternidad con que se ha
propuesto tratar a los Estados, y auxiliarlos en todo lo que pueda, como asi
mismo las buenas relaciones de amistad y armonia que conserva con el de
Nicaragua.
Por esto es, Señor Consul, que mi Gobierno ha dispuesto se dirija a vuestra
Señoria, por mi medio, la presente comunicacion, interponiendo su mediacion y
oficios, á fin de suplicar a vuestra Señoria, que, mediante la disposicion que
manifieste el Gobierno de Nicaragua para entrar en el examen y arreglo del
negocio, se sirva ordenar que mientras tanto se suspenda todo procedimiento
por parte de los agentes de Su Magestad Britanica en Bluefields, Mosquitia, con
particularidad la ocupacion intimada para el 1° de Enero proximo, de la voca del
Rio de San Juan.
El juicio ilustrado de vuestra Señoria me escusa de entrar á esponerle las
razones de conveniencia y utilidad que juzgo tendria la medida propuesta, aun
a favor de la misma Inglaterra y de los subditos de Su Magestad Britanica que
se hallan en Centro America; y no dudo, igualmente, que vuestra Señoria se
penetrará de que la adopcion de esta medida en vez de comprometer los
intereses de la Gran Bretaña, conciliará y allanará dificultades é incon-
venientes.
Por ultimo, atendido el poco tiempo que resta del plazo de la intimacion,
deseará mi Gobierno poder contestar al de Nicaragua por el proximo correo del
10 del corriente, y esto me hace suplicar a vuestra Señoria, si fuese posible, su
respuesta de modo que pueda tenerse para el viernes inmediato, si para ello no
habiere inconveniente.
Me es satisfactorio poder reproducir a vuestra Señoria con esta oportunidad,
las atentas demostraciones de consideracion y aprecio con que tengo el honor, &c.
- (Firmado) J. MARNO. RODRIGUEZ.
(Translation.)
Guatemala, December 7, 1847.
THE Government of the State of Nicaragua has addressed that of Gua-
temala, inclosing copy of a note which it addressed to you, of date 13th Novem-
ber, respecting the question of late revived of the port of San Juan del Norte,
along with a newspaper containing the latest occurrences, and amongst them
the intimation made on the 25th October by Mr. George Hodgson, allowing
that Government till 1st January mext to remove the Nicaraguan post from its
86
present position at the mouth of the River San Juan, otherwise forcible means
will be taken for occupying that spot; and in intimating its intention to
exhaust every means in its power to arrange the matter pacifically, it solicits
the mediation of this Government with Her Britannic Majesty's Consul-General
to obtain a suspension of the measures indicated until either the Consul should
go to Nicaragua, or Commissioners from that Government should come to this
capital, and the question be examined and settled satisfactorily.
My Government, for many reasons which cannot escape your penetration,
cannot refuse this service to Nicaragua, and indeed rather desires to second its
recommendation, being strongly moved to do so by the considerations of frater-
nity with which it has promised to regard the States, and to assist them as far
as is in its power, and likewise of the friendly and harmonious relations which
it holds with that of Nicaragua.
My Government has therefore instructed me to address to you the present
communication, offering its mediation and good offices, and soliciting you that
since Nicaragua shows a desire to investigate and arrange this affair, you will
be pleased to order that in the meanwhile all proceedings on the part of Her
Britannic Majesty's agents at Bluefields, Mosquito, be suspended, and in
particular the threatened occupation of the mouth of the River San Juan on the
lst January next.
Your enlightened judgment renders it unnecessary for me to enter into an
exposition of the motives of convenience and advantage which I conceive the
proposed measure to possess, even in favour of England and the subjects of Her
Britannic Majesty that may be in Central America, and I have also no doubt
that you will be persuaded that the adoption of this measure will, in place of
compromising the interests of Great Britain, conciliate and obviate difficulties
and inconvenience.
Lastly, seeing the small period yet to run of the term of the intimation, my
Government would wish to reply to that of Nicaragua by next post, on the 10th
instant; and I beg that, if possible, I may have your answer before Friday next,
provided no inconvenience occurs.
I have, &c. -
(Signed) J. MARNO. RODRIGUEZ.
Inclosure 2 in No. 20.
Mr. Chatfield to the Guatemalan Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Sir, Guatemala, December 10, 1847.
I HAVE had the honour of receiving your note of the 7th instant,
acquainting me that the Government of the State of Nicaragua has solicited the
mediation of the Government of this Republic, to obtain from me, as the British
Representative, an order to suspend the measures respecting San Juan indicated
by Mr. George Hodgson, until the question be examined and arranged
satisfactorily.
I regret, on account of the interest which your Government appears to take
in this matter, that I have no authority from Her Majesty's Government to
interfere in the measures alluded to, especially as the order for their execution
did not proceed from me.
It may not be amiss to observe, that although the Nicaraguan Government
is now requesting to have the question of the San Juan investigated, and pre-
tends that its rights are invaded, the whole question has been for upwards of six
years under discussion, and that the functionaries of Central America have only
resided on the spot which has been shown to belong to Mosquito, and from
which they have been recently requested to withdraw since the year 1832.
Moreover, the population of San Juan is principally composed of British
subjects and Mosquitomen, the Nicaraguan functionaries and soldiers being
almost the only exceptions; and these are lodged in houses belonging to the
Messrs. Shepherd, the custom-house being placed in one of their buildings.
Nevertheless, out of deference to the Government of Guatemala, I am wil-
ling to receive from Nicaragua, for transmission to Her Majesty's Government,
any proposals or explanations which the Nicaraguan Government may desire to
87
make on the proceedings at San Juan, Her Majesty's Government being desirous
that Nicaragua should feel assured that in this instance, as in all others, its acts
are based on the soundest principles of justice and equity.
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDK. CHATFIELD.
• No. 21.
Mr. Chatfield to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received February 25, 1848)
My Lord, Guatemala, December 24, 1847.
I HAVE the honour to inclose herewith for your Lordship's information,
a copy of a note which I have received from this Government, inclosing an
extract of a note from the Nicaraguan Government on the subject of San Juan.
The Guatemalan Minister renews the overture of mediation. I have replied
by expressing an opinion that the Nicaraguan Government, on receiving my last
communications, will cease to insist on the erroneous position it hastaken on
the San Juan question.
I also inclose a translation of a proclamation of the Chief of the State of
Nicaragua to the Central American public on the same subject, dated Leon,
November 12, 1847, a
I have, &c.
(Signed) FREDR. CHATFIELD.
Inclosure 1 in No. 21.
The Guatemalan Minister to Mr. Chatfield.
Guatemala, l8 de Diciembre de 1847.
CON motivo de haberse recibido en la secretaria que hoy sirvo interina-
mente, una extensa comunicacion del Gobierno de Nicaragua, fecha en Leon, a
26 de Noviembre proximo pasado, parece necesario insistir en la mediacion que
inicio mi digno colega, noobstante la contestacion que en 10 del corrente se
sirvió vuestra Señoria dar.
En esta, es verdad, manifiesta vuestra Señoria no estar autorizado para inter-
venir en las medidas dictadas por el Señor Jorge Hodgson respecto á San Juan;
pero si tales medidas fuesen para ocupar el pais de Mosquitos, y ahora apare-
ciera que San Juan no pertenece á este pais sino incuestionablemente á Nica-
ragua, y que ocupándole, se excederian las ordenes de Su Magestad Britanica,
que ha mandado unicamente amparar al Gobierno Mosco en lo que corresponda
indudablemente pudiera ser que el Señor Consul se hallase autorizado para
impedir un paso que tal vez no mereceria la aprobacion de Su Magestad Brita-
nica. A esto parece contraerse especialmente la nota de que hé hecho mencion;
e interesado el Gobierno de Guatemala en llenar cumplidamente la confianza que
ha merecido á él de Nicaragua no ménos que en el arreglo amistoso de la cues-
tion suscitada entre Inglaterra y aquel Estado, debe serlo permitido insistir en la
solicitud de que, suspendiendose la ocupacion de San Juan, se ventile no ya si
los Mosquitos son ó no una nacion y si como tal tiene derechos, sino unicamente
si el territorio en que está situada la aduana de San Juan pertenece á Nicaragua.
Al efecto, me hago el honor de acompañar copia de los parrafos de dicha
comunicacion en que se hallan espuestas las razones que á su favor alega Nica-
ragua, para que si vuestra Señoria las halla bastantes y tiene facultades para
arreglar este asunto, se preste á ello, como es de esperarse del esmero con que
promueve los intereses de la Gran Bretaña, á quien jamas puede convenir, ni es
de esperarse quiera, sostener sino lo que es justo y de la manera mas conforme
á su sabiduria y dignidad.
Renuevo, &c. -L.
(Firmado) J. A. AZMITIA.
88
(Translation.)
Guatemala, December 18, 1847.
HAVING to-day received in the department which I serve ad interim, a
long communication from the Government of Nicaragua, dated Leon, 26th
November last, it appears necessary to insist in the mediation which my worthy
colleague commenced, notwithstanding the reply which on the 10th instant you
were pleased to give.
In that communication, it is true, you explain that you are not authorized
to interfere in the measures dictated by Mr. George Hodgson, respecting the San
Juan; but supposing that such measures were for the purpose of taking posses-
sion of the Mosquito Country, and it should now appear that San Juan does not
belong to that country, but unquestionably to Nicaragua, and that to take pos-
session of it would be to exceed the orders of Her Britannic Majesty, who has
merely given instructions to protect the Mosco Government in its undoubted
rights; perhaps the Consul might consider himself authorized to prevent a
measure which possibly would not meet with Her Majesty’s approbation. The
note above mentioned seems especially to favour his view ; and the Government of
Guatemala, interested in fulfilling the charge confided to it by Nicaragua, as
well as in the friendly arrangement of the question that has arisen between
England and that State, may be permitted to repeat its request that, the occu-
pation of San Juan being suspended, it shall be ascertained, not indeed whether
or not the Mosquitos be a nation and entitled to the rights of such, but solely
whether the territory on which the custom-house of San Juan is situated,
belongs to Nicaragua.
In this view I have the honour to annex a copy of the paragraphs of the
said communication containing the reasons advanced by Nicaragua in its own
favour, in order that, if you find them sufficient, and possess power to arrange
this matter, you may give your aid to effect this, as I am led to hope from the care
with which you promote the interests of Great Britain, to whom it never can be
beneficial, and who cannot desire, to maintain anything except what is just, and
in the manner most worthy of its wisdom and dignity.
I renew, &c.
(Signed) J. A. AZMITIA.
Inclosure 2 in No. 21.
Note of the Nicaraguan Government.
(Extract.) -
Parrafos de la nota que en 26 de Noviembre proximo passado dirigio el
Ministro de Relaciones del Gobierno del Estado de Nicaragua al de igual clase
de esta Republica.
SIN tener a la vista la comunicacion de vuestra Señoria ya este Gobierno
habia determinado autorizar a los Señores Juaquin Durán y Venancio Lopez,
para que los dos 6 cada uno de por si arreglasen bajo la amistosa mediacion
del Excelentisimo Señor Presidente de Guatemala con el Señor Consul de Su
Magestad Britanica en Centro America, Federico Chatfield, la suspencion de
hostilidades sobre el puerto de San Juan del Norte, mientras seventila por los
medios pacificos y armoniosos la cuestion que se agita en orden à la propiedad
de aquel territorio. - *
Desde entonces, en trece del corriente, tuve el honor de dirigir a vuestra
Señoria, para conocimiento de Su Excelencia el Señor Presidente de Guatemala,
una esposicion sencilla y leal de los motivos que tenia mi Gobierno para Sostener
à todo trance la cuestion de que se habla, y su constante disposicion de prestarse
à los medios de razon, equidad y justicia, para, terminar en paz Semejantes
dificultades, mi Gobierno pues espera fundadamente, que esta mamera franca y
decorosa con que se propone tratar con un agente de Su Magestad Britanica
disipará todo limage de desconfianza respecto 4 su sinceridad, y moverá al de
vuestra Señoria y al mismo Señor Consul ă conocer Sus verdaderos sentimentos,
y à prestar todas las facilidades que su benevolencia le inspiren para concluir,
ya sea con dicho agente, 6 directamente con el Gobierno de Su Magestad una
89
negociacion en que conservando á Nicaragua todo lo que es debido á su dignidad
y a su justicia, remueva todo cuanto pueda alterar la armonia y buena corres-
pondencia que desea cultivar con la Gran Bretaña, lo mismo que con todas las
Potencias del mundo. s •
Con mi espresada comunicacion, de que me hago la honra de remitir un
duplicado, acompañe a vuestra Señoria los documentos en que á juicio de mi
Gobierno descansan los derechos de Nicaragua; mas presentandose hoy esta
nueva oportunidad vuestra Señoria no me llevara á mal que le añada algunas
observaciones que den mayor lustre y fuerza á las razones en que se apoyan
estos derechos.
Suponiendo que los Mosquitos fuesen ya una nacion soberana é inde-
pendiente de los Estados de Honduras y Nicaragua, la cuestion quedaria pre-
cisamente reducida á los limites hasta donde deba estenderse el dominio de
dicha nacion. Sobre este punto hay tantas relaciones historicas, tanta diver-
sidad de opiniones, que nunca puede admitirse la hypotesis de que el derecho de
los Mosquitos á todo el litoral del Atlantico desde el Cabo de Honduras hasta el
Rio de San Juan de Nicaragua sea incuestionable; asi lo reconoció el mismo
Señor Consul-General cuando en su nota de 15 de Noviembre de 42, refiriendose al
Teniente Gobernador Dalling, dijo, “los limites y estension de la costa Mosquito
nosotros los hallamos dificultosos para definirse precisamente.” El Señor Alcedo,
en su “Diccionario de America,” publicado en Madrid el año de 1788, articulo
Mosquitos, coloca á este pais entre Truxillo y Honduras del Reyno de Guate-
mala en 13 y 15 grados de latitud setentrional y entre 85 y 88 de longitud
occidental, confinando por el norte y levante con el Mar del Norte, por el medio
dia con la Provincia de Nicaragua, y por el poniente con la de Honduras. El
mismo Alcedo, articulo Nicaragua, dice que esta provincia confina por el sur
con Costa Rica, por el este con el Mar del Norte, y por el oeste por el Mar
del Sur, comprendiendo por el norte todo el territorio que se encuentra desde
la linea divisoria de Costa Rica hasta el Cabo de Gracias que les separa el Pais
de Mosquitos, segun el articulo precedente. 4. ,
Otros geografos extrangeros han querido despues estender el dominio de los
Mosquitos desde la frontera de Guatemala hasta la punta de Bluefields como se
ve en la novisima carta de la America Central publicada en 1844 bajo los
auspicios de la Compañia Belga de colonizacion de Santo Tomas, por N. Dally.
Pero ninguno ha pretendido, sino es uno que otro viagero Ingles de los mismos
que han intentado establecerse en la costa, que se extienda hasta el punto donde
esta situada actualmente la aduana, ó lo que se llama puerto de San Juan que se
halla á los I l grados de lat. y 76 grados 30 minutos de long., segun el
bosquejo politico estadistico de Nicaragua dado á luz en 1823, por el ultimo
Gobernador de esta provincia, Don Miguel Gonzales Saravia. Sobre estos
datos, y los que ministran los documentos historicos que refiere mi colega el
Señor Castellon en la pagina 12 de la memoria con que dió cuenta á las
camaras en mayo de este año, hizo el mismo siendo Ministro Plenipotenciario
de Nicaragua en las Cortes de las Tuilerias, &c., la reclamacion que corre
impresa en el numero 21, 1° de Registro Oficial. El Ministerio de San James
no dio contestacion alguna á este reclamo, sin embargo de la buena disposicion
que manifestó respecto á las relaciones con estos Estados; por su silencio, que
a caso fue debido á la ausencia del Señor Castellon que se retiro poco despues
de aquellas Cortes, no puede atribuirse á una negativa de justicia sin ofender el
espiritu de moderacion y de imparcialidad que anima á Su Magestad Britanica
de suerte que aun cuando fuera tan positivo el interes que se toma la Gran
Bretaña para proteger a los Mosquitos, no puede formarse cuestion respecto al
territorio de San Juan que ha poseido Nicaragua pacificamente desde su primi-
tivo descubrimiento; porque la posesion inmemorial es por derecho de gentes
un titulo inespugnable asi como la prescripcion inmemorial es un medio que no
permite ninguna ecepcion, por cuanto ambas se fundan en una presuncion que la
ley natural nos manda tener por una verdad incontestable. Conosco demasiado
la fina ilustracion de vuestra Señoria y su digno Gobierno para no detenerme
mas sobre puntos que el derecho internacional ha determinado claramente.
Pero contretandome a los hechos que prueban la posesion no interrumpida
de Nicaragua, me ocurren algunas observaciones mas, que someto gustoso á la
alta consideracion de su Gobierno. Ellas son sacadas no de un protocolo que
no existe sino de documentos historicos que poseemos, y que no dudo existirán
en los archivos de ese despacho.
N
90
Consta por las reales cedulas que he remitido a vuestra Señoria, que
desde que el Gobierno Español habilito el puerto de San Juan del Norte,
comenzó á poblarse aquel terreno, que antes estaba desierto, y que al efecto se
concedieron ciertos privilegios a las familias que debian colonizarlo. Este es un
hecho historico que no admite contradiccion. Posteriormente, el Gobierno
General de la Republica considero que estos puertos debian abrirse á todas las
naciones, y los subditos de las naciones aparecieron luego sobre nuestros
puertos. Que vengan, se dijo entonces, al Golfo y Acajulta, á Omoa y Truxillo,
a San Juan y el Realejo, los comerciantes de todas las naciones del globo, y
todo buque de cualquiera nacion que no se oponga á la justa causa de nuestra
independencia (Arancel provisional de 13 de Febrero de 1822). La Inglaterra
entonces reconoció este derecho; se manifestó propicia á nuestra emancipacion,
y fué tal vez, la primera que saludó a San Juan de Nicaragua, y gozó de
los beneficios del comercio libre, quedando asi consumado otro hecho
que prueba la posesion. Hizo mas, abrio relaciones con la Republica, admitió
un Ministro Plenipotenciario cerca de aquella Corte, y Su Magestad Britanica
estaba dispuesta no solo á celebrar tratados de amistad y comercio con la
Federacion, sino tambien á formar un convenio para guardar con respecto á
Centro America las estipulaciones del Tratado del 1783, y Convencion de 1786,
que era lo mismo que reconocer tacitamente los limites del territorio de la Con-
federacion y de cada uno de los Estados que la formaban.
El informe del Señor Zebadua, que habia sido el de estas oberturas, fue
publicado en esa capital el 31 de Diciembre de 1832, y hasta hoy no ha tenido
noticia mi Gobierno de que se le hubiese desmentido en esta parte. La copia
No. 1° es del Tratado de 1814, que las Coronas de Inglaterra y España cele-
braron para restablecer los de 1783 y 1786, que habian sido rotos por la guerra
de 1796, de que hace merito la memoria de mi digno colega. Mas apesar de no
haber tenido efecto el tratado que se proponia por el Ministro Plenipotenciario
de la Republica, el puerto de San Juan fué reconocido siempre como propiedad
del Estado de Nicaragua, cuyo asenso se recabó aun para la adopcion de las
bases estipuladas con la Holanda para la apertura del gran canal, y el Gobierno
General protesto reclamar con energia aun contra los abances del establecimiento
de Belice y exigir del Gobierno Britanico el cumplimiento de los Tratados con
España sobre sus limites y condiciones, segun se expresó el Señor Senador
Presidente, Don José Francisco Barrundia, en el mensage presentado al Congreso
al abrir las sesiones ordinarias de 12 de Abril de 1830. En mil ochocientos
treinta y cuatra, ó principios de 35, el Señor Chatfield fué investido del caracter
de Ministro Plenipotenciario á efecto de celebrar tratados de amistad y comercio
con nuestra republica, y en aquella epoca se le manifestó tambien la necesidad
de que la Gran Bretaña reconociese los limites territoriales de la Federacion
para proceder a un tratado.
De todo pues, se evidencia que lejos de haberse interrumpido la posesion
en que ha Estado Nicaragua de aquel puerto, el Gobierno General y el de este
Estado á su vez han acreditado constantemente la intencion de no abandonar
jamas un palmo del territorio que la naturaleza le ha designado.
(Translation.)
Extracts from the note of 26th November which the Foreign Minister of
the Government of the State of Nicaragua addressed to the Foreign Minister of
this Republic. -
BEFORE the receipt of your communication this Government had already
determined to authorize Messrs. Juaquin Duran and Venancio Lopez, that both
or one of them alone should arrange, under the friendly mediation of his. Excel-
lency the President of Guatemala, with Her Britannic Majesty's Consul-General
in Central America, Mr. Chatfield, for a suspension of hostilities respecting the
port of San Juan del Norte, whilst the proprietary right of that territory is
investigated by pacific and friendly means. .-
Since then I had the honour, on the 3rd instant, to address to you, for the
information of his Excellency the President of Guatemala, a simple and true
statement of the motives which my Government had for maintaining firmly the
right alluded to, and its constant desire to employ the means ofreason, equity,
and justice, to terminate such dificulties peaceably. My Government, therefore,
'91
confidently hopes that this frank and decorous manner in which it proposes to
treat with an agent of Her Britannic Majesty, will dissipate every mistrust
respecting its sincerity, and will enable you and the Consul to comprehend its
true sentiments, and to afford all the facilities which your good-will may
suggest, to conclude either with the said agent, or directly with Her Majesty's
Government, a negotiation which, while it preserves to Nicaragua all that is due
to her in dignity and justice, shall remove everything that might disturb the
harmony and good understanding which it desires to cultivate with Great
Britain, as well as with all the Powers in the world. -
Along with my said communication, of which I send a duplicate, I forward
to you the documents upon which, in the opinion of my Government, rest the
rights of Nicaragua; but the present opportunity offering, you will not be dis-
pleased that I add some observations which give greater clearness and force to
the reasons on which those rights are founded.
- Supposing that the Mosquitos were already a sovereign nation independent
of Honduras and Nicaragua, the question would be precisely reduced to that of
the limits to which the dominion of the said nation should extend. Upon this
point there are so many historical accounts and diversity of opinions, that it is
impossible to admit the hypothesis that the right of the Moscos to the whole
coast from Cape Honduras to the River San Juan de Nicaragua is unquestion-
able; and the Consul-General was aware of this when in his note of the 15th
November, 1842, referring to Lieutenant-Governor Dalling, he said, “the limits
and extent of the Mosquito coast we find it difficult to define precisely.”
Alcedo, in his “Dictionary of America,” published in Madrid in 1788, article
“Mosquitos,” places this country between Truxillo and Honduras, in the Kingdom
of Guatemala, between 13° and 15° north latitude and 85° and 88° west longi-
tude, bounded on the north and east by the Northern Sea, on the south by the
Province of Nicaragua, and on the west by that of Honduras. Alcedo also, in
article “Nicaragua,” says that this province is bounded on the south by Costa-
rica, on the east by the Northern Sea, and on the west by the South Sea,
comprehending on the north all the territory from the divisory line of Costarica
to Cape Gracias, which separates them from the Mosquito Country, according
to the preceding article.
Other foreign geographers have since wished to extend the dominions of
the Mosquitos from the frontier of Guatemala to the point of Bluefields, as is
seen in the newest chart of Central America, published in 1844, under the
auspices of the Belgian Colonization Company of Sto. Tomas, by N. Dally.
But no one, except one or two English travellers, of those who have intended to
establish themselves on the coast, has pretended that it extended to the point .
where the custom-house is at present placed, called the port of San Juan, which
is in latitude 11° and longitude 76° 30', according to the political and statistical
sketch of Nicaragua published in 1823 by the last Governor of that province,
Don Miguel Gonzales Saravia. Upon these data and those afforded by the
historical documents referred to by my colleague M. Castellon, on page 12 of
his Memorial to the Chambers in May this year, he, being Minister Plenipo-
tentiary at the Court of the Tuileries, made the same representations which
appear in No. 21, Vol. I of the Registro Oficial. The Cabinet of St. James's
made no reply to these remonstrances, notwithstanding the favourable disposi-
tion it manifested respecting its relations with these States; its silence, which
perhaps was owing to the absence of M. Castellon, who retired soon after from
that Court, cannot be attributed to a denial of justice without offending the
spirit of moderation and impartiality which animates Her Britannic Majesty, so
that even were the interest so very decided which Great Britain takes in
protecting the Mosquitos, there can arise no question respecting the territory of
San Juan, which Nicaragua has peaceably possessed since its first discovery,
because by the law of nations, immemorial possession is an inexpugnable title,
in the same way as immemorial prescription is a means which admits of no
exception, inasmuch as both are founded on a presumption which the natural
law commands us to receive as an incontestible truth. I am too well aware of
the enlightened ideas of yourself and your worthy Government, to detain you
longer on points which international law has so clearly determined.
But confining myself to the acts which prove the uninterrupted possession
of Nicaragua, a few more observations occur to me which I submit to the con-
sideration of your Government. These are taken, not from a protocol which
N 2
92
does not exist, but from the historical documents in our possession, and which
doubtless exist in the archives of your office.
it is proved by the Royal cedulas which I have transmitted to you, that
when the Spanish Government licensed the port of San Juan del Norte, that
territory began to be peopled, it having previously been deserted, and that for
this purpose certain privileges were granted to the families who should colonize
it. This is an historical fact that does not admit of denial. Subsequently, the
General Government of the Republic considered that these ports should be open
to all nations, and the subjects of all nations soon appeared in our ports. It
was then said, let the merchants of all the nations of the world come to the
Gulf and to Acajutla, to Omoa and Truxillo, to San Juan and Realejo, and
every ship that shall not oppose the just cause of our independence (Provisional
Arancel of February 13, 1822). England then recognized this right; showed
herself propitious to our emancipation; was perhaps the first to salute San Juan
de Nicaragua, and to enjoy the benefit of its free commerce; thus consummating
another act that proves the possession. Nay, more, England opened relations
with the Republic, received a Minister Plenipotentiary; and Her Britannic
Majesty was disposed not only to celebrate treaties of amity and commerce
with the Federation, but also to make an agreement to keep with respect to
Central America, the stipulations of the Treaty of 1783 and the Convention of
1786, which was the same as tacitly recognizing the territorial limits of the
Confederation and of each of the States composing it. The report of M.
Zebadua, who made these overtures, was published in Guatemala on the 31st
December, 1832; and to this day my Government has not received notice that
it has been denied in those respects. Copy No. 1 is the Treaty of 1814, which
the English and Spanish Crowns made to re-establish those of 1783 and 1786,
which had been broken by the war of 1796, referred to in the memorial of my
worthy colleague. But notwithstanding that the Treaty proposed by the
Minister Plenipotentiary of the Republic did not take effect, the port of San
Juan was always recognised as the property of the State of Nicaragua, whose
consent was solicited for the adoption of the bases stipulated with Holland for
the opening of the grand canal; and the General Government remonstrated ener-
getically against the attempts of the establishment of Belize, and determined to
exact from the British Government the fulfilment of the Treaties with Spain
respecting its limits and conditions, as was announced by the Senator President,
Don Jose Francisco Barrundia, in the message presented to the Congress on
opening the ordinary session on April 12, 1830.
In 1834 or beginning of 1835, Mr. Chatfield was invested with the
character of Minister Plenipotentiary to celebrate treaties of amity and com-
merce with our republic, and at that period also the necessity was indicated, of
Great Britain's recognizing the territorial limits of the Federation before
proceeding to make a treaty. *
From all this, therefore, it is evident that far from the possession of
Nicaragua in that port having been interrupted, the General Government,
and subsequently that of this State, have constantly evinced the intention of
never abandoning a foot of the territory which nature has assigned to it. s.
** - /
Inclosure 3 in No. 21.
Mr. Chatfield to the Guatemalan Minister.
sir, Guatemala, December 22, 1847.
I HAD the honour to receive yesterday your note of the 18th instant,
renewing the offer of the Government of this republic to mediate for the State
of Nicaragua with Great Britain on the question of San Juan. -
My desire to defer on all occasions to the wishes of your Government can-
not be doubted, but in the present case I am inclined to hope that the Govern-
ment of Nicaragua, on receiving a copy of my note to you of the 10th instant,
will cease to press the points which it now repeats in maintenance of its assumed
right to a part of the Mosquito Territory; and I can assure you that if the
Government of Nicaragua, after carefully investigating this question, should
express any wish respecting the future arrangement of its rights on the River
San Juan, I will immediately submit the same to the notice of Her Majesty's
93
Government, and support such wish as far as I consistently can, but in the
absence of any instructions from Her Majesty's Government, beyond those I
have already had the honour of communicating to the Supreme Government of
Nicaragua, I am necessarily compelled to decline interfering in the decided
manner you again propose. - - - -
. * - - I have, &c. - - . . . .
(Signed) FREDK. CHATFIELD.
Inclosure 4 in No. 21.
Proclamation of the Supreme Director of the State of Nicaragua.
(Translation.) -
WHEN under favour of good feeling and public morality, and the power of
the authorities, those agitations have been calmed which are consequent on our
revolution, and peculiar to the political infancy of every country. While the
tendencies of the State direct themselves to the improvement of all branches of
the administration, and to the cultivation of peace, friendship, commerce and
credit with all civilized nations, under the shadow of the colossal power of one
of the most distinguished, England, it is pretended to consummate the scan-
dalous spoliation of a part of the territory of Nicaragua. A fraction of that
State, the nomade tribe of Mosquitos, at whose head is placed an imbecile child,
with the title of King, surrounded by a council composed of native ignorants
and of astute agents who direct everything, has intimated to this Supreme
Government the evacuation of the port of San Juan del Norte on the 1st of
January next, threatening that unless by that date the establishment there shall
have quitted the place, strong measures will be employed for the purpose,
under the protection which the British Government affords to the titular
Mosquito King. On effecting this act, the whole world will see how, in the
obscurest and most violent manner it is designed to convert our inexperience
and misfortunes to the benefit of the strongest.
No Power has acknowledged for a nation the tribe in question. England
herself by means of her Monarch, in the Treaty of Peace concluded with His
Catholic Majesty in 1783, and especially in the Convention in confirmation of
the Treaty adjusted in 1786, solemnly recognized that that tribe was part of the
Kingdom of Guatemala, as may be seen in the Articles I, XI, and XVI, and
if in virtue of the declaration of independence by the Central American people,
the English Government considers the Mosquitos independent of the Spanish
Peninsula, it follows of course that it considers them to be a fraction of Central
America, subject to the political determinations of such country. So far is the
tribe from deserving the consideration of a kingdom, and still less the alliance
and protectorate of a nation of the first class as is Great Britain. Neverthe-
less, her agents and even her naval forces boast the alliance and most decided
protectorate, even to the length of an Englishman, George Hodgson, styled
Senior Counsellor of the pretended Mosquito King, having made the intimation
above mentioned by the medium of English officers of the frigate of war
“Alarm,” belonging to the same nation. - .
Thus it is that a civil war is stirred up by the savage against the civilized
part of Central America, to tear away by force from Nicaragua the only and best
port in the north, possessed from time immemorial without dispute, acknow-
ledged as its property by all the nations of the globe, and even by Great
1Britain. - .
The example of such an act alone licenses universal disorder; for it is easy
for the Savage hordes of any country, under the protection of a strong Power to
consider themselves with the same right to constitute a nation. Hence arises
the greatest insecurity to every political body which founds its existence on the
rules of right hitherto recognized. -
The progressive loss of the territory and independence of Nicaragua will
undoubtedly be transcendental to the other States of the interior, and soon to the
whole American continent. And the moment has arrived for losing a country
\
94
with ignominy, or for sacrificing with honour the dearest treasures to preserve
… it. As regards myself, if the force which menaces sets aside justice, 'I am
i firmly resolved to be entombed in the remains of Nicaragua, rather than survive
its ruin.
Leon, November 12, 1847. -
• (Signed) JOSE GUERRERO.
No. 22.
Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Chatfield.
(Extract.) Foreign Office, February 29, 1848.
WITH reference to your question as to the right of the Mosquito
Government to possess the right bank of the mouth of the River St. John,
I have to state to you, in reply, that the information contained in your
despatch of the 15th of April, 1847, respecting the Mosquito boundaries,
and in a despatch on the same subject from Mr. Walker, satisfactorily proved to
Her Majesty's Government that the Mosquito nation had for a long series of
years exercised the rights of sovereignty over the tribes inhabiting the coast
down as far as the Boca del Toro. But although Her Majesty’s Government
has, for the sake of taking its stand upon indisputable ground, thought it best
not to push the claim of the Mosquito King further south than the mouths of
the St. John, Her Majesty's Government considers that the claim of the
Mosquito nation extends as far as the southern branch of the St. John, which
bears the name of Colorado, but which is just as much a portion of the St. John
as either of the other two outlets of that river.
You will communicate with Mr. Walker, to whom a copy of this despatch
will be sent; and you will, in concert with him, endeavour to make an arrange-
ment between the two States respecting the navigation of the St. John.
No. 23.
Mr. Walker to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received March 6.)
(Extract.) Bluefields, Mosquito, January 15, 1848.
I HAVE the honour to inform your Lordship, that, in accordance with
the understanding which existed between the Governor, the Commodore, and
myself, previous to my leaving Jamaica, Her Majesty’s steamer “Vixen”
arrived here on the 29th ultimo, for the purpose of taking further steps to
carry your Lordship's decision regarding the boundaries of the Kingdom of
Mosquito into effect. -
Having made the necessary preparations with Captain Ryder, for the
embarkation of the Mosquito troops at Bluefields, as will be seen by the
accompanying letter, I embarked early in the afternoon of the 31st, with the
young King on board his cutter. I thought it advisable to take the King with
me, as he was anxious to go. -
Immediately on our embarking on board the cutter, we set sail, leaving the
“Vixen” to follow. By this means, having a fair wind, both vessels were
enabled to anchor in the harbour of St. John’s at the same time, about 8 o’clock
in the morning of the 1st instant. -
An officer of militia whom I had desired the cutter to leave behind when
it took the mails down on the 21st ultimo, immediately came off with infor-
mation that General Muños and his troops had evacuated the town the night
before, retiring to Serapaqui, which he had fortified, and leaving only a very
small detachment behind. According to the arrangement previously made, I
landed with Captain Ryder in his gig, the paddle-box boats of the “Vixen”
following with marines, sailors and militia. Having formed in column, they
marched up to the flag-post, and facing round, deployed into line with great
precision and correctness. The Nicaraguan flag was immediately hauled down.
The Mosquitian, being then run up on shore, was at the same time hoisted on
95.
board the “Vixen,” and a royal salute was fired while the King proceeded
from the cutter on shore.
The King having gone to visit Captain Shepherd, with whom he is
acquainted, I proceeded with Captain Ryder to the custom-house, and had an
interview with M. Patricio Rivas, the Administrador, into whose hands we put
the letter inclosure No. 2, explanatory of our accompanying the King to see
him reinstated in his just and hereditary rights.
After some conversation with the Administrador and Commandant, the
purport of which will be better detailed hereafter, but the tenor of which was
anything but satisfactory or to the point, I desired him to give me his views in
writing; and shortly after I received the letter inclosure No. 3 (covering copy
of a letter to Captain Frankland, inclosure No. 4), informing me that the
Nicaraguan Government had authorized Señor Rivas to enter into friendly
communication with British authorities on the subject of the port of St. John.
Captain Ryder placed in my hands a letter addressed by Mr. Foster, British
Vice-Consul at Realejo, to Captain Frankland, late of Her Majesty’s ship
“Alarm,” requesting him, if possible, to suspend any immediate operations. A
copy of this letter I have the honour herewith to transmit.
On perusing and considering these documents, I addressed the letter to
M. Rivas, Inclosure No. 6, which informed him that the proceedings adopted
did not at present admit of the interposition of Mr. Chatfield or any of his
subordinate officers. After M. Rivas and the Commandant had noted the
contents of my letter, inclosure No. 6, I proceeded to ask them if they had
any authority to come to any amicable terms for retiring from St. John's, and
for keeping up peaceful communications between it and the interior for the
future. They admitted they had not; and in reality all their authority seemed
to extend to procuring delay. In further conversation, as they were not even
inclined to admit the right of the King to be recognised as an independent
Prince, I informed them that they removed all basis for a negotiation, and that
we must proceed to put in execution our orders, and remove them from the
custom-house, for the purpose of installing a Mosquito administration therein.
I stated to them, however, that we did not wish to put them to inconvenience,
and would allow them until Monday to clear out the custom-house, or that
receipts would be given for whatever goods they chose to leave behind. Every
thing was managed with the utmost courtesy on both sides, and in the evening
the Commandant, Administrador, and two other officials paid visits to the
“Vixen” and the cutter. On Monday I again landed in company with Captain
Ryder and a small detachment of marines. At the custom-house we met the
Administrador, the Commandant, and others. On the arrival of Major George
Hodgson, Commander Little, and Captain Dixon, those officers were severally
installed as Governor, Captain of the Port, and Town Major. Five men of
the Bluefields Militia were selected to form a police for maintaining order in
the town.
After this proceeding the Nicaraguan officers, with ourselves, sat down
to an entertainment which I had provided for the occasion.
A short time previous to the departure of the “Vixen” from St. John’s,
the accompanying letter, marked inclosure No. 7, and protest marked No. 8,
were handed to me. My reply to the letter and protest I have also the honour
to transmit, inclosure No. 9.
At about 6 in the afternoon the “Vixen” got under weigh, leaving the
cutter to remain behind for a few days, and next morning (4th instant) we
returned to Bluefields.
I drew the attention of the Nicaraguan officers to the small party left
behind, as not being meant for resistance; but that any attempt to deforce it
would be looked upon as tantamount to a declaration of war.
Though the Nicaraguan officers behaved to us with what we must take as
constrained civility, yet many rumours are in circulation as to the intentions of
Muños, should he see St. John’s quite clear of a ship of war.
I do not think, after what I said, that should he come down from
Serapaqui, he will use violence towards the Mosquito authorities; but he
may carry into execution his expressed determination of burning the town.
I have received every possible support and assistance from Captain Ryder,
and have found him to be a very zealous and most intelligent officer.
96
Inclosure 1 in No. 23.
Mr. Walker to Captain Ryder.
(Extract.) . - Bluefields, December 30, 1847.
ACCORDING to our arrangements formed yesterday, three companies of
the Bluefields Militia, amounting with officers to sixty-five men, will embark on
board Her Majesty’s ship under your command.
Inclosure 2 in No. 23.
Mr. Walker and Captain Ryder to the Chief Nicaraguan Officer at St. John’s.
Sir, “Viaen,” St. John's, January 1, 1848.
IN pursuance of the expressed determination of Her Britannic Majesty's
Government to protect its ancient ally, the King of Mosquito, in his just and
indisputable rights to the harbour of St. John's and lower part of that river,
the Undersigned have accompanied the King to this place for the purpose of
carrying such determination into effect. -
A branch of the Mosquito Government, perfectly adequate for the exigen-
cies of the place, will be left, under our countenance, in Grey Town, St. John’s.
And we the Undersigned have, in the most explicit manner, to notify to you,
for the information of your Government, that should this establishment be
interfered with or molested, such proceeding will call forth the deserved and
necessary resentment of the British and Mosquito Governments.
We have, &c.
(Signed) PATK. WALKER,
H. B. M's Agent and Consul-General for Mosquito.
ALFRED P. RYDER,
Commander H. M’s ship “Viajen.”
Inclosure 3 in No. 23.
Senor Rivas to Mr. Walker.
San Juan, l de Enero de 1848.
TENGO el honor de acompañarle copia autorisada de la nota que original
presente à V. en la mañana de este dia, en la cual el Supremo Gobierno del
Estado me autoriso para entrar en armoniosas relaciones que evitasen toda
hostilidad. Esperando se sirva acusarme el recibo conveniente,
Sirvase, &c. *
(Firmado) PATRICIO RIWAS.
(Translation.)
San Juan, January 1, 1848.
I HAVE the honour to send you herewith an authenticated copy of the
note which I presented to you this morning, in which the Supreme Government
of the State of Nicaragua authorizes me to enter upon friendly communication
which might avoid all hostility. Hoping that you will be good enough to
acknowledge due receipt, &c.
Yours, &c.
' (Signed) PATRICIO RIVAS.
Inclosure 4 in No. 23.
The Nicaraguan Minister to Captain Frankland.
Casa de Gobierno, Leon, Il de Dicembre de 1847.
E.L.Infrascrito, Secretario de Estado y del Despacho de la Guerra, Relaciones
y Gobernacion del Supremo Gobierno de este Estado de Nicaragua, tiene el
honor de avisar á V. que el Señor Don Patricio Rivas ha obtenido pleno.
poder para que entre en armoniosa comunicacion con V., con el objeto de
evitar cualquiera hostilidad al puerto de San Juan del Norte, y de esta manera
conservar la paz con la Gran Bretaña, à efècto de que se pueda arreglar por los
medios pacificos del derecho internacional con el Consul-General de Sul. Ma-
gestad Britanica, Mr. Frederico Chatfield, la cuestion del territorio pretendido.
por los Mosquitos, y lograr su justa finalisacion. -
- Soy, &c.
(Firmado) PABLO BUITRAGO.
(Translation.) r
Leon, December 11, 1847.
THE Undersigned, Secretary of State and of the Affairs of War and Foreign
Relations and Domestic Administration of the Supreme Government of this
State of Nicaragua, has the honour to inform you that Señor Don Patricio
Rivas has obtained full power to enter upon amicable communication, with you
for the purpose of avoiding any hostility whatever in the port of St. Juan del
Norte, and thus to preserve peace with Great Britain, in order that the
question of the pretended Mosquito Territory may be arranged by the pacific
means of international right with the Consul-General of Her Britannic Majesty,
Mr. Frederick Chatfield, and a just solution of it be arrived at.
I am, &c.
(Signed) TABLO BUITRAGO).
Inclosure 5 in No. 23.
Vice-Consul Foster to Captain Frankland.
Sir, - - Realejo, December 9, 1847.
THIS will be presented to you by Don Patricio Rivas, who goes fully
empowered by the Supreme Government of the State of Nicaragua (at whose
request I now address you) to enter into amicable communication with you
respecting the intended occupation of the port of San Juan, and to any future
arrangements that it may be necessary to provide for. His principal object,
however, will be to request you will, as far as your instructions allow you, post-
pone any decisive measures for the present, as this Government is desirous to
make all the final arrangements this case may require, with Frederick Chatfield,
Esq., Her Majesty's Consul-General now in Guatemala, and who in all proba-
bility may be in Leon the latter end of this month. - -
I take this opportunity to inform you that Her Majesty’s steamer “Samp-
son” was at this port on the 1st instant; Captain Henderson would proceed to
a neighbouring port to complete his water, &c., and intended being at Istapa.
(the port of Guatemala) on the 16th instant, where he would expect to meet
with Mr. Chatfield, previously advising him of his intended visit.
I expect the “Sampson” here on the 20th instant, and think it most
probable that Mr. Chatfield will come in her. - -
. . - I have, &c. . . . .
(Signed) JOHN FOSTER, Vice-Consul. . .






98
Inclosure 6 in No. 23.
Mr. Walker to Señor Rivas.
Sir, Grey Town, St. John's, January 1, 1848.
• IHAVE had the honour to receive your communication of this day's date,
and Captain Ryder, of Her Majesty's ship “Vixen,” has favoured me with a
copy of a letter addressed by Mr. Vice-Consul Foster to Captain Frankland, late
of Her Majesty's ship “ Alarm.”
Ihave to state to you, that the proceedings now adopted in this place by
me, in conjunction with Captain Ryder, of Her Majesty's war-steamer “ Vixen,”
do not at present admit of the interposition of Mr. Chatfield or any of his
subordinate officers. . •
e. I have, &c. -
(Signed) PATK. WALKER,
Her Britannic Majesty's Agent and Consul-General
for Mosquito.
Inclosure 7 in No. 23.
Señor Rivas to Mr. Walker.
Señor, 4 • San Juan, 3 de Enero de 1848.
CUMPLIENDO con las instrucciones di mi Gobierno, tengo el honor de
acompañará V. esta protesta, de que suplico se digne acusarme recibo. V. no
debe extrañar los terminos en que va concevida que en nada tocan con el
aprecio y consideracion que le profesa, &c.
(Firmado) PATRICIO RIVAS.
(Translation.)
Sir, San Juan, January 3, 1848.
COMPLYING with the instructions of my Government, I have the
honour to send you herewith a protest, the receipt of which I beg you will
acknowledge. - «
You should not, Sir, be surprised at the terms in which it is conceived,
which have no efect upon the esteem and consideration with which I profess
myself to be, &c.
(Signed) PATRICIO RIVAS.
Inclosure 8 in No. 23.
Protest of the Nicaraguan Government.
EL Supremo Gobierno del Estado Soberano de Nicaragua me honro
dandome comision para entrar en armoniosas relaciones con el Agente Britanico
que se presentase en este puerto, á objéto de evitar la violenta ocupacion de el
por las tropas de su mando, bajo el pretendido derecho que se quiere alegar en
favor de un caudillo de los tribus de Mosquitos, que, bajo el titulo de Rey, sin ser
reconocido, favorecen las armas Inglesas contra las que en este momento no hay
en este puerto otras iguales que oponer, para sostener el incuestionable derecho
que al Estado de Nicaragua space sobre las costas del Mar de las Antillas com-
prendidas en el litoral de su territorio. - -
Mas, como V. se negó abiertamente á todo, ejecutando de hecho sus opera-
ciones de usurpacion, sin atender á mis amistosas invitaciones, cumpliendo con
mi deber, á nombre del Estado soberano de Nicaragua á quien legalmente
represento, y en uso de las facultades que el Gobierno me ha conferido, pro-
testo contra la violacion y ultraje inferido á los derechos del Estado, y hago
responsable á sus autores, á la faz del mundo civilizado, de la efusion de sangre
99
que un hecho semejante debe causar; igualmente que de las perdidas, daños y
perjuicios que puedan Sufrir los intereses publicos y mercantiles, tanto nacionales
como extrangeros; perdidas de embarcaciones, ganados y demas bienes raices,
muebles, &c.
- (Firmado) PATRICTO RIVAS.
San Juan de Nicaragua, 3 de Enero de 1848.
(Translation. )
THE Supreme Government of the Sovereign State of Nicaragua has done
me the honour to entrust me with a commission to enter upon friendly commu-
nication with the British Agent who may present himself at this port, for the
purpose of avoiding the violent occupation of it by the troops under his
command, under the pretended right which is sought to be alleged in favour of
a chief of the tribes of Mosquitos, who, under the title of King, without being
recognized, is supported by the English force to which at present there is no
equal force in this port to offer opposition, in support of the unquestionable
right which the State of Nicaragua asserts over the coast of the Sea of the
Antillas comprehended within the shore of her territories.
But as you have openly refused everything, and have carried into effect your
operations of usurpation without attending to my amicable invitations, in fulfil-
ment of my duty, in the name of the Supreme State of Nicaragua, which Ilegally
represent, and in execution of the powers conferred on me by the Government,
I protest against the violation and outrage inflicted on the rights of the State, and
I make its authors responsible, in the face of the civilized world, for the effusion
of blood which such an act must cause, as well as for the loss, damage, and
injury which public and mercantile interests, national and foreign, may suffer;
the loss of vessels, cattle, and other agricultural produce, goods, &c.
(Signed) PATRICIO RIVAS.
San Juan de Nicaragua, January 3, 1848.
Inclosure 9 in No. 23.
Mr. Walker to Señor Rivas.
Sir, “Viaen,” St. John’s, January 3, 1848.
I HAVE had the honour to receive your letter of this day's date, with a
protest inclosed. - - - -
As your Government had invested you with no power to recognize the
authority of the King of Mosquito at the mouth of the St. John's, or to enter
into any amicable arrangements for a mutual and beneficial intercourse between
the port and the interior, and more particularly as you refused to admit the
right of the King to be recognized as an independent Prince, you removed all
basis for negotiation. -
I am sure, however, that you will admit everything was done by us, which
could be done under the circumstances, with the most friendly feeling, and in
the kindest spirit towards the State of Nicaragua; and I am induced to think
this admission will be readily allowed, by the courtesy evinced by you and the
Commandant in your personal demeanour.
I am led again on paper to correct an error which I brought under your
notice on Saturday, in conversation, as to the right of Nicaragua to the sea-coas
in the vicinity of St. John’s. -
Assuming, for the sake of argument, that the King's right could be dis-
puted, and that the Spanish Sovereigns had a right of dominion, from absolute
possession, over the territory in question, it would appear that that right
devolved upon New Granada rather than upon Central America, for under the
colonial rule, the jurisdiction over this territory, after being transferred with
frequency from the Viceroyalty of New Granada to the Captain-Generalship of
Guatemala (now or lately Republic of Central America), and vice versá, and at
one time from that of both these colonies to the Captain-Generalship of Cuba,
was finally restored to New Granada by Royal letters patent dated 30th
November, 1803. .
O 2
100
Therefore, if the right of the Spanish Sovereigns was valid, so also is that
of New Granada; and consequently the pretension of Central America is arbi-
trary and mull.
- I have, &c.
(Signed) PATK. WALKER.
No. 24.
Mr. Walker to Viscount Palmerston.— (Received March 6.)
Bluefields, Mosquito, January 17, 1848.
My Lord, 12 o'clock noon.
CAPTAIN RYDER, of Her Majesty’s steamer “Vixen,” has this day
returned from St. John's to inform me that the Mosquitian establishment which
we left at St. John's on the 3rd instant, has been in the most cowardly way
interfered with by the Nicaraguan authorities stationed at Serapaqui, and that
the acting Governor, Hon. George Hodgson, and Commander Little, Acting
Captain of this port, have been taken prisoners and conveyed to Serapaqui.
Captain Dixon effected his escape; but we have not up till this have had
information about him *.
I am informed by Captain Ryder that Salas, the captain of the party who
hauled down the Mosquito flag, hoisted it again with the Union down.
Captain Ryder, however anxious he is, and prepared as we are to resent
this outrage, still concurs with me in opinion that it is most advisable to make
the best of his way to Jamaica with his ship and the despatches which I have
addressed to the Governor, Commander-in-chief, and Commodore.
Captain Ryder has favoured me with a copy of the letter which he addressed
to General Muños on the subject of the imprisonment of the Mosquito
authorities, and which I have the honour to transmit. -
His Majesty's cutter was sent away yesterday with fifty stand of arms for
Corn Island. I have directed the steamer on her way to Jamaica to look in at
Corn Island and send the cutter back with volunteers, and I have dispatched a
boat to Pearl Key Lagoon for men from that place, as on Wednesday morning I
intend to go down in full force to St. John’s, to offer at all events the security
of Bluefields to any persons who are threatened with violence.
- I have, &c.
(Signed) PATK. WALKER.
Inclosure l in No. 24.
Mr. Walker to the Governor of Jamaica.
(Extract.) ſº Bluefields, Mosquito, January 17, 1848.
ADVERTING to the despatch which I addressed to your Excellency on
the 14th instant, I have to inform you that the Nicaraguan authorities have
deforced the Mosquito authorities at the port of St. John, and have imprisoned
a part of the establishment. Captain Ryder will explain to your Excellency
more fully the insulting manner in which the officer in command of the Nica-
raguan troops treated the Mosquito flag by hoisting the flag of Nicaragua
over it, with the Union down. - -
I trust that a large force will proceed from this place on Wednesday the
19th instant, to give at all events a refuge to any inhabitants of St. John's who
wish to come up to Bluefields.
t
* 2 o'clock P.M. Has returned to Bluefields.-P. W.
H0} |
Inclosure 2 in No. 24.
Mr. Walker to Major-General Lambert.
Sir, Bluefields, Mosquito, January 17, 1848.
REFERRING to our conversations in Jamaica relative to the interests ºf
the King of Mosquito on this continent, and the details which will be communi-
cated to you by your Excellency's Military Secretary; Captain Lambert, I have
to inform you that I have moved his Excellency the Governor to impress upon
your Excellency the necessity of at once taking steps to protect the interest of
our ally and the honour of our flag. -
I have, &c.
(Signed) PATK. WALKER.
Inclosure 3 in No. 24.
Mr. Walker to Commodore Lambert.
Sir, Bluefields, Mosquito, January 17, 1848.
HAVING, in a letter addressed to you under date the 14th instant,
informed you that Captain Ryder would furnish you with particulars of our
recent transactions at St. John's, I have now again to refer you to that officer
for details of more recent events. I have moved his Excellency the Governor
to impress upon you the necessity of at once taking steps to protect the interests
of our ally and the honour of our flag.
I have, &c.
(Signed) PATK. WALKER.
Inclosure 4 in No. 24.
Captain Ryder to the Commander of the Nicaraguan Forces.
“Viven,” St. John’s, Mosquito,
Sir, Sunday, January 16, 1848.
HER. Britannic Majesty's steam-ship “Vixen,” under my command, has
anchored at the harbour of St. John’s, Mosquito, at the date hereof.
I have been informed that a person calling himself Colonel Salas, and pro-
fessing to act under the orders of the Nicaraguan Government, arrived here on
Monday last, the 10th instant, and took possession of this town, and then
proceeded to haul down the flag of His Mosquitian Majesty and to hoist that of
the State of Nacaragua.
It is with difficulty that I have persuaded myself that this act on his part
can have been authorized by you. But as the inhabitants of St. John express
no doubt as to his indentity, and assure me that he is a Colonel in the service of
the State of Nicaragua, I take this opportunity of informing you, that I shall
hasten to report to the military and naval authorities at Jamaica this act of wilful
aggression on the part of the Nicaraguan Government, and which I have little
doubt will be considered by them as a declaration of war against the Queen of
England and the King of Mosquito.
I am still in hopes that Colonel Salas has acted without orders from you
or his Government; should this be the case, I recommend you, as the only means
of averting the vengeance of their Britannic and Mosquitian Majesties to visit this
port without a day’s delay; to rehoist the flag of His Mosquitian Majesty, and
to reinstate in their positions the Captain of the Port, Captain Little, and the
Governor, Major Hodgson, and to write a letter by the English packet
(which will call here on the 25th of this month) to the Governor of Jamaica,
informing him that these steps have been taken, and that Colonel Salas's conduct
will be severely punished by the Government of Nicaragua.
In the meantime I beg to inform you that in the name of Her Britannic
Majesty, I hold you personally responsible for the safety and good treatment of
Captain Little and Major Hodgson.
102
Finally, let me once more recommend to the Nicaraguan Government to
consider well before they draw down on their country the just vengeance of
Her Britannic Majesty.
- I am, &c.
- (Signed) A. RYDER, w
Commander of Her Majesty’s ship “Viaen.”
Viscount Palmerston to Vice-Consul Foster.
Sir, Foreign Office, March 24, 1848.
THE Lords of the Admiralty have transmitted to me a copy of the letter
which you addressed on the 9th of December last to the officer commanding
Her Majesty's ship “Alarm,” introducing to him Don Patricio Rivas, an agent
of the Government of Nicaragua, who was authorized to negotiate respecting
the intention of Her Majesty's Government to assist the King of the Mosquito
Indians in occupying the port of St. John's.
I have also received information of the violent measures which Colonel
Salas, of the Nicaraguan army, adopted on the 10th of January last, at St. John's,
in hauling down the flag of Mosquito, and in carrying away as prisoners the
authorities established there by the Mosquito King under the protection of the
British Government
And I have to instruct you to inform the Government of Nicaragua, that
a British ship of war will be directed to visit St. John's from time to time, and
to expel from thence any troops or officers, civil or military, belonging to
Nicaragua, who may be found at St. John's ; and you will add, that if the
Nicaraguan authorities persist in intruding themselves there, measures of an
unfriendly character will be resorted to upon parts of their own coast, as Her
Majesty’s Government must support and maintain the right of the King o
Mosquito to the port of St. John's. -
I am, &c.
(Signed) PALMERSTON.
No. 26.
Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Chatfield.
Sir, t Foreign Office, March 24, 1848.
I INCLOSE for your information a copy of a despatch which I have
addressed to Mr. Foster, the British Vice-Consul at Realejo, directing him
to make a communication to the Government of the State of Nicaragua with
regard to the proceedings of Colonel Salas, the Nicaraguan officer who hauled
down the Mosquito flag and made prisoners of the Mosquito authorities at
St. John’s on the 10th of January last.
I have also to inform you that I have moved the Lords Commissioners of .
the Admiralty to send orders to the officer in command of any British ship of
war which may be on the west coast of Central America, directing him to place
himself in communication with you, and to be ready to act in case a necessity
should arise for resorting to the measures of retaliation pointed out in my
despatch to Mr. Foster. The instruction contained in that despatch is sent direct
to Mr. Foster, in order that the communication to which it relates may be
addressed to the Nicaraguan Government without delay; but if you should have
reason to suppose that my despatch to Mr. Foster may be intercepted or
delayed on its way to Realejo, you will take care that the communication in
question shall reach the Government of Nicaragua through you.
I am, &c.
(Signed) PALMERSTON.
103
No. 27.
The Right Hon. E. J. Stanley to the secretary to the Admirally.
Sir, Foreign Office, March 24, 1848.
I HAVE laid before Wiscount Palmerston your letter of the 6th instant,
inclosing copies of despatches from Captain Loch, of Her Majesty's ship
“Alarm,” and from Commander Ryder, of Her Majesty’s steam-vessel “Vixen,”
reporting the measures taken by them for the purpose of establishing the autho-
rities of the King of Mosquito in the possession of St. John's. And I am directed
by his Lordship to state to you, for the information of the Lords Commissioners
of the Admiralty, that he entirely approves the conduct of Captain Loch and
Commander Ryder in these affairs.
I am at the same to transmit to you copies of two despatches which Lord,
Palmerston has addressed to Mr. Walker, the British Resident at Bluefields, and
to the British Vice-Consul at Realejo in the State of Nicaragua, stating the
intentions of Her Majesty's Government with reference to the proceedings of
Colonel Salas, the Nicaraguan officer who hauled down the Mosquito flag and
made prisoners of the Mosquito authorities at St. John's. And I am to request
that you will move the Lords of the Admiralty to direct the senior officer at
Jamaica to make arrangements for sending a ship of war to visit St. John's
from time to time, and to co-operate with Mr. Walker in taking measures
towards maintaining the rights of the King of Mosquito at St. John's, or at any
other place on the Mosquito coast which may be invaded by parties from the
neighbouring States. g
I am also to request that you will move their Lordships to send orders to
the officer in command of any British ship of war which may be on the west
coast of Central America, directing him to place himself in communication with
Mr. Chatfield, the British Consul-General at Guatemala. -
I am, &c.
(Signed) E. J. STANLEY.
No. 28.
Viscount Palmerston to Mr. Walker.
(Extract.) Foreign Office, March 24, 1848.
I HAVE received your despatches of the 15th and 17th of January, report-
ing the installation of the Mosquito authorities at St. John's, and the subsequent
proceedings of Colonel Salas, of the Nicaraguan army, in hauling down the
Mosquito flag and taking away those authorities as prisoners.
I have to inform you that I have moved the Lords of the Admiralty to
direct that a ship of war shall visit St. John's from time to time; and I inclose
herewith a copy of a despatch which I have addressed to the British Vice-Consul
in the State of Nicaragua, directing him to warn the Government of that State
against the consequences of any further attempt on their part to occupy
St. John’s.
I inclose also a copy of a despatch which I have addressed to Mr. Chatfield
upon the same subject.
104.
No. 29.
The Secretary to the Admiralty to the Right Hon. E. J. Stanley.
Sir, Admiralty, April 6, 1848.
I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send
you herewith for the information of Wiscount Palmerston, copy of a letter
from Vice-Admiral Sir Francis Austen, dated the 5th March, and copies of
its inclosures, from Captain Loch, of Her Majesty's ship “Alarm,” reporting
the proceedings of the expedition under his orders in the River San Juan de
Nicaragua.
I am, &c.
(Signed) H. G. WARD.
Inclosure 1 in No. 29.
Vice-Admiral Sir F. Austen to the Secretary to the Admiralty.
(Extract.) “Vindictive,” at Jamaica, March 5, 1848.
WITH reference to my letter of the 1st instant, reporting the depar-
ture of Her Majesty’s ships “Alarm” and “Vixen” for Bluefields, to con-
sult with Her Majesty's Consul-General and Agent as to the best means of
obtaining redress from the Nicaraguan Government for the insults and outrages .
therein mentioned, and to obtain the release of two British subjects carried off
from San Juan by Colonel Salas, of the Nicaraguan army, I have the honour to
transmit herewith, to be laid before the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty,
copies of two despatches, Nos. 1 and 2, and dated 21st February, which I have
this day received from Captain G. G. Loch, of Her Majesty's ship “Alarm,”
reporting that the ships arrived at Bluefields on the 5th of that month; and
IMr. Walker having been embarked according to his request, they proceeded on
the 7th for San Juan, where they arrived on the following day.
As the nearest Nicaraguan settlement was at Serapaqui, about thirty miles
up the river, which, from the strength of the current and various rapids, is
generally a four days’ journey, Captain Loch, accompanied by Mr. Walker, in
his own boat, proceeded to that place at once, with a force of 260 men, in
twelve boats, and after a most fatiguing pull of seventy-two hours, anchored on
the evening of the 11th near the spot.
It was there that the melancholy death of Mr. Walker occurred. He was
unfortunately drowned whilst attempting to save the life of a friend who had
accompanied him in his boat, and had fallen overboard in the night. They
both lost their lives. -
On the morning of the 12th, the expedition got under way, and proceeded
towards the fort, where it had been ascertained Colonel Salas was commanding
officer. On nearing it, Captain Loch and Commander Ryder pushed ahead in
their gigs, in order to state the object of Her Majesty’s forces being in the
river; but no sooner were they seen than they were fired at both by cannon
and small arms. As this act effectually prevented any peaceful arrangements,
the boats were at once brought up, and after an hour and a-half’s pull against
the rapid tide to reach the landing place, during which the crews were exposed
to a very heavy fire from both sides of the river, they effected their object, and
the Nicaraguan troops fled at once, when Captain Loch totally destroyed the
fort and threw all the arms into the river.
The loss on our side amounted to 2 killed, and 1 officer and 12 seamen,
marines, and soldiers, wounded, a list of which is inclosed.
I have to express my admiration of the great gallantry, zeal, and persever-
ance displayed by Captain Loch and the officers and men of both services
employed under his orders on the occasion. - e
105;
Inclosure 2 in No. 29.
Captain Loch to Vice-Admiral Sir F. Austen.
Sir; - Fort San Carlos, Nicaragua, February 20, 1848.
IN pursuance of your instructions, and in accordance with the wishes of
Her Majesty’s late Agent and Consul-General, Mr. Walker, I have the honour to
acquaint you, that I proceeded up the River San Juan de Nicaragua, in com-
mand of Her Majesty’s combined forces, consisting of 260 officers and men,
contained in 12 boats of Her Majesty’s ships “ Alarm” and “Vixen,” and cap-
tured the post of Serapaqui, after a sharp action of one hour and forty minutes,
with a loss of two killed and thirteen wounded.
The post is situated on a point projecting into the river very abruptly, to
the height of fifty feet; is protected in the rear by a dense forest, and in the
front by an abattis formed of large trees, felled with their heads and branches
reaching into the river. It was only to be approached by heading a rapid
current of nearly five knots an hour, in order to pass the fort and descend
towards a steep and narrow landing-place above the stockaded batteries.
On Friday the 12th instant, Commander Ryder and myself (who were in
advance in our gigs) hove in sight of Serapaqui, situated at the head of a straight
reach of about a mile and a-half long. No sooner did my boat appear, than she
was fired upon by two guns, which effectually precluded the possibility of any
peaceful arrangement.
I, therefore waited to reconnoitre until the heavy boats arrived, when I led
them up the river. A spare pinnace, commanded by Lieutenant Johnston of Her
Majesty’s ship “Alarm,” containing some of Her Majesty's 38th Regiment; the
“Alarm’s” barge, commanded by Lieutenant Ridge and First Lieutenant Boyle
of the Royal Marines, with a part of his detachment; and the “Vixen’s” port
paddle-box boat, with the head-quarters of the detachment of that regiment
commanded by Captain Smith, owing to their fast pulling took the lead after
the gigs, and on we went, but the current was so strong that one hour and forty
minutes elapsed before we were enabled to pass the batteries sufficiently high
to drop down to the landing-place previously mentioned, by which time nearly
all the boats were up. I then gave the order to land, which they did with an
English cheer, and in ten minutes our flag was hoisted on the fort.
After a chase of thirty minutes into the thick woods, I ordered the recall
to be sounded, destroyed the stockades, spiked the guns, broke their trunnions,
and threw them into the river, together with muskets and ammunition, and
after embarking the force, set fire to the defences. *
I was unable to ascertain accurately the loss of the enemy, owing to the
density of the cover into which they retreated ; twenty, however, were found
dead, and I have reason to believe that about double the number were wounded.
Their force consisted of about 200 soldiers, besides some boatmen pressed by
Colonel Salas into his service. -
Nine prisoners were captured, amongst them two wounded officers; these
I sent to the ship, the remainder I have distributed amongst the boats to act as
ilots. -
p The defences of the post consisted of six angular stockaded entrenchments
formed of very tough timber, eight feet high and four feet thick; one side of
each stockade looking across the river, and the other down the reach. The
principal stockade commanded the landing-place, in which one of the guns was
mounted at the time.
It was with great satisfaction that I saw the cool and steady behaviour of
the men under the trying circumstances of crowded boats exposed to a hot fire
from both sides of the river, from unseen marksmen, without the possibility of
effectually returning it, while in almost a stationary position, owing to the
current running like a mill stream, and it is astonishing to me that a greater
loss did not occur, as the boats were riddled with shot, and nearly half the
oars broken, i
To distinguish one brave officer from another when all did their duty is a
difficult task, but I may remark that I found Captain Smith, commanding the
detachment of Her Majesty's 38th Regiment, by my side on landing; Com-
mander Ryder, at the head of his division, close by me; Lieutenants Johnston
106
and Ridge, of the “Alarm,” heading their men in gallant style; and First
Lieutenant Boyle, Royal Marines, of the same ship, leading his detachment as
my guard, and showing an example which his marines could not but follow.
Mr. Martin, Paymaster and Purser of Her Majesty's ship “Alarm,” accom.
panied me in my gig, and was of the greatest value and assistance. Besides
these officers, I beg to recommend to your favourable notice Mr. Collins,
Paymaster and Purser of the “Vixen,” who was a volunteer in the head-
quarter port paddle-box boat; the Hon. H. A. Moreton, mate of the “Alarm,”
who commanded the pinnace and did good execution; Mr. Tyler, mate of the
same ship; Mr. Turnour, midshipman of “Vixen,” who was badly wounded.
And I beg to mention a seaman of the “Vixen,” named Dennis Burke,
stoker, who captured the colours.
I am, &c.
(Signed) GRANVILLE LOCH,
Captain, “Alarm.”
P.S.—Commander Ryder has brought under my notice the zeal and
gallantry of Mr. Doudney, midshipman, commanding the S. P. B. boat. I beg
also to mention the zeal and activity of Lieutenant Scott, First of the “Vixen,”
in forwarding the advance of the launches over the rapids, and his exertions in
pushing on the slow boats of the force.
Inclosure 3 in No. 29.
A List of Boats and the number of Men on the River San Juan de Nicaragua
Eagedition. |
Her Majesty's ship “Alarm." Her Majesty's steam-sloop “Vixen.”
Gallev:— Gig :—
auty – Commander Ryder Total 6
Captain Loch Crew 5 } I wounded
Mr. Martin, Acting Pay- Total 6
master and Purser Port paddle-box boat, 24 pounder carronade:–
Crew 6 Mr. Collins, Acting Pay-
- * master and Purser, volum-
Barge, 12-pounder carronade:— teer Total 41
Mr. Turnour, Midshipman 1 killed
Captain Smith, 38th Regt. l wounded
Crew 15
Lieutenant Ridge
Lieutenant Boyle, R.M. Total 26
Mr. Twler, Mat s
& * 356 | 3 wounded Soldiers 22 ...”
Marines 10 Starboard paddle-box boat, 24-pounder
carronade:—
Spare pinnace, 12-pounder howitzer:— Mr. Deudney, Midshipman
Lieutenant Johnston Lieutenant Hugonin, 38th |
Mr. Irvine, Midshipman º * Regiment Total 38
Crew 13 li162 Crew 13 5 wounded
tº I wounded Soldiers 23
Soldiers 18
- Mr. Brown, Eng. volunteer
Pinnace, 12-pounder howitzer:— Pinnace, 12-pounder carronade:—
Hon. H. Moreton, Mate Mr. Fayer, Midshipman
Mr. Leblanc, Assistant Sur- Total 25
Mr. Hatherly, Asst.-Surgeon
r. Hatnerly, Asst.-Surg Total 26 geon, 38th Regiment
Mr. Balfour, Midshi
& * ldsnipman I wounded Crew 13 I wounded
Marines 10 Marines 10
- g Cutter:—
1st Cutter, Rocket boat — Mr. Hughes, Midshipman
Mr. Rees, Boatswain r Mr. Campion, Clerk, volum-
Total 12
Crew 11 teer , Total 18
. . . . - Crew 10
2nd Cutter:— Soldiers 6
Mr. Blakeley, Midshipman 2nd Gig :—
Crew 10 Total 17 Mr. Lambert, Midshipman Total -
Soldiers 6 Crew 5 } otal 8
- tºº 2 Dori . . . . . . Total
Total . . . . 122 *~ on 4
Total tº gº ... 138
Column 1 a • • e . . . 122
- ,, 2 tº tº tº gº ... 138
Total engaged ... 260
2 killed and 13 wounded.
107
Rilled.
Her Majesty's ship “Alarm.” James Johnson, Boatswain's mate.
Her Majesty's ship “Vixen.” Charles Farrell, Captain Foretop.
Wounded.
Her Majesty's ship. “Alarm.”
John Mitchell, Coxswain, slightly.
William Smallman, Private, Marine, slightly.
J. Powell slightly. r
J. Benney, slightly.
J. Nolan, Private, 38th Regiment, slightly.
Her Majesty's steam-sloop “Vixen.”
W. Haycock, Corporal, 38th Regiment, severely.
Phillip Mulroney, Private, 38th Regiment, ditto.
David Goodman, Private, 38th Regiment, slightly.
W. Cubitt, Private, 38th Regiment, ditto.
Patrick Nagle, A.B. slightly.
Lewis Wright, Marine, ditto.
Mr. R. Turnour, Midshipman, severely.
W. H. Coombs, Paymaster and Purser's Steward, severely.
Total 260 men; 12 boats, with 2 24-pounder carronades; 3 12-pounder carronades; 1
12-pounder howitzer; and rocket-boat.
(Signed) GRANVILLE G. LOCH, Captain.
No. 30.
The Secretary to the Admiralty to the Right Hon. E. J. Stanley.
Sir, - Admiralty, April 26, 1848.
I AM commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to send
you herewith, for the information of Viscount Palmerston, a copy of a letter
from Vice-Admiral Sir Francis Austen, dated the 21st March, with its inclosures
in original, reporting the proceedings of Captain Loch, of Her Majesty's ship
“Alarm,” with the Nicaraguan authorities, relative to the Mosquito territories.
I am, &c.
(Signed) W. A. B. HAMILTON.
A-
inclosure l in No. 30.
Vice-Admiral Sir F. Austen to the Secretary to the Admiralty.
“ Vindictive,”
Sir, At Port Royal, Jamaica, March 21, 1848.
WITH reference to my letter of the 1st instant, reporting the sailing of
Her Majesty’s ship “Alarm” and steam-sloop “Vixen,” from Jamaica for San
Juan de Nicaragua, to obtain redress for insults offered to the British protecto-
rate flag of the Mosquito King, and for the seizure of two British subjects left
at San Juan in the service of His Majesty; also to No. 45 of the 5th, forward-
ing despatches from Captain Loch, reporting the capture of Serapaqui, and his
arrival with the force under his command at Fort San Carlos at the entrance of
the Lake of Nicaragua, in order to state his demands to the Government; I have
now the honour to report, for the information of the Lords Commissioners of
the Admiralty, that the “Vixen” arrived this morning with despatches from
Captain Loch, copies of which are herewith inclosed, to be laid before their
Lordships, detailing his proceedings since the date of his last communication, by
which their Lordships will perceive that he has been enabled to effect every
object of the expedition, and to bring the whole affair to a most satisfactory
conclusion, a treaty having been signed on the 7th of March between Captain
Loch, on the part of the British Government, and the Nicaraguan authorities,
by which the latter have bound themselves for the future to secure to the King
of Mosquito on their parts the peaceable possession of his dominions, including
P 2
108
both banks of the River San Juan. The prisoners were then given up, and an
apology made for the insult offered to the protectorate flag.
I cannot too strongly express my admiration of the judgment, promptitude,
and firmness, displayed by Captain Loch in the whole transaction with the
Nicaraguan authorities, in the course of which he has well maintained the
honour of the British flag, and evinced the determination of Her Majesty’s
Government to support the King of Mosquito in his territorial rights, and I
cannot doubt their Lordships’ entire approbation of the zeal and good conduct
displayed by himself and every officer and man employed on such an arduous
Seryl Cé. i
That sickness should have made its appearance amongst the men, is more
a matter of regret than surprise, when we take into consideration the exposure
to which they were unavoidably subject, and the privations they had to endure
for thirty-five days. I hope, however, the sickness will not prove extensively
fatal; two or three men had died in the ships, but the sick generally were doing
well, as were also the men wounded at Serapaqui. The “Vixen” has forty on
her sick-list, but all reported of favourably; she has brought back the company
of the 38th Regiment, which has been disembarked.
I had consulted with his Excellency the Governor of Jamaica as to the
propriety of leaving a ship of war for some time at San Juan, till an officer
arrives from England to take the place of the late Mr. P. Walker, as Consul-
General and Agent at Bluefields, with directions to her commander to assist the
King by his advice; but Captain Loch has arranged matters so completely, that
I do not now consider it will be necessary, which I am the more pleased at, as I
can ill spare a vessel for the purpose. Until the King’s authority shall be firmly
established within the limits assigned by Viscount Palmerston, I shall however
leave orders for a ship to visit the coast at regular intervals, though I much
doubt any further interference from the neighbouring States, when the result of
the late expedition becomes known. -
As Captain Loch may be expected about the 25th instant, I shall not leave
Port Royal for Bermuda until after the “Alarm’s” arrival.
I am, &c.
(Signed) F. W. AUSTEN,
- Vice-Admiral.
Inclosure 2 in No. 30.
Captain Loch to Vice-Admiral Sir F. Austen.
“Alarm,” at Sea, Lat. 10° 27' North,
Sir, Long. 81° 27' West, March 15, 1848.
AFTER taking firm possession of Fort San Carlos, by securing the
prisoners and placing guards, sentries, and guard-boats at the necessary points
and across the river, I quartered the men in fourteen houses, leaving four for
the use of the inhabitants and hostages; and immediately dispatched two boats
up the coast of the lake to collect provisions, and another to convey Mr. G. P.
Martin, Acting Paymaster and Purser of this ship, and the Commandant of
San Carlos, Señor Raphael Bermudez, to Granada, as I have already stated in
my letter of the 20th ultimo.
"We were so fortunate as to find a large store of American rum and brandy
belonging to a Spanish merchant, who had been forced to ascend the river from
San Juan by Colonel Salas, with all his goods, and was only waiting a favourable
opportunity to return to the port. -
The want of spirits would have proved a decided difficulty, for the water
of the lake is bad, and we had neither tea nor cocoa remaining. Beef and
plantains we were able to procure, and also a little Indian corn, rice, and sugar;
so that after the men grew accustomed to the change of diet, they were well
contented. - - -
"The boat returned upon the 24th ultimo from Granada, and brought me
intelligence from Mr. Martin. 4
“Granada, an old Spanish-built town, containing about 11,000 inhabitants, is
. 109
situated at the foot of the volcanic mountain of Mombacho, about a quarter of a
mile from the lake, and is almost hidden by intervening woods. -
General Muños, the Commander-in-chief of the army of the State, was
quartered there, and it was before him Mr. Martin and his companion were
conducted. *
I beg to inclose the report of his proceedings from that period until he
embarked again on board the boat.
I also herewith inclose translated copies of the letters and communications
from the Supreme Government of Nicaragua which were entrusted to that
officer. .
On the night of the 25th we were all greatly surprised by the sudden
arrival of Commander Peel, with three boats from his ship, and a force of forty
seamen and marines, victualled for a month. His aid would have been of the
greatest use in the event of an advance upon Granada; and as it was, I am
convinced it had much influence over the more violent of those partisans,
desirous of war, as they could not but reflect that the river was in our possession,
and that other reinforcements might be on their way up. And I beg, Sir, to
call Commander Peel's zeal before your favourable notice.
The pinnace returned to San Carlos on the night of the 1st March, at the
same instant with the second gig of the “Alarm,” under charge of Mr.
Dewdney, mate of “Vixen,” who was the bearer of your despatches that were
brought from Jamaica by the mail-packet. On this service he was away only
nine days from San Carlos, showing a fair estimate of the necessary time for a
despatch boat to go and return at this season of the year.
I availed myself of the permission granted in the safe-conduct already
inclosed, to take with me the seven officers named in the margin” to the place of
conference.
Upon our approach, within two miles of Granada, a small boat containing
an officer delivered me a letter from Señor Salinas, Minister of War, naming
one of the small islands in the vicinity of Granada as the place of conference.
On our landing we found some preparations made for our comfort, and
were the same evening visited by two of the Commissioners, who came for the
purpose of ascertaining the heads of the various demands to be advanced in our
conference of the morrow.
On the 5th instant, at 10 o'clock, the three Commissioners, Señores Fran-
cisco Castellon, Minister of Finance of the Supreme Government, José Juan
Zavala, and José Maria Estrada, arrived, attended by two interpreters, in a large
Government bungay.
I opened the conference by reiterating those demands which were contained
in my first letter to the Director, and enlarging upon the non-fulfilment of the
first stipulation with regard to the prisoners. They seemed to evince the
strongest desire to meet every wish I expressed, so much so that they drew up
of their own accord the heads of a treaty much resembling the one that has
been ratified; and upon their departure, they all agreed in saying that there
would be no difficulty as to a satisfactory arrangement between the two coun-
tries; but upon their return, late in the forenoon of the next day, they seemed
most anxious to evade any discussion upon the various clauses mentioned in the
sketch of the previous day, and occupied their entire time in private conference,
and, as I thought, in making notes to show me on the several articles, instead.
of speaking by word of mouth ; but I was mistaken : they were drawing up a
treaty of their own, which by the evening they produced, and requested my
approval. It was so preposterous that I told them I should myself draw up
articles, which would be ready by 8 o’clock the next morning, and the substance
of which I should on no account allow to be altered.
At 8 o'clock in the morning of the 7th they returned; and after some vain
attempts to modify my demands, they signed the treaty, a copy of which I have
the honour to inclose, having sent the original home. It was agreed to by the
constituted Assembly the same evening at Managua. The prisoners were
returned, with the flags of Mosquito, during the night, and the ratification
conveyed to me early the next morning by the hands of Señor Don Castellon.
* Commander A. Ryder, “Vixen;” Commander W. Peel, “Daring;” Lieutenant G. Ridge,
“Alarm;” Lieutenant Scott, “Vixen;” Mr. G. P. Martin, Acting Paymaster and Purser, “Alarm ;”
Mr. G. Tyler, Mate, acting, “Alarm ;” Captain Smith, 38th Regiment.
110
The officers went on shore to Granada for two or three hours, while Mr.
Martin was closing his accounts with the merchant from whom we bought some
supplies. They were well received by the people, and treated with civility by
General Muños, who volunteered a visit to me, which Commander Ryder very
properly dissuaded him from putting into practice. -
We sailed towards evening, and again landed at San Carlos at 1 P.M. on the
11th. I was sorry to find that sickness had made its appearance, forty men
having been seized with fever and ague within three days of our arrival. The
spirits of their comrades were naturally depressed, and I have no doubt had we
remained there, the casualities would have been very considerable. +
I released the hostages, embarked the force, and proceeded down the river
at 5 P.M. of the same day, arriving without accident on board the ships the
afternoon of the 13th instant. - -
- Owing to the unfortunate death of Her Majesty’s late Agent and Consul-
General, Mr. P. Walker, the King of Mosquito is left without a protector or
adviser, Bluefields without a Government of the least value, and the port of San
Juan without either a British or Mosquitian inhabitant. -
Under these circumstances I have taken upon myself to advise the appoint-
ment of those persons to whom I have addressed letters on the subject, copies
of which I inclose. - --
At 1 P.M. on the 14th the “Vixen” took Her Majesty's ship under my
command in tow, and proceeded to sea steering a course E. b. N. ; N.
Her Majesty’s sloop “Daring” sailed two hours afterwards for Bluefields,
conveying the released prisoners and despatches to that settlement, from whence
she will make the best of her way to Port Royal, Jamaica. - **
I am necessarily hurried in preparing these despatches, to save if possible
your departure from Jamaica, which prevents my sending at the present time a
detailed report of all the influences which guided the policy of the State of
Nicaragua towards Mosquito and the boundary of that country.
Before closing this letter of proceedings, I beg to recommend strongly to
your notice the officers and men who were employed on this expedition. Their
zeal and perseverance for thirty-five days exposed to the dangers of a damp and
unhealthy climate, sleeping in their boats, or under the worse protection of the
reed huts of San Carlos, infested with insects and surrounded by swamps, and
being upon food without bread, and procured almost daily from a distance of
nearly fifty miles, their spirits and good behaviour never altered.
To Commanders Ryder and Peel, Lieutenants Studdart, Scott, Ridge and
Johnston, 1st Lieutenant Boyle, Royal Marines, Mr. Collins and Mr. Martin,
Acting Paymasters and Pursers, Messrs. Tyler and Dewdney, Mates, and Messrs.
Rees and Hoar, boatswain and carpenter of this ship, I feel as their commanding
officer under the greatest obligations. .
The two warrant officers are well worthy of any promotion that in their
line can be bestowed on them ; they do credit to their class, and I trust that the
names of those officers I have recommended may be remembered, for they are
worthy of it. * *
It would be presumption in me to speak of Captain Smith or Lieutenant
Hugonin of Her Majesty's 38th Regiment, as soldiers; but as zealous officers
serving Her Majesty, evincing every desire to fulfil any duty they may be
desired to execute, I cannot speak too highly, and I trust, Sir, you will mention
their names for the favourable consideration of his Grace the Commander-in-
chief of the army. t
I send copies of these letters to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty,
in case you, Sir, may be absent from Port Royal upon the arrival of Commander
Ryder, whom I have directed to deliver to you my letter-bag for the Admiralty
for your disposal, should your flag be present.
I propose dispatching Her Majesty's steam-sloop “Vixen” onward to Port
Royal early to-morrow morning, and trust I shall arrive myself very shortly
after her. . - I am, &c. - - -
(Signed) GRAN VILLE G. LOCH,
Captain and Senior Officer.
111
Inclosure 3 in No. 30.
Mr. Martin to Captain Loch.
Sir, - Granada, February 27, 1848.
I HAVE the honour to inform you that in obedience to your order I
sailed from San Carlos on the 20th instant, and arriving at Granada the follow-
ing day, I proceeded to the official residence of General Muños, Commander-in-
chief of the Nicaraguan forces. - -
Before granting me a safe-conduct, his Excellency insisted upon opening
your despatch to the Director of the Supreme Government, which I permitted,
upon his giving me a letter to the effect that he had done so. >
Having procured my passport, and the necessary horses and guards, I
started from Granada at 10:30 P.M., and arrived in the city of Leon in twenty-
nine hours, twenty-seven of which I was in the saddle.
I forthwith dispatched a courier to Mr. Vice-Consul Foster, with your
despatch, and a note from myself, informing him with reference to your letter
giving me permission to remain in Leon forty-eight hours instead of thirty-six,
that I trusted he would not cause me to incur this responsibility, as it had
become imperative for me to rejoin the force under your command without a
moment’s loss of time. *
I procured an interview with the Director, in council with the Ministers of
War and Finance, the same morning, and delivered the despatch with which
you had done me the honour to entrust me.
After its perusal, his Excellency politely but peremptorily desired that I
should return with his reply the same night, I learned that Mr. Foster might
have been in Leon by sunset on the 23rd, had he been at Realejo when my
courier arrived ; but I waited until 4 o’clock the following morning, when,
neither seeing him nor the courier, I wrote again to him stating the necessity I
was under of leaving Leon at once, but that I would sleep one night on the
road; and I also left word for a special messenger to be sent after me in case a
despatch arrived.
I however heard nothing of or from him; and on arriving at Granada on
the evening of the 25th, I hired a canoe with the intention of proceeding onward
the same night, but was detained by strong north winds until this day, when
the pinnace of Her Majesty's ship “Alarm” arrived to take me to San Carlos.
In conclusion, Sir, I may be permitted to remark that the greatest possible
excitement prevailed at Granada, at the capital, and the different towns through
which I passed, owing to the taking of Serapaqui and the occupation of San
Carlos by Her Majesty’s forces. - -
The authorities particularly desired me to travel by night only, to insure
my personal safety; and whenever I stopped, soldiers were always placed on
guard over me. I however received no molestation whatever from the people;
and horses were always procured with dispatch upon my producing my safe
conduct. * . -
I am, &c. -
(Signed) GEO. MARTIN,
Acting Paymaster and Purser, H. M’s ship “Alarm.”
Inclosure 4 in No. 30.
The Nicaraguan Minister to Captain Loch.
Leon, 23 de Febrero de 1848.
PRESENTE al Señor Director Supremo de este Estado la estimable
comunicacion de V. datada en 20 del corriente, por la que se sirve manifestarle,
que habiendo V. arribado al puerto de San Juan de Nicaragua con el objeto de
pedir satisfacciones por insultos inferidos à la Gran Bretaña, en la invasion del
territorio de Mosquito, aprehension de dos súbditos Británicos, y ultrages
hechos à la bandera Mosquita que está bajó su proteccion; se dirigió Á Sárapiquí
en donde se hallaba situada unafuerza de este Estado, con el objeto de solicitar
del comandante de ella, Señor Teniente-Coronel Antonio Salas, explicacion de
112.
su conducta amenazante á los pacificos residentes en el puerto de San Juan expre-
sado, y fué recibido hostilmente; que en esta ved. atacó aquel punto, dispersó la
fuerza que allí existia, y á continuacion ocupó hasta San Carlos, haciendo prisio-
meros á los empleados del Gobierno; todo con el fin de obtener explicaciones
sobre la disposicion en que este se encuentre con respecto á estos negocios, y
que se le restituyan los prisioneros de que habla en su apreciable citada, con el
mismo Señor oficial que la há trahido en union del Comandante Señor Don
Rafael Bermudez; y el alto funcionario de Nicaragua me ha dado órden de
contestará V. en esta forma. . .
Desde que se annunció á este Supremo Gobierno la ocupacion militar de
San Juan por fuerzas de Su Magestad Britanica en nombre del pretendido Rey
de los Mosquitos, procuró desvanecer las equivocaciones que se habian conce-
vido con respecto al Señorio de aquel puerto, manifestando francamente á los
agentes Británicos acreditados en el paiz, y aun al Señor Gobernador de
Jamáica, el derecho que este Estado conserva en el expresado territorio á la par
de una posesion inmemorial y pacifica; y sus sincéros deseos de arreglar por
los medios armoniosos y regulares que aconseja la prudencia y establece el
derecho internacional, cualquiera disputa sobre este asunto. No huvo entonces
con quien tratar, por que todos los agentes Británicos reconocidos por este
Gobierno estaban desautorizados para escuchar á Nicaragua en sus justas
quejas; y la ocupacion armada del referido puerto se consumó á plena luz el
día primero de Enero del presente año, con ultrage y vilipendio del pavellon
del Estado y de los fueros que le competen en su capacidad de Soberáno. Este
hecho dió origen á la protesta que el Señor Don Patricio Rivas, Comisionado
Extraordinario de este Gobierno Supremo, dirigió en tres de aquel mismo mes
al Señor Patrick Walker, Gefe de las fuerzas que ejecutaron la ocupacion, de
cuyo documento incluyo á V. cópia autorizada, asi como del recibo que le fué
otorgado.
Por esta protesta se informará V., Señor Comandante, de que si se
evacuó el puerto repetido, fué, cediendo á una fuerza superior, y reservandose
Nicaragua el derecho de revindicarlo cuando fuera conveniente, como en efecto
se verificó el nueve del propio mes de Enero.
Ningun acto pues de hostilidad huvo por parte de Nicaragua antes del
día primero del mismo mes; y si las armas de este Estado obraron el nueve
sobre San Juan, nó fué sino por el derecho de retaliacion que le quedaba para
vindicar su honor y las ofensas que gratuitamerite se le habian hecho violando
integridad territorial. A ningun Estado se le ha disputado jamas este derecho;
y el Gobierno de la Gran Bretaña que sabe apreciar la dignidad de los demas, por
débiles que sean, nó negará, cuando sea debidamente informado de los sucesos,
que el de Nicaragua nó ha hecho otra cosa que un debido y moderado uso de
este derecho, principalmente si se observa, como debe observarse, que mi
Gobierno, bajo la mejor buena fé y con la mas sana intencion, ha sostenido
constantemente, que en derecho no existe esa Nacion Mosquita, y de consi-
guiente, no há debido considerar á los Mosquitos, sino como subditos suyos y su
territorio como parte integrante del de Nicaragua, mientras no hubieran pre-
cedido las formalidades establecidas en el derecho internacional para semejantes
reconocimientos á la manera que la Ynglaterra misma lo ha practicado al tratar
de la independencia de sus antiguas colonias. Tampoco ha podido concederles
el derecho de bandera, de que solamente gozan los Estados cuya soberanía está
reconocida conforme á la ley de las naciones; y asi, no puede formarse queja
sobre ultrages á la que se habia enarvolado á nombre del titulado Rey de los
Mosquitos en el antedicho puerto de San Juan, arriando el pavellon de Nicaragua
tantas veces reconocido allí por el comercio legitimo de la Gran Bretaña.
En cuanto á los acontecimientos del doce, no ha sido hasta hoy informado
mi Gobierno por el Comandante de las fuerzas que guardaban el rio; pero por
las noticias que V. se sirve dar, entiende, que si se hizo fuego á la lancha en que
V. arrivaba á la bateria, no fué debido sino á alguna falta de precaucion en el
orden de dirigirse. En efecto, Caballero Comandante, si el objeto de V. no
era otro que el de obtener explicaciones sobre los sucesos del nueve de Enero,
parece muy regular, que antes de ponerse V. en marcha, la huviere anunciado
por medio de una comunicacion, y con alguna señal de paz que removiere todo
motivo de desconfianza de parte del Comandante de la fuerza que estando
encargado de la seguridad del rio, no debia permitir el repentino acceso de en-
varcaciones armadas, de cualquiera nacion que fuesen, sin observar las forma-
3
lidades previas que en tales casos se practican. Amas de esto; debo llamar la
atencion de V. á otra circunstancia de grave peso para juzgar acerca del
verdadero motivo de la ocurrencia; y és, que el gefe militar de que se habla no
podia, sin precedente aviso de V., saber quien era, y que objeto llevaba hácia
aquel punto, mientras que su deber militar le obligava á tomar todas las precau-
ciones convenientes para la misma seguridad del puerto que le estaba confiado,
maxime no habiendo antecedido para la internacion de V. el allanamiento de este
Gobierno Supremo, único que podia haberselo concedido.
MiGobierno siente este fatal accidente, tanto mas cuanto que el ha costado
la sangre inapreciable de algunos Nicaraguenses que se vieron en la necesidad de
sucumbir en la jornada del doce, y hace naturalmente mas deficil cualquier
arreglo. -
Sin embargo, vé con nó poca satisfaccion, que V. está dispuesto á una
negociacion, y que á este efecto recibirá al comisionado que se nombre, ó que
V. pasará al punto conveniente tan pronto como se le remita el salvo conducto
que solicita.
Mi Gobierno que apetece ardientemente la paz y la buena inteligencia entre
la Inglaterra y Nicaragua, nó vacilará en aceptar los medios pacificos que se
propongan con , este objeto, siempre que no menoscaben en nada la dignidad
del Gobierno, ni el honor nacional; y con este intento, me ha ordenado acom-
pañar como acompaño al Señor Comandante, el salvo conducto que desea,
protestandole, que tendrá todas las seguridades, y se le guardarán todas las
consideraciones que el derecho internacional acuerda á su carácter.
Bajó tal confianza me apresuro á despachar al Señor oficial que conduce
esta, aun antes, del termino que V. le ha señalado pudiendo asegurarle, que
aunque no van los prisioneros que V. reclama, no rendrá embarazo en estipular
con V. las condiciones bajo las cuales deba hacerse la restitucion, pues por
ahora observa que nada dice V. en punto á la reciprocidad que debiera guardarse
teniendo como tiene detenido al Señor Comandante Bermudez, á los empleados
de la Aduana, y á otros militares que posaban pacificamente en San Carlos el
día de la ocupacion.
En tales terminos queda satisfecha la referida atenta comunicacion de V.;
y al verificarlo me es muy grato ofrecer al Señor Comandante, &c.
(Firmado) PA F3l O BUITRAGO.
(Translation.)
Leon, February 23, 1848.
PRESENTED to the Supreme Director of this State your esteemed
letter dated the 20th of the present month, in which you are pleased to make
known to him that having arrived in the port of San Juan de Nicaragua, for
the purpose of demanding satisfaction for alleged insults to Great Britain in
the invasion of the Mosquito Territory, seizure of two British subjects, and
outrages done to the Mosquito flag, which is under their protection; you
moved towards Serapaqui, where a force of this State was then situated, with
the object of asking its commandant, Lieutenant-Colomel Antonio Salas, an
explanation of his threatening conduct towards the pacific residents in the
above-mentioned port of San Juan, and that you were received hostilely. That
On this you, Sir, attacked that point, dispersed the force there, and in continua-
tion occupied as far as San Carlos, making the employés of the Government
prisoners; the whole with the end of obtaining explanations concerning the
disposition in which this Government maybe with respect to these affairs ; and
also that the prisoners of whom you speak in your esteemed letter already cited,
be restored with the officer who has brought it, in union with the Commandant
Señor Don Raphael Bermudez. 4
The high functionary of Nicaragua has ordered me to answer you, Sir,
thus. «s
Since the military occupation of San Juan by the forces óf Her Britannic
Majesty in the name of the pretended King of the Mosquitos was announced
to this Government, it has endeavoured to correct the mistakes that had taken
place with respect to the sovereignty of that port, frankly manifesting to the
British agents accredited in the country, and also to the Governor of Jamaica,
1H4
the right that this State has to the above-mentioned territory, equally as an
immemorial and peaceful possession, and its sincere desire to arrange, by those
harmonious and pacific means which prudence dictates, and international right
establishes, any dispute concerning this subject. There was no one at that
time to treat with, because all the British Agents recognised by this Govern-
ment were not authorized to listen to Nicaragua in her just complaints, and
the armed occupation of the port referred to was effected openly on the 1st
January in the present year, with outrage and indignity to the flag of the State,
and the rights appertaining to it in its sovereign capacity. This deed gave
origin to the protest which Don Patricio Rivas, Commissioner Extraordinary
of this Supreme Goyernment sent on the 3rd of the same month to Mr. Patrick
Walker, chief of the forces that evacuated the occupation, of which document I
inclose you an authenticated copy, as well as the receipt that was given him.
By this protest you will see, Señor Commandant, that if the port already
spoken of was evacuated, it was from yielding to a superior force; Nicaragua
reserving to herself the right of resuming it when it should be convenient, as
was actually verified on the 9th of the same month of January. -
No act of hostility was there therefore on the part of Nicaragua before the
1st of the same month ; and if the arms of this State were used at St. Juan, it
was nothing more than using the right of retaliation that appertained to it of
vindicating its honour, and the gratuitous insults that have been offered to it in
violating its territorial integrity. This right has never been denied to any State;
and the Government of Great Britain, that knows how to respect the dignity of
others, however weak they may be, will not deny, when duly informed of what
has taken place, that the Government of Nicaragua has made only a proper
and just use of this right, especially if it be noticed, as it ought to be, that my
Government, with the best faith and the soundest intention, has constantly
sustained that in reality the Mosquito nation does not exist; and conse.
quently it had no reason to consider the Mosquitos other than its own
subjects, and the territory as an integral part of that of Nicaragua; while the
formalities established by international right for similar recognitions should not
have taken place in the same manner that England herself practised in treating
of the independence of her ancient colonies.
Neither could it allow them the right of a flag, which is only enjoyed by
the States whose sovereignty is recognized conformably to the laws of nations;
and therefore no complaint can be made concerning outrages done to that which
had been hoisted in the name of the titutar King of the Mosquitos in the
above-mentioned port of San Juan, striking the flag of Nicaragua, so many
times recognized there by the legitimate commerce of Great Britain.
With regard to the events of the 12th, my Government has received no
information from the Commandant of the forces that were guarding the river
up to this date, but from what you, Sir, have given, it conceives that if the
launch in which you were coming to the battery was fired on, it was owing
solely to some want of precaution in your mode of approach. In fact, Señor
Commandant, if your object was nothing more than that of obtaining explana-
tions concerning the events of the 9th January, it seems but usual that before
commencing your advance, you should have announced it by means of a com-
munication and with some sign of peace that should have removed every reason
for distrust on the part of the commandant of the force, who, being charged
with the security of the river, had no right to allow the sudden approach of
armed vessels, of whatever nation they may be, without observing the previous
formalities that are practised in such cases. Besides this, I have to call your
attention to another important circumstance, to enable a judgment to be formed
concerning the true cause of the occurrence, which is, that the military chief
spoken of could not, without your previous advice, know whom you were and
what your object was at that time, whilst his military duty obliged him to take
all necessary precautions for the security of the post that was entrusted to them,
the more so as he had not received permission from the Supreme Government,
which alone could have granted it for your advance. --
My Government feels sensibly this fatal accident, particularly as it cost the
priceless blood of some Nicaraguans, who were forced to yield on the day of the
12th, which necessarily makes any arrangement more difficult.
Notwithstanding, it sees with no little satisfaction that you, Sir, are
disposed to negotiate, and that for this purpose you will pass to a convenient
spot, as soon as the safe-conduct which you ask for may be sent you.
115
My Government, earnestly desiring peace and a good understanding
between England and Nicaragua, will not hesitate to accept the pacific means
that may be proposed with this view, provided that neither the dignity of the
Government nor the national honour are diminished, and with this intention has
ordered me to send, as I now do to you, Señor Commandant, the safe-conduct
that you desire, assuring you that you will have all the securities and be treated
with all the considerations which international right grants to your character.
Under this confidence I hasten to dispatch the officer who takes this, even
before the time you have mentioned, assuring you that although the prisoners
which you do not reclaim do not return, there will be no difficulty in stipulating
with you the conditions under which the restitution may be made, because it
observes that you say nothing touching the reciprocities to be observed, keep-
ing, as you still do, Señor Commandant Bermudez and the custom-house
employés and other military authorities that were dwelling peacefully at San
Carlos the day of the occupation.
In Such terms, Señor Commandant, your polite letter before referred to is
satisfied, and in doing so it is very pleasing to me to offer to you the assurance
of my esteem and high consideration.
(Signed) PABLO BUITRAGO.
Inclosure 5 in No. 30.
Safe-conduct.
PABLO BUITRAGO, Ministro del Despacho de la Guerra, y encargado
accidentalmente del de Relaciones Exteriores del Supremo Gobierno del Estado
Soberano de Nicaragua.
De su orden concedo libre, franco y Seguro pasaporte al Señor Granville G.
Loch; Capitan del buque de Su Magestad Británica “ Alarma,” Oficial
Comandante de las Fuerzas Navales de aquel Gobierno, antiguo Srio. de la
Division de Jamaica en la America Setentrional, y estacion de la India Occidental,
para queen una lancha o bote pueda transitar el y los Señores Ayudantes que
guste traer consigo en el Lago de Granada hasta cualquiera de las ysletas del
mismo lago inmediatas à dicha ciudad, en donde debe esperar el dos de Marzo
proximo futuro, la comision que el Gobierno Supremo de este Estado tenga &
bien nombrar, o bien la orden para que pase al punto que se le señale para
tratar Sobre los arreglos que convenga practicar en punto a las ocurrencias
habidas en el Rio de San Juan y Fuerte de San Carlos.
Por tanto, Ordeno y mando à las autoridades del Estado né le pongan
embarazo alguno, y que antes bien le faciliten los auxilios necesarios, guardandole
y haciendole guardar las consideraciones debidas a su carácter conforme al
derecho internacional.
Y para que tenga su debido efecto, estiendo el presente en la ciudad de
Leon, ê los 23 dias del mes de Febrero de 1848.
(Firmado) PABLO BUITRAGO.
(Translation.)
PABLO BUITRAGO, Minister of War, and in temporary charge of
the Foreign Affairs of the Supreme Government of the Sovereign State of
Nicaragua. -
By order of which I grant free, frank, and secure passport to Granville
Gower Loch, Esq., Captain of Her Britannic Majesty’s ship “Alarm,” Com-
manding Officer of the Naval Forces, &c., that he, along with the Aides-de-
camp that he may wish to bring with him, may pass in a launch or boat through
the Lake of Granada, to an islet of the same lake, near the said city, where he
is to wait until the 2d March next, for the commission that the Supreme
Government of this State may agree in naming, or for the order that he may
pass to the point that may be indicated, to treat concerning the arrangements
that it may be convenient to make with regard to the occurrences which have
taken place in the River St. Juan and Fort San Carlos.
Therefore I order and command that the authorities of the State place no
Q 2
116
hindrance in his way, but that on the contrary all requisite aid maybe given
him, preservingtowards him, and making others do the Same, the respect due
to his character agreeably with international law. - - -
To give which due effect, I have given this present in the city of Leon, on
the 23rd day of the month of February in the year 1848.
» (Signed) PA BLO BUITRAGO.
Inclosure 6 in No. 30.
Guarantee of Señores Rivas and Padilla.
Fort San Carlos, Nicaragua, February 20, 1848.
WE, the Undersigned, guarantee the faith of Señor Don Raphael Bermudez,
who undertakes to accompany the officer sent in the despatch boat from the
commander of Her Britannic Majesty's force now occupying the fort of San
Carlos, to the Director of the State of Nicaragua, who has promised to accom-
pany him to Leon, using every dispatch to aid him On his Way, and upon the
conclusion of his commission to return in company with him, to again place
himself in the hands of the commander of Her Britannic Majesty's forces
according to his agreement; and we fully comprehend that in the event of his
not doing so, we shall be liable to be detained as prisoners at the disposal of
Her Britannic Majesty's Government. -
Given under our hands at the fort of San Carlos, this the 20th day of
February, 1848. -
(Signed) PATRICIO RIVAS.
IGNACIO PADILLA.
Inclosure 7 in No. 30.
The Nicaraguan Minister to Captain Loch.
Señor, Casa de Gobierno, Managua, 29 de Febrero de 1848.
AUNQUE en el salvo conducto que remití á V. con mi comunicacion de
24 del que cursa, se asigna el 2 de Marzo proximo para las conferencias que
deben abrirse con relacion al arreglo de las diferencias que han tenido lugar
sobre el puerto de San Juan desde el lº de Enero último, me apresuro hoy a
manifestar á V., de orden del Gobierno Supremo de Nicaragua, que previendo
este que algun inconveniente insuperable puede retardar el envío de la comision
especial que está dispuesto a nombrar á este intento, ha determinado prorrogar
el termino á todo el que se juzgue necesario para dar cima al objeto que se
propone; y que a este efecto desearia que el Señor Granville tubiere la dignacion
de esperar, aun pasado el 2 de Marzo, ya sea la comision del Gobierno, o bien
el aviso que debe impartirsele para que se sirva trasladarse al lugar que sea mas
conveniente para las conferencias de que se trata.
Este paso, Caballero Comandante, no es hijo sino de la prevision, para
evitar un asar que por accidentes inesperados del tiempo o de la circunstancias
del Estado, pudiera frustrar los futuros arreglos que deben practicarse en
obsequio de la paz y beneficio del comercio universal que mi Gobierno proteje;
y asi, no debe V. dudar, que, si inconvenientes no hubiere para el envío de la
mision o del aviso que debe dirijirsele, el Gobierno de Nicaragua no omitirá
medio alguno de cuantos estan en su poder, para que se verifique puntualmente
el dia señalado, pues demasiado comprende la importancia del asunto para no
demorarlo. - -
En esta ingenua manifestacion hallará al Caballero Granville el testimonio
mas postivo, no solo de sus deferencias hacia el Gobierno de la Gran Bretaña,
sino tambien de sus sincéros deseos de ver restablecida la armonía entre los dos
paises, y de mantener con el aquella inteligencia cordial que debe afianzar en el
porvenir la paz y el comercio mutuo.
- Aprovecho, &c.
(Firmado) SEBASTIAN SALINAS.
I 7
(Translation.)
Sir, Government House, Managua, February 29, 1848.
ALTHOUGH in the safe-conduct which I sent you with my communica-
tion of the 24th of the present month, the 2nd of March next is named for
commencing the conferences to be held with relation to the arrangement of the
differences that have occurred relative to the port of San Juan since the 1st
January last, I hasten to acquaint you, by order of the Supreme Government of
Nicaragua, that foreseeing that some insuperable obstacle might retard the
sending of the special commission which it is on the point of naming for this
object, it has resolved to lengthen the term as much as may be necessary to
obtain the proposed object; and to this end it desires that Señor Granville will
deign to wait even after the 2nd March for the commission of the Government,
or the notice that will be given for him to pass to the place that may be most
convenient for the conferences now spoken of
This step, Cabailero Comandante, arises merely from precaution, so as to
avoid any accident that by unexpected circumstances of time or of the State,
might frustrate future arrangements that might have taken place, regarding
the restoration of peace and the advantages of the universal commerce which
my Government protects; and so you cannot doubt, Sir, that if no difficulty
should occur in sending the mission, or the notice that has to be forwarded to
you, the Government of Nicaragua will not omit any means in their power to
be punctual to the appointed time, for it comprehends the importance of the
subject too well to delay it.
In this ingenious manifestation the Caballero Granville will find the most
positive testimony, not only for its deference to the Government of Great
Britain, but also of its sincere desire to see harmony established between the two
countries, and to maintain with it that cordial intelligence which will be a
surety for peace and mutual commerce in the time to come. -
I take, &c. *
(Signed) SEBASTIAN SALINAS.
Inclosure 8 in No. 30.
The Nicaraguan Minister to Captain Loch.
Señor, Casa de Gobierno, Granada, 2 de Marzo de 1848.
ME hago el honor de manifestar al Señor Granville G. Loch, de orden
del Director Supremo del Estado de Nicaragua, que cumpliendo este con sus
ofrecimientos à V., y llenando los deseos mas fervientes en favor de la paz y
comercio universal, ha nombrado en esta fecha de Comisionados à los Señores
Ministro de Hacienda del Supremo Gobierno del Estado, Francisco Castellon,
Juan José Zavala, y José Maria Estrada, para tratar con el Caballero Granville,
sobre un arreglo pacifico en las diferencias que desgraciadamente han tenido
lugar desde el 19 de Enero àltimo, y de participarle que la Isla de Cuba en el
lago de esta ciudad, es el lugar designado para las conferencias que deben
abrirse con relacion al asunto. -
Dichos Señores Comisionados llevan plenos poderes para ajustar con el
Señor Granville convenios que eviten motivos de desavemencia entre dos paises
que siempre se han dado muestras de aprecio y consideracion, y que deben
interesarse en evitar la paralicis permiciosa en todos conceptos que produce todo
desavenimiento. . *.
Mi Gobierno, Señor, cuenta con que el medio que se ha adoptado tan pro-
pio entre los pueblos cultos y tan recomendable por el derecho internacional,
engendrara los efectos deseables; y cuenta tambien que sus Comisionados seran
reconocidos y considerados por W. en Su verdadero caracter.
- Tengo, &c.
(Firmado) SEBASTIAN SALINAS.
118
(Translation.)
Sir, Government House, Granada, March 2, 1848.
I HAVE the honour to make known to Granville Gower Loch, Esq., by
order of the Supreme Director of the State of Nicaragua, that ratifying his most
ardent desires in favour of peace and universal commerce, he has named this
day the Señores Francisco Castellon, Minister of Finance of the Supreme
Government, Juan José Zavala, and José Maria Estrada, as Commissioners to
treat with the Caballero Granville about a pacific arrangement of the differences
that have unfortunately occurred since the 1st of January last, and I have to
acquaint you that the Island of Cuba in the Lake of Nicaragua is the place
chosen for holding the conferences relating to this subject.
The said Señores Commissioners have full powers to adjust with the Señor
Granville an agreement that may remove the motives for discord between two
countries that have mutually given proofs of esteem and respect, and must feel
an interest in avoiding the injurious paralysis which all discord necessarily
produces. - * . -
My Government relies that the means which have been adopted, which are
so proper between enlightened communities, and so recommendable through
international right, will produce the desired effect, and it relies also on your
recognizing and considering its commissioners in their true character.
I have, &c.
(Signed) SEBASTIAN SALINAS.
Inclosure 9 in No. 30.
Captain Loch to the Nicaraguan Minister of War.
Sir, - Island of Cuba, March 4, 1848.
I HAVE the honour, in answer to your Excellency’s letter of the 23rd
February, delivered me by Mr. Martin, Paymaster and Purser of Her Majesty's
ship “Alarm,” the officer who was charged with my despatch to his Excellency
the Supreme Director, to state that I have arrived, accompanied by seven
officers, at one of the small islands of Las Corrales, close to Granada, in a launch,
attended by a small boat, for the purpose of landing with facility.
Were I not desirous that every reasonable and equitable mode should be
tried to adjust the differences that exist between our respective Governments,
consistent with the dignity and honour of Great Britain, I should have felt it
incumbent on me to decline the honour of availing myself of your Excellency’s
safe-conduct, in consequence of the non-delivery of the English prisoners; but
feeling convinced that they have only been retained owing to the supposition
that the subjects of the State of Nicaragua now in my hands might not be
released, I have come thus far to assure your Excellency that all hostages shall
be given up upon these prisoners being delivered to me; but it will be impos-
sible to enter into any question mentioned in your Excellency's despatch, until
I receive your assurance that you are prepared to hand them over without
delay. -
With regard to your observation as to the existence of a King or Territory
of Mosquito, I must decline to receive any protestations of the sort; and I have
to beg you will confine yourself to the questions mentioned in my previous letter,
if your Government is really desirous that any peaceful arrangements should
be concluded.
- I have, &c.
(Signed) GRANVILLE G. LOCH,
Captain H. M's ship “Alarm,” Senior Officer of H. M's ships
and vessels on the North American and West India Station, &c.
19
Inclosure 10 in No. 30.
The Nicaraguan Minister to Captain Loch.
Casa de Gobierno, Granada, 4 de Marzo de 1848.
EL Infrascrito, Secretario del Despacho de Relaciones del Supremo Gobierno
del Estado de Nicaragua, ha tenido el honor de recibir al fin de esta tarde, la
apreciable comunicacion del Caballero Granville, del dia de hoy, en que avisa
haber llegada en union de varios oficiales mas allá de los Corrales cerca de
Granada para venir a tratar sobre las cuestiones que han tenido lugar desde el
1º de Enero ultimo; y con el mayor plazer he informado al instante el contenido
de su dicha comunicacion al Director Supremo del Estado, que se halla en esta
ciudad desde el 2° del corriente.
Enterado este alto funcionario de todos los conceptos que contiene el
despacho del Señor Granville, me ha ordenado responderle ; que teniendo nom-
brada una comision de tres individuos para conferenciar sobre las mencionadas
cuestiones, de los cuales dos han partido esta misma tarde para la isla en que
V. se encuentra situado, y teniendo esta todas las instrucciones necesarias para
ventilar con V. los puntos relativos a todo este asunto, ella misma dará á V. una
amplia contestacion sobre su ultimo despacho y sobre las demas comunicaciones
que han precedido.
Por este medio, el Gobierno del Estado de Nicaragua se propone a ajustar
un arreglo con el gefe de las fuerzas Británicas, el que espera comiense desde
luego a poner termino á las desavenencias que este paiz nunca hubiera querido
que se suscitasen. fía
Soy, &c.
(Firmado) SEBASTIAN SALINAS.
(Translation.)
Sir, Government House, Granada, March, 4, 1848.
THE Undersigned, Secretary in charge of the Relations of the Supreme
Government of the State of Nicaragua, has had the honour ofreceiving at a late
hour this evening the esteemed communication of the Caballero Granville, dated
this day, in which he gives notice that he has arrived with various officers at a
point beyond the Corrales mear Granada, for the purpose of treating concerning
the questions that have arisen since the lst January last. I have with the
greatest pleasure instantly acquainted the Supreme Director of the State, who
has been in this city since the 2nd of the month, with the contents of the said
communication. -
The high functionary, being fully possessed of the contents of Señor
Granville's despatch, has ordered me to answer you ; that having named, for
the purpose of discussing these questions, a commission composed of three
persons, two of whom have left this evening for the island where you now are,
the commission, having all the instructions necessary to arrange with you the
points relative to this subject, will give you a full answer to your last despatch
and to the other communications which have preceded it.
By this means the Government of the State of Nicaragua proposes to
adjust an arrangement with the chief of the Britannic forces; and it trusts that
an end may be immediately put to the disagreements which this country
wishes had never arisen. vº
I remain, &c.
(Sigmed) SEBASTIAN SALINAS.
20
Inclosure ll in No. 30.
Treaty concluded by Captain Loch, on the part of Great Britain, uith the
Commissioners of the State of Nicaragua.
EN consecuencia de las desavenencias que han tenido lugar entre la Gran
Bretaña y el Estado de Nicaragua con relacion a los límites del Territorio
Mosquito, y que han producido choques entre ambas fuerzas, el Gobierno de
Nicaragua ha nombrado Comisionados, a los Señores Ministro de Hacienda
Licenciado Francisco Castellon, y Licenciados Juan Jose Zavala y Jose María
Estrada, para que en union del Señor Granville G. Loch, capitan del buque
“Alarma,” de Su Magestad Británica, oficial principal de los buques y embar-
caciones de la division de Jamaica perteneciente a la estacion de Norte America
y las Indias Occidentales y al mando de las fuerzas unidas de Su Magestad
Británica en el Río de San Juan de Nicaragua, arregle las diferencias entre
estos dos Poderes; despues de una premeditada y madura deliberacion, han
convenido en los Artículos siguientes:—
1°. El Gobierno de Nicaragua entregará al Señor Capitan Granville G.
Loch, en esta Isla de Cuba, dose horas despues de haberse ratificado este Tratado
á los Señores Little y J. Hodgson, hechos prisioneros por las fuerzas del Estado
de Nicaragua en 9 de Enero de 1848, en el puerto de San Juan.
2°. La bandera Mosquita y otras cosas tomadas en el mismo puerto, y en
el mismo día, seran devueltas sin ninguna dilacion. Y por cuanto el Señor
Comandante de las fuerzas de Su Magestad Británica pide se le dé una espli-
cacion satisfactoria por el Gobierno de Nicaragua por el ultrage que dicho
comandante piensa haberse hecho á la bandera Británica con motivo de haber
arreado la Mosquita, que está bajo su proteccion; el espresado Gobierno de
Nicaragua declara, “Que ignoraba que la bandera Mosquita estaba tan coneccio-
nada con la de Inglaterra, que un ultraje hecho á esta envolvería un insulto á la
de la Gran Bretaña; y que lejos de haber intentado exitar el resentimiento de
aquel Poder, tiene un vivo deséo de cultivar las mas intimas relaciones con aquel
Gobierno.”
3°. El Gobierno del Estado de Nicaragua promete solemnemente no per-
turbará los pacificos habitantes del puerto de San Juan, bajo la intelijencia de
que un acto semejante será considerado por la Gran Bretaña como una declara-
toria de hostilidades. •
4°. La tarifa establecida en el puerto de San Juan en la ocupacion del lº de
Enero último, se considerará vijente, y no se establecera ninguna aduana en las
inmediaciones de dicho puerto de San Juan con perjuicio de sus intereses.
5°. El Señor Comandante de las fuerzas Británicas conviene en retirarse
del fuerte de San Carlos al puerto de San Juan con todas sus fuerzas, entregando
los rehenes, prisioneros, y demas cosas que estan en su poder inmediatamente
despues del cumplimiento de lo estipulado en el presente Tratado.
6º. Lo estipulado en este Tratado no embarasará que el Gobierno de Nica-
ragua ocurra por medio de un comisionado cerca de Su Magestad Británica à
solicitar un arreglo definitivo sobre este negocio.
En fé de lo cual firmamos por duplicado el presente Tratado, en la Isla de
Cuba, sobre el Lago de Nicaragua, á los 7 días del mes de Marzo del año del
Señor de 1848. º
(Firmado) *, (Firmado)
GRANVILLE G. LOC . JUAN JOSE ZAVALA.
FRANCISCO CASTELLON.
JOSE MA. ESTRADA.
(Translation.)
IN consequence of disagreements having arisen between Great Britain and
the State of Nicaragua, with reference to the boundary of the Territory of
Mosquito, and which have produced collision between the forces, the Govern-
ment of Nicaragua have therefore appointed the three Commissioners, Licentiate
Francisco Castellon, Minister of Finance, and Licentiates Juan José Zavala, and
José Maria Estrada, to meet Granville Gower Loch, Esq., captain of Her Bri-
tannic Majesty's ship “Alarm,” senior officer of Her Majesty's ships and vessels
12H
on the Jamaica division of the North American and West Indian station, and
officer commanding Her Majesty’s united forces employed in the River San Juan
de Nicaragua, for the purpose of arranging the differences between these two
Powers. - : -
After full discussion and mature deliberation the following Articles were
drawn up and agreed to :—
1. That the Nicaraguan Government surrender the persons of two British
subjects, Messrs. Little and G. Hodgson, taken prisoners by the forces of the
State of Nicaragua on the 9th day of January, 1848, from the port of San Juan,
and that they shall be delivered over to Captain Granville Gower Loch, in this
Island of Cuba, within twelve hours from the ratification of this Treaty.
2. That a Mosquito flag and other effects taken on the same day and
from the same port be restored without delay, and that a satisfactory explana-
tion be given by the Nicaraguan Government for the outrage that the com-
mandant of Her Majesty’s forces conceives to have been offered to the British
flag in hauling down that of Mosquito under her protection.
Explanation. The Nicaraguan Government were ignorant that the Mos-
quito flag was so connected with that of England as that an outrage to it
should involve an insult to that of Great Britain. They are most anxious to
explain that so far from desiring to excite the anger of that Power, it is on the
contrary their earnest wish to cultivate the most intimate relations with it.
3. That the Government of the State of Nicaragua solemnly promise not
to disturb the peaceful inhabitants of San Juan, understanding that any such act
will be considered by Great Britain as an open declaration of hostilities.
4. That the tariff established in the port of San Juan upon the occupation
of the 1st of January, 1848, shall be considered in full force, and that no
Nicaraguan custom-house shall be established in proximity to the said port of
San Juan to the prejudice of its interests. * -
5. That the British officer in command agrees to retire from Fort San
Carlos to San Juan with all the forces, delivering up the hostages, prisoners,
and effects now in his possession, immediately after the fulfilment of the various
claims agreed upon in this Treaty.
6. What has been stipulated in this agreement will not hinder the Govern-
ment of Nicaragua from soliciting, by means of a Commissioner to Her
Britannic Majesty, a final arrangement to these affairs.
Given under our hands, at the Island of Cuba in the Lake of Nicaragua, this
7th day of March, in the year of our Lord 1848.
(Signed) (Signed)
GRANVILLE G. LOCH. JUAN JOSE ZAVALA.
FRANCISCO CASTELLON.
JOSE MA. ESTRADA.
Inclosure 12 in No. 30.
The Nicaraguan Minister to Captain Loch.
(Translation.)
Sir, Government House, Granada, March 8, 1848.
I HAVE the honour to send you with this, Caballero Granville, the
original decree of the constituted Assembly of the State, given yesterday, in
which it ratifies the Treaty between Great Britain and Nicaragua, which was
entered into yesterday, and which the Supreme Government seconds with the
greatest satisfaction.
The Señor Director, impressed with the best sentiments, has much pleasure
in celebrating the restoration of harmony and good understanding which must
necessarily follow the ratification of the said Treaty, and desiring that it may
have punctual fulfilment, has commissioned his Minister of Finance, Señor Don
Francisco Castellon, to go in person to arrange with you the points convenient
for its execution, under the understanding that the Señor Director himself will
arrange that all may be duly ratified. - -
- I am, &c.
(Signed) SEBASTIAN SALINAS.
R -
122
Inclosure 13 in No. 30.
The Director of the State of Nicaragua to its Inhabitants.
(Translation.)
Inasmuch as the constituted Assembly has decreed as follows:–
THE constituted Assembly of the State of Nicaragua has thought fit to
decree, and does decree:– *. * *
Article 1. That the constituted assembly of the State of Nicaragua
accepts the Convention signed on the 7th of the present month, on the
small island named Cuba, in the Lake of Nicaragua, for the term necessary to
decide definitively the question between this Government and that of Great
Great Britain, relative to the territory of the coast of the Mosquitos, by
means of a diplomatic agent, who on the part of the Confederation, or of
Nicaragua alone, is to be appointed to that Court; equally by virtue of Article
6 of the said Convention, as by the decree given to this effect by the consti-
tuted authority. -
Article 2. The present resolution is to be made known to Granville Gower
Loch, Esquire, captain of the ship of war “ Alarm,” and commander of the
Britannic forces, by the Government, in the form it may seem best in ratification
of the above-mentioned Convention.
Let this be communicated to the Supreme Executive power, for fulfilment,
publication, and circulation.
Given in St. Jago de Managua, on the 8th day of March, 1848,
(Signed) J. J. ESTANISLO GONZALES, D.P.
(Signed) PoNISANo CoRRAL, D.P. (Signed) RAFAEL LEBRON, D.P.
Therefore let it be put into execution.
Granada, March 8, 1848.
(Signed) J. GUERRERO.
Inclosure 14 in No. 30.
Captain Loch to the King of Mosquito.
“ Alarm,” St. John’s, March 14, 1848.
IN consequence of the lamented death of Her Britannic Majesty’s Agent
and Consul-General, Mr. Walker, I venture to address your Majesty, with
reference to your present interests, and to inclose a copy of the Treaty concluded
between me on the part of the Government of Great Britain, and that of the State
of Nicaragua, and to congratulate your Majesty upon the security of your rights
over the port of St. John's.
In consequence of my connection with the recent proceedings that bear
relation to your Majesty’s territory and future welfare, I venture to suggest,
in absence of other constituted authorities, that your Majesty should advise
with Doctor Green (Resident at Bluefields), with reference to all those instruc-
tions that were formerly under the guidance of the late Mr. Walker, and that
you will receive him as your principal and only counsellor, until the pleasure of
Her Britannic Majesty's Government shall be known.
Major Hodgson and Captain Little will return to Bluefields in Her
Majesty’s sloop “Daring,” and I have to request that the former officer may not
be again employed on any service or in charge of any important trust connected
with the mutual interests of Mosquito and Great Britain, in consequence of the
unworthy evidence he gave upon examination before the authorities of
Nicaragua, which was dishonourable to him as a brave man and a good
subject. - -
J I have directed Captain Little to take charge of St. John's, as captain of
the port and collector of customs, he will forward his accounts regularly to
Bluefields, and duplicates of his correspondence to his Excellency the Governor
of Jamaica. - I have, &c. -
- (Signed) GRANVILLE G. LOCH,
Captain and Senior Officer.
123
Inclosure 15 in No. 30.
Captain Loch to Dr. Green.
“Alarm,” St. John’s, March 14, 1848.
IN consequence of the death of Mr. Walker, Her Majesty’s Agent and
Consul-General, the young King of Mosquito is left without a guide and pro-
tector, at a time such a support is essentially necessary to the future interests of
himself and kingdom; it is therefore with anxious hope that I request you to
undertake the temporary charge of His Majesty, and the arrangement of those
concerns connected with the government of the settlement of Bluefields that
are in progress or have been definitively approved of, assuming to yourself, with
the King's consent, the post of principal adviser at the Council Board. re
You will correspond regularly with his Excellency the Governor of
Jamaica, and forward the reports of Mr. Little, the Captain of the Port and
Collector of Customs, sent from St. John's.
You will receive these instructions in virtue of my authority as Her
Majesty's sole representative on this coast of Mosquito at this present moment,
and you will act accordingly. t
Sir,
I have, &c.
(Signed) GRANVILLE G. LOCH,
Captain and Senior Officer.
Inclosure 16 in No. 30.
Captain Loch to Captain Little.
Sir, “Alarm,” St. John’s, March 14, 1848.
IN absence of other authority, and in right of my position as Her Majesty's
sole representative on this coast of Mosquito, I invest you with full power and
authority to act at this port of San Juan as Collector of Customs (according to
the established tariff) and Captain of the Port, until the pleasure of Her Majesty's
Government shall be known.
You will forward by every opportunity copies of your accounts and letters
of proceedings to His Majesty the King of Mosquito in Council and his
Excellency the Governor of Jamaica. s *
You will be careful not to come in collision with the inhabitants of the
State of Nicaragua, but you will report without loss of time any attempt on the
part of the Government of Nicaragua to evade the fulfilment of any one of the
Articles stipulated in the recent Treaty, reporting the same by the earliest
opportunity, both to the Senior Naval Officer at Jamaica and the Governor.
- I have, &c.
(Signed) GRANVILLE G. LOCH,
Captain and Senior Officer.
No. 31.
The Right Hon. E. J. Stanley to the Secretary to the Admiralty.
Sir, Foreign Office, April 29, 1848.
I HAVE laid before Viscount Palmerston your letter of the 26th instant,
inclosing reports of the further measures taken by Captain Loch, of Her
Majesty's ship “Alarm,” in consequence of the hostile proceedings of the
Nicaraguan Colonel Salas at St. John's, and I am directed by his Lordship to
request that you will state to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that
Her Majesty's Government have received with great satisfaction the account
which these papers, and those inclosed in your letter of the 6th instant, contain,
of the gallant and successful enterprise undertaken by Captain Loch.
Lord Palmerston desires me to say that Captain Loch and the officers and
men under his command seem to have very signally displayed in this undertaking
124
the skill, energy, perseverance, and daring which are so eminently characteristic
of the British Navy; and that Her Majesty's Government cannot doubt that the
good service performed On this occasion will meet with the decided approbation
of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
Her Majesty's Government are convinced that the good efects of this
successful exploit will not be confined to the particular question out of which it
arose, but that the example thus given of what the British Navy can undertake
and accomplish, will materially assist in bringing to a satisfactory settlement
several claims which Her Majesty's Government have been obliged to make
upon some of the Governments of South America for redress for wrongs dome
to subjects of Her Majesty.
.. I am, &c.
(Signed) E. J. STANLEY.
No. 32.
M. Mosquera to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received May 2.)
62, Baker Street, Londres, 29 de Abril de 1848.
EL Encargado de Negocios de Su Magestad Británica, con fecha de 24 de
Setiembre del año pasado de 1847, dirigió una comunicacion al Señor Secre-
tario de Estado y Relaciones Esteriores de la Nueva Granada, para informar
al Gobierno de la República, que el Gobierno de Su Magestad Británica, despues
de haber examinado cuidadosamente varios documentos y registros históricos,
era de opinion que los derechos del titulado Rei de Mosquitos debieran man-
tenerse como estendiendose desde el Cabo de Honduras hasta la Boca del Rio
San Juan; y para reiterar la declaracion que ya otra vez se habia hecho al
Gobierno Neo Granadino de que el Gobierno Británico no mirará con indi-
ferencia cualquiera tentativa de usurpacion de los derechos ó territorios del
susodicho Rei de Mosquitos que está bajo la proteccion de la Corona Británica.
El Gobierno de la República se limitó entonces á manifestar al Encargado
de Negocios de Su Magestad Británica que se habia instruido mui atentamente
de esta declaracion del Gobierno Británico y la tendria presente para hacer de
ella el uso que convenga á los derechos é intereses de la Nueva Granada.
Como el Gobierno de Su Magestad Británica se ha rehusado constante-
mente á entrar en discusion con el Gobierno Neo Granadino sobre este negocio,
no habiendose contestado hasta ahora las diversas notas que esta Legacion
tiene dirigidas al Ministerio de Negocios Estrangeros, con fechas de 31 de
Mayo y 1 de Julio de 1844, y de 14 de Marzo de 1846; el Infraserito,
Enviado Estraordinario y Ministró Plenipotenciario, tiene orden de reiterar al
Mui Honorable Lord Vizconde Palmerston, Secretario Principal de Su Magestad
Británica para los Negocios Estrangeros, lo que ya tuvo el honor de significar
al Mui Honorable Lord Aberdeen en la última de dichas notas; á saber, que el
Gobierno Neo Granadino no puede considerar que la simple y repetida declara-
cion del Gobierno Británico, de que no mirará con indiferencia cualquiera
usurpacion del territorio del Rei de Mosquitos, equivalga á una contradiccion
razonada de los derechos territoriales que se han derivado de la España á, Nueva
Granada. La República ha producido sus titulos, ha espuesto en una prolija y
circunstanciada relacion todos los documentos y registros históricos que confir-
man sus derechos y tenia razon de esperar que por parte del Gobierno de Su
Magestad Británica se contrastasen titulos con titulos, y argumentos con argu-
mentos, para que cualquiera que sea el exito final á que ha de llegarse en esta
cuestion, no sea debido sino á la mas cumplida justicia, la cual resultaria
necesariamente de una discusion imparcial y detenida. -
Cuando el Gobierno del Infrascrito recibió la precitada nota del Encargado
de Negocios de Su Magestad Británica de fecha 24 de Setiembre de 1847, desde
luego advirtió que por la primera vez se fijaba la cuestion en su parte material,
limitándola al territorio litoral comprendido entre el Cabo de Honduras y la
Boca del Rio San Juan; mas despues ha visto con sorpresa por copia auténtica
de una nota del Consul-General Británico, fecha en Guatemala á 10 del mismo
mes de Setiembre, y dirigida al Gobierno del Estado de Nicaragua, que en
aquel documento espresa el Señor Chatfield que el Gobierno de Su Magestad
Británica considera que el Rei de Mosquitos tiene derecho á esa estension de
125
costa, sin perjuicio del derecho que dicho Rei pueda tener Å algun territorio mas
al sur del Rio San Juan; cuya declaracion adicional deja abierto el campo à las
mas indefinidas pretensiones de parte del nombrado Rei de Mosquitos, y no se
halla en conformidad con el tenor de la nota pasada por el Señor O’Leary al
Gobierno de la Nueva Granada. -
En consecuencia el Infrascrito ha recibido instrucciones para protestar
solemne y formalmente, como lo hace, contra esta doble declaracion del
Gobierno de Su Magestad Británica, tanto en la parte que tiene de espresa y
determinada, como en aquella queenvuelve reserva en favor de derechos terri-
toriales del Rei de Mosquitos; y asi mismo protesta anticipadamente contra
cualesquiera actos que à virtud de esta reserva, se hayan ejecutado, 6 se ejecu-
taren en menoscabo de los derechos de la Nueva Granada.
El Infrascrito, &c. (Firmado) M. M. MOSQUERA.
(Translation.)
62, Baker Street, London, April 29, 1848.
THE Chargé d'Affaires of Her Britannic Majesty, on the 24th day of
September, 1847, addressed a communication to the Señor Secretary of State
for Foreign Affairs of New Granada, informing the Government of the Republic,
that the Government of Her Britannic Majesty, after having carefully examined
various documents and historical records, was of opinion that the rights of the
so-called King of Mosquito ought to be considered as extending from the Cape
of Honduras to the mouth of the River San Juan; repeating also the declaration
which had formerly been made to the Government of New Granada, to the
effect that the British Government would not see with indifference any attempt
to usurp the rights or territories of the above King of Mosquito, who is under
the protection of the British Crown.
The Government of the Republic did nothing further at that time than
state to the Chargé d'Affaires of Her Britannic Majesty, that it had given a
very careful attention to this declaration of the British Government, and that
it would keep it in view, to make of it the use which would be proper for the
rights and interests of New Granada.
As the Government of Her Britannic Majesty has constantly refused to
enter into discussion with the Government of New Granada upon this matter,
no reply having been hitherto made to the different notes which this Embassy
has addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, dated on the 31st of May,
and 1st of July, 1844, and on the 14th of March, 1846, the Undersigned,
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary, is commanded to repeat to
the Right Honourable Lord Viscount Palmerston, Chief Secretary of State of
Her Britannic Majesty in the Foreign Department, that which he had the
honour to state to the Right Honourable Lord Aberdeen, in the last of the
above notes; that is to say, that the Government of New Granada cannot
consider that the simple and repeated declaration of the British Government,
that it would not see with indifference any attempt to usurp the territories of
the King of Mosquito, is equivalent to a fair refutation of the territorial rights
handed down by Spain to New Granada. The Republic has produced its
titles, it has displayed in a long and circumstantial statement, all the docu-
ments and historical records which confirm its rights, and it has reason to
hope that, on the part of Her Britannic Majesty, titles may be compared with
titles, and arguments opposed to arguments, so that whatever may be the
final result arrived at in this question, it may be due only to full justice, which
would necessarily follow an impartial and matured discussion. -
When the Government of the Undersigned received the aforesaid note of
the Chargé d'Affaires of Her Britannic Majesty, dated the 24th September,
1847, it perceived that the question was then for the first time determined in
its material part, which was by it limited to the litoral territory included
between the Cape of Honduras and the mouth of the River San Juan; but
since then it has been surprised to see, by the authentic copy of a note of the
British Consul-General, dated at Guatemala on the 10th day of the same
month of September, and addressed to the Government of the State of Nicara-
gua, that Mr. Chatfield, in that document, states that the Government of Her
Britannic Majesty considers that the King of Mosquito has a right to that
126
extent of coast, without prejudice to the right which the aforesaid King may
have to any territory to the southward of the River of San Juan; which decla-
ration leaves a clear scope to the most indefinite pretensions on the part of the
said King of Mosquito, and is not in conformity with the tenor of the note sent
by Mr. O’Leary to the Government of New Granada.
The Undersigned has received instructions in consequence to protest
Solemnly and formally, as he hereby does, against this double declaration of
Her Britannic Majesty’s Government, both in regard to the part which is
expressed and determined, and the part which involves a reservation of the
territorial rights of the King of Mosquito ; and, moreover, it protests by antici-
pation against any acts whatever, which by virtue of this reservation may have
been executed, or may be executed, to the injury of the rights of New Granada.
The Undersigned, &c.
(Signed) M. M. MOSQUERA.
No. 33.
Viscount Palmerston to M. Mosquera.
- Foreign Office, May 4, 1848.
THE Undersigned, &c., has the honour to acknowledge the receipt of the
note addressed to him on the 29th of April, by M. Mosquera, &c., renewing
the representations already made by M. Mosquera respecting the course pur-
sued by the British Government with regard to the Mosquito Territory.
The Undersigned has the honour to state to M. Mosquera, that the British
Government does not dispute the right which the people of New Granada, or
of any other of the American provinces of Spain, had to shake off the yoke of
the mother-country, and to declare themselves free and independent, and
accordingly, as soon as the freedom and independence of those provinces
appeared to be firmly and finally established, they were formally acknowledged
by Great Britain as independent States. But the British Government cannot
acknowledge that any of those revolted provinces could by their successful
revolt acquire any rights either claimed by or possessed by Spain, over other
territories not inhabited and possessed by the revolted population, and there-
fore, even if the Mosquito Territory had been subject to any just claim on the
part of Spain, the revolt of the Province of New Granada could not have given
to the people of New Granada any right whatever over Mosquito, a territory
which they did not possess or occupy. But in point of fact, the territory of
Mosquito has been acknowledged by Great Britain as an independent State for
225 years, and the King of that country has for upwards of 180 years been
acknowledged as being under the protection of the British Crown.
Her Majesty's Government, therefore, do not consider themselves under
any obligation to discuss with the Government of New Granada the rightful
existence of the Mosquito State, which existed as a separate and independent
State nearly two centuries before New Granada had ceased to be a dependent
province of Spain. - . -
With respect to the southern boundary of Mosquito, there are certainly
strong grounds upon which the King of Mosquito might claim the sea coast as
far as the spot called King Buppan's Landing, which is opposite to the island
called Escudo de Veragua; but Her Majesty's Government have recommended
the Mosquito Government to confine its claim in a southerly direction to the
southern branch of the River St. John ; and one main reason with Her
Majesty’s Government for giving that recommendation, was, that thereby all
dispute between Mosquito and New Granada would, as they trusted, be avoided.
The Undersigned, &c.
- (Signed) PALMERSTON.
127
No. 34.
The Nicaraguan Minister to Viscount Palmerston.—(Received May 5.)
Mi Lord, Casa de Gobierno, Granada, 13 de Marzo de 1848.
TENGO el honor de dirijirme á vuestra Gracia, por orden expresa del
Supremo Director del Estado de Nicaragua, con el importante objeto de informaros
sobre el estado actual de las cuestiones relativas á la ocupacion del puerto de la
boca del Rio de San Juan de Nicaragua, de que supongo estaveis suficientemente
instruido por vuestro Cónsul-Geral en Centro America, Mr. Federico Chatfield,
a fin de que llevandolo todo al conocimiento de Su Magestad, vuestra augusta
Soberana, forme respecto a este negocio, el juicio exacto e imparcial que tiene
derecho a esperar de un Gobierno amigo, cuya moderacion de principios y
distinguida sabiduría, es la prouva mas segura de su justificacion.
Desde que en 25 de Octubre del año pasado de 1847, intimó a mi Gobierno
el Señor Jeorge Hodgson, bajo el titulo de antigüo miembro del Consejo de Su
Magestad Mosquita, la ocupacion del mencionado puerto de San Juan de Nica-
ragua, se ha manifestado a nuestro juicio, con argumentos incontestables de hecho
y de derecho, que el Gobierno de este Estado no ha reconocido, ni le es posible
reconocer, en capacidad de nacion, las pocas y pequeñas tribus errantes de la
costa, cuyo nombre llevan, y mucho menos concederlas el señorío que preten-
dian tener en todo aquel litoral, hasta comprender el expresado puerto de San
Juan, que de tiempo inmemorial, y por una seria no interrumpida de antigüa
posesion pacifica, consta haber pertenecido a Nicaragua, segun verá su Gracia
en la nota que con fecha 15 de Setiembre de 1844, dirijió a su Gracia Lord
Aberdeen, el Señor Francisco Castellon, Ministro Plenipotenciario de este
Estado cerca de varias Cortes de Europa. Sin embargo, no esquivó jamas la
cuestion, y dispuesto siempre a tratarla por los medios pacificos y armoniosos
que la razon natural sufiere y el derecho internacional aconseja, buscó un
ajente hábil con quien entenderse, sin haber podido lograrlo. 3.
En efecto, mi Lord, ni el jefe de dichas tribus Mosquitas, ni los ajentes
Ingleses que ostentaban la proteccion que el Gobierno de Su Magestad estaba
dispuesto a prestar a aquellas, mostraron igual disposicion para un arreglo
equitativo, y el Gobierno de Nicaragua contra todas sus previsiones y contra
todas sus esperanzas, se vió colocado en la triste, pero imperiosa, necesidad, de
tomar medidas de defenza contra cualquiera agresion que atacase su integridad
territorial. Dificil parecía, y aun imposible, que el Gobierno de Su Magestad,
que tan propicio siempre ha sido a la causa de la libertad y de la independencia
Americana, autorizase a sus ajentes para hacer intervenir la fuerza en lo que
tansolamente deviera ventilarse por la razon y la verdad, con un Estado que
aunque naciente y débil, no había dado motivo alguno para que se le tratase,
en medio de la paz, como a un enemigo que ha provocado la justa venganza de
una nacion ofendida.
Tal ha sido la conviccion de mi Gobierno, tal el concepto que le ha
merecido el de Su Magestad Británica; lisonjeandose aun, de que su respetable
interposicion pudiera ofrecer medios mas seguros para hacer que se atendieren
los derechos de la justicia y los consejos de la prudencia, y que de esta manera
se evitasen los graves males que necesariamente debía acarrear un estado de cosas
tan deplorable; puesto que vuestro Gobierno és el primero que ha comunicado al
mundo, aquel espiritu de templanza y aquel respeto a los derechos y posesiones
de los Estados independientes, que tan sincéramente profesa y desea inspirar a
todas las naciones. 4.
Pero, todas sus esperanzas fueron por desgracia burladas. El primer día
del mes de Enero de este año, el Señor Patricio Walker, con el titulo de Regente
del titulado Rey de los Mosquitos, se presentó en el puerto de San Juan de
Nicaragua protejido de un buque de guerra, con el fin de consumar la ocupacion
que habia sido anunciada. Ynutiles fueron todos los medios que un ajente
especial del Gobierno de este Estado le propuso para entrar en un arreglo
pacifico, pues la voz de la razon era vastante débil para que hubiera podido
hacerse escuchar en medio del calor, con que desde entonces se ha manejado esto
negocio. El ajente del Estado, cediendo como era natural que cediese, a una
fuerza superior, presenció pasivamente la ocupacion de dicho puerto; pero diri-
128
jiendo al Señor Walker la protesta que me hago la honra de acompañar en copia
con el numero 1°. Aquel acto debía considerarse no solo como un ultrage al
pabellon de la República, que fué arriado con ignominioso y desusado estrepito,
sinó tambien como una declaratoria de guerra, que a mi Gobierno no era dado
tolerar, procediendo como procedía el Señor Walker en nombre de uñas tribus,
que aunque indiciplinadas y bárbaras, ha considerado por subditos del Estado y
por el mismo hecho debían ser escarmentados, segun sus leyes, como reas de
alta traicion. De consiguiente, tampoco podía ni debía consentir en dejarlos
gozar pacificamente de una ocupacion adquirida por la violencia y sostenida por
la fuerza. Así que fué indispensable tentar los medios de arrogar del lugar, a
los que se habían apoderado bajo tales auspicios de una propiedad que mi
Gobierno cré pertenecer al Estado; y con este intento, cuando la fuerza había
desaparecido del puerto, se ejecutó la nueva ocupacion del 9 de Enero, en que se
capturaron a dos personas que ejercían empléos a nombre del invasor, tomandó-
seles al mismo tiempo algunas otras pequeñas vagatelas. Todo esto parecía
conforme al derecho de las naciones, y mi Gobierno entendió que un moderado
ejercicio de este derecho no podía realmente ofender a ninguno, y mucho menos
al digno Gobierno de Su Magestad la Reina de la tres Reinos Unidos, con quien
ha procurado siempre cultivar relaciones de amistad y confianza, que pudieran
servir no solamente para el mantenimiento de su sistema político, sinó tambien de
la paz y comercio mutuo de los dos paises. .
Despues del suceso del 9 de Enero, occurió otro que no fué posible prever,
ni estubo en los alcances de mi Gobierno prevenir. El Señor Granville G. Loch
arrivó al puerto de San Juan de Nicaragua al mando del buque de guerra
“ Alarma” de Su Magestad Británica, acompañado de otros dos buques, cuyas
fuerzas penetrando al interior del rió, sin precedente aviso al comandante que
de orden de este Gobierno se hallaba encargado de su seguridad, chocaron el
12 del Febrero siguiente con los que se hallaban situados en el punto de Sera-
paquí. Las fuerzas del Estado sucumbieron con muy poca resistencia, y el
Señor Granville ocupó con las suyas todo el curso del rió hasta el fuerte de San
Carlos, que está en la embocadura de este, y sobre la marjen oriental del Gran
Lago, desde donde dirijió a este Gobierno la comunicacion que vá en copia,
marcada con el numero 2”. n
Mi Gobierno, siempre dispuesto a conservar con el de la Gran Bretaña
aquella feliz armonía y cordial intelijencia que deben producir un día los mas
gratos y saludables frutos en favor de los dos paises, contesté el Señor Granville
en los terminos que expresa la copia numero 3°. • v.
En consecuencia de estas comunicaciones, el Gobierno de Nicaragua señaló
para conferenciar sobre los puntos que propuso el Señor Comandante Granville,
la Ysleta de Cuba, situada sobre este lago, nombrando para que le representasen,
una comision de tres individuos con suficientes poderes para arreglar un tratado
que pusiese termino a las diferencias que se habían sucitado, y evitase un rom-
pimiento entre las dos naciones.
Desde luego, los comisionados de Nicaragua procediendo en conformidad
de sus instrucciones, ofrecieron al Señor Comandante de las fuerzas Británicas:
1°. Que los Señores Hodgson y Little, capturados en San Juan, como
ajentes de la Nacion Mosquita, le serían entregados en el punto en que se
conviniera; en la intelijencia que esta entrega no se verificaba, sinó en el con-
cepto de que el expresado Comandante los reclamabas como subdítos Británicos,
cuya calidad nunca pudo atribuirles mi Gobierno, una vez que ambos se encon-
traban al servicio de un poder desconocido, y con especialidad el Señor Hodgson,
que el mismo se ha confesado natural de Bluefields, y de orijen Mosquito,
como que por otra parte se sabe que este es indudable, y que en este concepto
fué que los reclamó el Señor Vice-Consul Británico, Don Juan Foster.
2”. Hacer igualmente entrega de la bandera y demas útiles tomados en San
Juan el día 9 de Enero, procediendo siempre bajo el concepto de que es un
ajente de la Gran Bretaña quien la demandaba, y que este acto de deferencia
solo se practicaba en obsequio de las consideraciones que Nicaragua profesa a
tan poderosa como augusta nacion; cosa que debía alejar toda idéa de que por
parte de este Estado hubiere habido la mas pequeña intencion de ofender al
Pabellon Británico, cuando nuestros oficiales hicieron arriar en San Juan una
bandera desconocida para nosotros, violentamente allí enarbolada, y que conforme
a las costumbres internacionales que nosotros conocemos, no se podía confundir
con el Pabellon Británico. •
129
3”. Que en orden a la seguridad que el Señor Granville demandaba de que
no se perturbaría a los que ocupan el puerto de San Juan, aunque los deberes
de mi Gobierno lo obligaban a conservar la integridad de su territorio, prevale-
ciendo sin embargo elº interes de una importante amistad, convendría a este
titulo, en dejar el puerto de San Juan en poder de los representantes de la Gran
Bretaña en calidad de depósito, y mientras la República de Centro America, o
bien el mismo Estado de Nicaragua, embiando un Ministro cerca de ese Gabinete
discutía a nuestro nombre la cuestion de la propiedad de dicho puerto. - .
4º. Que ajustado este Convenio, en virtud del cual serían devueltos al
Estado los rehenes, prisioneros y demas útiles que se hallaban en poder del
Señor Comandante de los fuerzas Británicas, quedaría todo en el statu quo del
lº de Enero, mientras se resolvía la cuestion entre los dos Gobiernos. Convenido
en lo sustancial de estas proposiciones, dicho Señor Comandante, en su confor-
midad se redactó un proyecto de convenio que le fué presentado, y remito en
copia con el numero 4. ¿ Que testimonio mas brillante de la estimacion y de
la confianza que el Gobierno de Nicaragua profesa al de la Gran Bretaña, que
el de confiar a su lealtad y buena fé uno de sus principales puertos ? »
Las manifestaciones de un Comandante Ingles, demasiado jeneroso para no
abusar de la posicion en que se hallaba colocado con respecto a este Estado, y
vastante ilustrado para no preferir el derecho dudoso de la conquista, a los
medios de una amigable tranzacion que estabamos dispuestos a aceptar, eran
motivos y fundamentos sobrado poderosos para esperar que había llegado la
hora de que se hiciese justicia a un Estado que no había empleado otros
medios para defender sus derechos, que los de la razon y pacíficas reclamaciones.
Pero, no teniendo el Señor Granville otra instrucciones, por desgracia, que
para exijir la entrega de los prisioneros Hodgson y Little, esplicaciones satisfac-
torias sobre los ultrages que creia haberse hecho al pabellon de la Gran
Bretaña, y una garantia eficaz de que los habitantes de San Juan no serían en
lo sucesibo inquietados; los Comisionados del Estado no vacilaron en firmar el
7 del corriente el Tratado que propuso el referido comandante de las fuerzas
Británicas, de que acompaño una copia con el numero 5”, no obstante lo gra-
vaménes que envuelve por haberse presindido de la base de la reciprocidad
que nunca creyó debiera rehusarse en un convenio de esta clase; pero ofreci-
endo que admitiria por separado las esplicaciones que quiciesen llevar al Gobierno
de Su Magestad Británica, en estos conceptos lo ha ratificado mi Gobierno con
autorizacion de la Asemblea Constituyente, para que tenga efecto por todo el
tiempo necesario para decidir definitivamente “la cuestion sobre el territorio de
la Costa de Mosquitos, entre este Gobierno y el de la Gran Bretaña, por medio
del Ajente Diplomático que de parte de la Confederacion, o de solo Nicaragua,
debe constituirse en esa Corte, tanto a virtud del Articulo 6º del propio Con-
venio, como de los decretos que a este efecto ha emitido el poder lejislativo.”
Por tanto, estoy autorizado para declarar a vuestra Gracia que ni el espresado
Tratado, ni la ocupacion del puerto de San Juan, que provisoriamente se permite,
puede en fuerza de él, excluir ne perjudicar en nada los derechos que el Estado
cre de buena fé tener en el susodicho puerto y territorio Mosquito; y que su
admision no es, ni debe considerarse, sinó como una demostracion de amistad y
condecendencia hácia Su Magestad Británica, con la firme esperanza de que
habiendo cesado las causas que crearon las dificultades que acaban de pasar
entre los dos Gobiernos seran atendidos sus reclamos, y restituidas todas las
posesiones que heredamos de nuestros mayores, y que hemos mantenido en
paz y en faz de todas las naciones del mundo, como tendrá el honor de hacerlo
personalmente presente a vuestra Gracia el Ministro Plenipotenciario que mi
Gobierno se propone constituir en esa Corte a la mayor posible brevedad.
Al hacer esta franca manifestacion, el Director del Estado de Nicaragua,
queda en la firme persuasion que el de Su Magestad Británica no podrá menos
de encontrar en su conducta, la prueba mas irrefragable de su disposicion
sincéra y constante por la paz y buena intelijencia entre los dos paises, y de
que Su Magestad Británica guiada por el mismo espiritu, querrá cultivar con
este naciente Estado, la armonía y buena correspondencia que apetese en
beneficio comun. -
Entretanto, &c. - - º.
(Firmado) SEBASTIAN SALINAS.
S
130
(Translation.)
My Lord, Government House, Granada, March 13, 1848.
I HAVE the honour to address your Excellency by express command of
the Supreme Director of the State of Nicaragua, with the important object of
communicating information to you, touching the questions which appertain to
the occupation of the port at the mouth of the River San Juan de Nicaragua, of
which I conclude you have received full intelligence from Mr. Frederic Chat-
field, your Consul-General in Central America, in order that the whole may be
brought to the knowledge of Her Majesty, your august Sovereign, and that
with regard to this matter, that fair and impartial judgment may be formed,
which is to be expected on the part of a friendly Government, whose dis-
tinguished sagacity and principles of moderation are the surest pledges of its
equity. - -
From the date of the 25th October of last year, 1847, when Mr. George
Hodgson, under the title of Senior Member of the Council of His Mosquitian
Majesty, made known to my Government the intention of taking possession of
the above-mentioned port of San Juan de Nicaragua, we are of opinion that it
has been proved, by arguments not to be contested either de facto or de jure,
that the Government of this State has not recognised, nor can it possibly
recognise, as a nation, the few scanty tribes wandering on the coast whose name
they bear; much less can it admit that they have the right of dominion which
they lay claim to over all that shore, so as to include the above-named port of
San Juan, which it is evident has belonged to Nicaragua from time immemorial,
and during an uninterrupted continuation of ancient and peaceful possession, as
your Grace will see in the note dated the 15th September, 1844, which
Señor Francisco Castellon, Minister Plenipotentiary of this State at several
Courts in Europe, addressed to his Grace Lord Aberdeen. Nevertheless, it
has never evaded the question, but being always disposed to discuss it with
the pacific and amicable measures suggested by natural reason, and counselled
by international law, it has sought to find a skilful agent through whose means
an understanding might be arrived at, but without success.
In fact, my Lord, neither the chief of the said Mosquito tribes, nor the
English agents who have effected the protection which the Government of Her
Majesty was disposed to extend towards them, showed an equal disposition to
come to an equitable arrangement; and the Government of Nicaragua, contrary
to all its hopes and expectations, has found itself in the sad and imperious
necessity of taking measures of defence against any aggression which might be
aimed at its territorial integrity. It appeared difficult, and even impossible,
that the Government of Her Majesty, which has been always so propitious to
the cause of American liberty and independence, should authorize its agents to
carry forcible intervention into a case which ought to be decided by reason and
truth, with a State which, though as yet nascent and feeble, has given no cause
to be treated, in the midst of peace, like an enemy who has provoked the just
vengeance of an offended nation. -
Such was the conviction of my Government, such was the opinion which
Her Britannic Majesty's Government had merited from it; it flattered itself
that its weighty interposition would offer the surest means of effecting what
was expected from the rights of justice and the counsels of prudence, and that
in this way the serious evils would be avoided which so deplorable a state of
things would necessarily produce; since your Government is the first which has
communicated to the world that spirit of moderation, and that respect for the
rights and possessions of independent States, which it professes with such
sincerity, and which it is desirous to instil in all other nations.
But all its hopes were unhappily disappointed. On the first day of the
month of January of this year, Mr. Patrick Walker, with the title of Regent of
the so-called King of Mosquito, presented himself in the port of San Juan de
Nicaragua, under the protection of a vessel of war, with the object of effecting
the occupation which had been intimated. In vain were all the measures,
proposed by an especial agent of the Government of this State, to enter into a
pacific arrangement; for the voice of reason was too weak to be heard in the
midst of the excitement which attended already the negotiation of this affair.
The agent of the State yielding, as it was natural that he should do, to a superior

force, made no opposition to the occupation of the said port, but addressed to
Mr. Walker, the protest of which I have the honour to inclose a copy marked
No. 1. That act should be considered not only as an outrage upon the flag of
the republic, which was lowered with approbrious and unusual noise, but also as
a declaration of war, not to be tolerated by my Government; Mr. Walker,
proceeding as he did in the name of tribes which it considers, though undis-
ciplined and barbarous, as subjects of the State, and who consequently merit
punishment by its laws as guilty of high treason: it was therefore neither con-
sistent with its power nor its duty, to permit the pacific enjoyment of an occupa-
tion acquired by violence and maintained by force. It was thus indispensable to
try all means of removing from the place those persons who under such auspices
had taken possession of a locality which my Government considered to belong
to the State; and with this intent, when the force departed from the port, the
new occupation of the 9th January was effected, in which two persons were
taken prisoners who exercised offices in the name of the invader; some other
inconsiderable trifles being taken at the same time. All this appeared conform-
able to the law of nations, and my Government understood that a moderate
exercise of this law could not offend any one, and much less the worthy Govern-
ment of Her Majesty the Queen of the three United Kingdoms, with which it
has always endeavoured to cultivate relations of amity and confidence, which
might serve not only for the maintenance of its political system, but also of the
peace and mutual intercourse of the two countries. -
After the affair of the 9th January, another event took place which it was
not possible to foresee, nor was it within the means of my Government to guard
against. Captain Granville G. Loch, in command of Her Britannic Majesty's
ship of war “Alarm,” arrived at the port of San Juan de Nicaragua, accompanied
by two other vessels, which forces penetrated into the interior of the river,
without having previously communicated with the commandant, who was
there by order of this Government, entrusted with the defence of the same;
and on the 12th of the following February attacked the forces which were
stationed at the point of Serapaqui. The forces of the State yielded with very
little resistance, and Captain Granville occupied the whole course of the river
with his vessels as far as the fort of San Carlos, which is situated at its
entrance, and upon the eastern shore of the great lake, whence he addressed
to this Government the communication of which a copy is inclosed, marked
No. 2. -
My Government, always disposed to preserve the good harmony and
cordial understanding with Great Britain, which must one day produce the
most grateful and salutary fruits in favour of the two countries, replied to
Captain Granville in the terms expressed in the copy No. 3. ... - - - -
In consequence of those communications the Government of Nicaragua
appointed the little Island of Cuba, situated upon this lake, for a conference
upon the points proposed by Captain Granville, naming as its representative a
commission of three persons, with sufficient powers to conclude a treaty which
might put an end to the differences which had been raised, and avoid a rupture
between the two nations.
In consequence the persons deputed by Nicaragua, proceeding in con-
formity with their instructions, offered to the commander of the British forces:
1. That Messrs. Hodgson and Little, taken in San Juan as agents of the
Mosquito nation, should be delivered up to him at a place to be agreed upon,
with the understanding that the delivery should take effect only under the idea
that the aforesaid commandant claims them as British subjects, a quality which
my Government could not have recognized in them, both being in the service
of an unknown Power, and especially Mr. Hodgson, who has admitted himself
to be a native of Bluefields, and of Mosquito origin, as is moreover undoubtedly
known from other sources; and under this quality he was claimed by the
British Vice-Consul, Mr. John Foster. -
2. Also to deliver up the flag and other articles taken in San Juan on the
9th of January, proceeding always with the understanding that they are
demanded by an Agent of Great Britain, and that this act of deference is per-
formed wholly in obedience to the consideration professed by Nicaragua to so
powerful and august a nation; a circumstance which must dispel every idea
that this State could have had the smallest intention of offending the British
flag, when our officers in San Juan lowered a flag unknown to us, which had
S 2
132
been forcibly hoisted there, and which, according to international usages, as
understood by us, could not be confounded with the British flag.
3. With respect to the assurance demanded by Captain Granville, that the
persons who occupied San Juan should not be molested, although it was the
duty of my Government to preserve the integrity of its territory, yet yielding to
the interest of a valuable friendship, it would on this account consent to leave
the port of San Juan in possession of the representatives of Great Britain as a
deposit, until the Republic of Central America, or the State of Nicaragua itself,
should send a Minister to the British Cabinet to discuss in our name the
question of the right of property in the said port. ',
4. That this Agreement being concluded, by virtue of which the hostages,
prisoners, and other effects which were in the power of the commandant of the
British forces, devolve to the State, the whole should be restored to the statu
quo of the 1st of January, until the question be decided between the two
Governments. The said commandant agreeing to these propositions, a pro-
posed treaty, drawn up in conformity with the same, was presented to him,
copy of which I inclose marked No. 4. What can be a more striking testimony
of the esteem and confidence felt by the Government of Nicaragua towards
Great Britain than that of intrusting one of our principal ports to its loyalty
and good faith ? *
The declarations of an English commander, too generous to misemploy
the position he was placed in with relation to this State, and too much
enlightened to prefer the doubtful rights of conquest to the measure of an
amicable negotiation which we were disposed to accept, were grounds and
motives sufficiently powerful to produce the expectation that the hour had
arrived for doing justice to a State which had employed no other means of
defending its rights than those of reason and of pacific demands.
But Captain Granville having unfortunately no other instructions than to
demand the giving up of the prisoners Hodgson and Little, to require explana-
tions upon the outrage which was supposed to be committed upon the British
flag, and an effective guarantee that the inhabitants of San Juan should not be
hereafter molested, the Commissioners of the State did not hesitate to sign on
the 7th instant the Treaty proposed by the aforesaid commandant of the British
forces, a copy of which is inclosed, No. 5, notwithstanding the hardship which
it involves in departing from the basis of reciprocity which ought never to be
refused in an agreement of this nature; but reserving the explanations which
they thought desirable to bring before the Government of Her Britannic
Majesty, my Government has ratified the Treaty under the authority of the
Constituent Assembly, to take effect for the whole term necessary to decide
definitively “the question between this Government and that of Great Britain
respecting the territory of the Mosquito coast, through the medium of a Diplo-
matic Agent who shall be appointed to that Court on the part of the Confedera-
tion, or of Nicaragua alone, both by virtue of Article 6 of the Treaty itself,
and in pursuance of a decree to this effect issued by the legislative power.”
In the meantime I am authorized to declare to your Grace that neither the
above Treaty nor the occupation of the port of San Juan, which is permitted
provisionally, can, by virtue of the same, exclude or prejudice in any way the
rights which the State really believes to appertain to it upon the said port and
territory of Mosquito ; and that its admission is not, nor ought to be, con-
sidered other than as a demonstration of friendship and acquiescence to Her
Britannic Majesty; with the confident hope that when the causes shall have
ceased which have created the difficulties that have occurred between the two
Governments, its claims will be heard, and all those possessions restored which
we have inherited from our ancestors, and which we have maintained in peace
before all the nations of the world, as the Minister Plenipotentiary which my
Government proposes to appoint to your Court with the least possible delay,
will have the honour of laying before your Grace personally.
In making this candid declaration, the Director of the State of Nicaragua
is firmly persuaded that the Government of Her Britannic Majesty cannot but
see in his conduct the most undeniable proof of his sincere and continued dis–
position to maintain peace and a good understanding between the two countries,
and that Her Britannic Majesty, guided by the same spirit, will be desirous of
cultivating with this youthful State the friendship and good understanding
which it desires for their mutual benefit. -
Allow me, &c. (Signed) SEBASTIAN SALINAS.
133
No. 35.
Viscount Palmerston to the Nicaraguan Minister.
Sir, Foreign Office, May 17, 1848.
I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the
13th of March last, stating by direction of the Supreme Director of the State of
Nicaragua, that the rights which that State claims over the port and territory of
St. John’s are not to be considered as excluded or prejudiced by recent events
at St. John's ; and that with reference to those events your Government pro-
poses to dispatch a Minister to the Court of London with the least possible
delay. -
I have the honour to state to you, in reply, that Her Majesty's Govern-
ment will feel great pleasure in giving the most friendly reception to the person
whom the State of Nicaragua may send to London to communicate with Her
Majesty's Government on the matters mentioned in your letter; and I shall be
glad to have an opportunity of expressing personally to that agent the earnest
and sincere desire of Her Majesty's Government to maintain the most friendly
relations with the State of Nicaragua. But it will be my duty at the same time
to explain to that agent that those friendly relations cannot be maintained unless
the State of Nicaragua shall respect the rights, and abstain from all aggression
upon the territory of Mosquito—a State which for more than a century has been
acknowledged and protected by Great Britain.
- I am, &c.
(Signed) PALMERSTON.
APPENDIX
APPENDIX.
Eatract from Macgregor’s “Commercial Tariffs,” part xvii.
THE Mosquito Territory has never been subjugated, nor occupied by Spain; and all
that Juarros, in his work on Guatemala, says, is scarcely more than alluding to the Mosquito
country under the names laid down in his map.
“Between the Provinces of Nicaragua and Comayagua, lie those of Taguzgalpa and
Tologalpa, inhabited by unconverted Indians of various nations, differing in language,
manners, and customs, and in a state of warfare with each other. They are but obscurely
known by the name of Xicaques, Moscos, and Zamboes. The English, who had a small
fort and a few huts on the banks of the River Tinto, used to trade with these Indians, but
have been obliged to abandon the post. . These two provinces extend along the coast on the
Atlantic, from the River Aguan to that of St. Juan, which space takes in the three
prominent points, Capes Camaron, Gracias à Dios, and Puenta Gorda.”
Nothing can be more imperfect than this description by an author who puts himself
forth as the geographer and historian of his native country.
According to the boundaries laid down in 1777–
“The Mosquito shore, in America, extends from the northern branch of the Desa-
guadero (evidently the San Juan), in 10° 21' to Cape Gracias à Dios, in 15° north latitude,
and from Cape Gracias ā Dios, in 82°40' to Cape Castile, or Cape Honduras, in 86° west
longitude from Greenwich%.” -
This boundary is far more limited than that claimed by the Mosquito Rings.
After the English were compelled to leave this, territory in 1787, in consequence of the
Articles quoted from the Treaty of 1783, we find the following remarks among the
representations made to the Government on the case of those settlers:
“In every society of men, from the most rude and simple associations up to the most
perfect and refined state of civilization, there is a natural public interest; which, by being
attended to, secures and promotes its felicity; but by being neglected, produces misery and
distress.
“This natural public interest may be more distinctly perceived and more universally
attended to in the first small and rude associations of men, than in extensive and civilized
nations; where improvement and art have divided men into various classes and ranks, which
give rise to various pursuits, counteracting each other, and often opposed to the general
interest of the whole. -
“The Mosquito Indians fall under the first of these descriptions, insomuch that their
natural public and private interest is, and uniformly has been, one and the same. It consists
in the unrestrained freedom of all the natural enjoyments of life. They range the woods
paddle on the wave, hunt, and fish, as inclination or necessity directs; and as extreme fatigue
affords them the sweets of repose, so the enjoyment of repose stimulates to labour, activity,
and enterprise. A most salubrious climate blesses them with every production, by sea añá
v * Mr. Roberts, in his interesting sketches of the Mosquito shore, says: “ Returning (in 1818)
frèn the coast of San Blas, we passed Porto Bello, and proceeded to Chiriqui Lagoon, which,
although far to the southward, is considered part of the Mosquito shore, under the jurisdiction of
the Mosquito King, who annually sends his admiral to collect tribute from the natives. Costa Rica.
extends to YPuenta Gorda, which is a short distance to the northward of the Rio San J uan, and may
tº the boundary of the real and nominal Spanish possessions on that part of the coast.
At Puenta Gºrda, the Mosquito Shore Proper may be said to commence; and we have met with the
small independent tribe of Indians called Ranias. From thence to Cape Gracias ā Dios, where the
Mosquito King Nincipally resides, the coast lies nearly north and south, a distance of about 220 miles.
From Cape Gracias à Dios, mearly north-west, and by west to the River Polock, the distance is about
100 miles. From \Little Roman River (within a few miles of Cape Honduras), it stretches to the
west about ninety miles, forming a sea-board or line of coast of about 410 miles in extent, -
which the Spaniards have never been able to form any effective settlement.”—p. 54.
upon







II.
land; and the pure gratification of natural unimpaired appetites gives them, perhaps, a
superior degree of pleasure and of happiness to that which is enjoyed by the enlightened
nations of Europe, who hold them in contempt. -
“Such was the situation of this innocent but high-spirited people, when the Spanish
invasions took place in America; as well as when the English adventurers first became
acquainted with them, in the beginning of the last century. Their love of liberty, added to
their natural bravery, impelled them to maintain in sovereign independency the possession of
their mountains, valleys, woods, lakes, and rivers; against the superior art, arms, and even
cruelties of Spain. One common interest united them with their new friends, the English,
as having one and the same common enemy (the Spaniard), who aimed at engrossing the
whole possession of the New World, in exclusion of all other nations. The view of the
Indians in this political connexion was protection; on our part, an impregnable barrier
presented itself in that portion of the world against the power of Spain, as well as the means
of forming important commercial settlements in one of the finest countries on the globe.”
Spain has certainly never conquered the aboriginal occupiers of this country; and the
inhabitants of this coast are at this day perfectly independent. The following sketches upon
the authority of the records of the Board of Trade and Plantations, will illustrate the British
connexion with a territory whose Prince and people continue to look up to England for
protection. - - . .
Some time after the conquest of Jamaica by the expedition sent forth by Oliver Crom-
well in 1656, the Mosquito King, with the concurrence of his chiefs and people, placed
themselves under the protection of Charles II; and the Governor of Jamaica, in the name of
his Sovereign, accepted this union, and promised them the royal protection. They continued
faithful to the pact; and whenever the British Crown declared war against Spain, they
readily acted as allies, with both vigour and success, against the common enemy”. It was
also remarkable that whenever peace was restored between England and Spain, the natives
of the Mosquito nation permitted the Spaniards to come into their country with confidence
and security, to trade with the subjects of Great Britain. A long time however had elapsed
before any regular British settlement was established on the Mosquito shore; but man
individual adventurers passed, from time to time, from Jamaica to that coast, and traded
with the natives for tortoise-shell, sarsaparilla, and deer-skins; and, under their protection,
bartered British commodities for Spanish gold. This transient commerce on the Mosquito
coast, and the logwood trade carried on by the British settlement in the Province of Yucatan,
on the western parts of the Bay of Honduras, Spain thought proper so unjustly to interrupt,
by capturing the ships of the British subjects in that part of the world, as to cause the
War of 1739, which continued to the Peace of 1748. Prior to this period, the Governor of
Jamaica had appointed justices of peace on the Mosquito shore, with authority (besides the
discharge of the ordinary duties belonging to their functions as justices) to decide commer-
cial questions of contracts and of debts. During the war, the importance of that country
was so fully understood, that the British Government dertermined to hold it under the
immediate sovereignty of Great Britain. The King appointed a Superintendent to preside
over the settlements on the Mosquito coast, and to cultivate and preserve the friendship of
the aboriginal inhabitants: and also to promote the interests and extend the commerce of
His Majesty’s subjects residing there. Captain Robert Hodgson, the first Superintendent,
proceeded, in 1749, with the command of 100 men drafted from the troops at Jamaica, and
took possession of the principal station at Black River, on the Mosquito coast, where he
erected a fort, mounted it with cannon, hoisted the royal flag, and kept up a garrison; thus
making a formal publication to all the world, and to the Crown of Spain, that the independent
country of the Mosquito coast was under the direct sovereignty and protection of Great
Britain+.
* Among the documents drawn up for the Government relative to the expulsion of the British
settlers from the Mosquito shore in 1786, we find the following statement respecting the country:-
“First, the uniformly steady and uninterrupted living evidence of the Mosquito Indian nation,
who have invariably transmitted from father to son, the strongest and clearest ideas of their inde-
pendency of Spain and its subjects, accompanied with sentiments and conduct of the most implacable
hatred and revenge towards the whole Spanish race, in retaliation of the enormous crueltics
universally attending their first conquest and domination in America. This chain of living testimony,
unbroken by the remembrance of any event which either reduced them as a people under the power
of Spain, or constrained them to receive in the remotest degree Spanish laws or Spanish magistiates
amongst them, remains as full and fair a proof of their real and perfect independency as any which
the laborious written records of any nation more enlightened could produce. . . . -
“Second, the history, exploits, and conduct of that very extraordinary class of men, known aſ
distinguished by the appellation of the Buccaneers of America, corroborate and confirm, illº
strongest manmer, this living testimony of the Indian independency throughout their territories;
Mosquito shore. For those buccaneers attacked the Spaniards in every part of their co
Mexico, Peru, and Chili; but the Mosquito shore they not only never attacked, but asgociated the
Mosquito Indians as fellow adventurers in their Spanish expeditions into the South Seas; and in their
repeated retreats from thence to the North Sea, over the Isthmus, they directed their gourse towards
Wanks River, which brought them into the territories of the Mosquito shore, and/ afforded them
always the warmest protection of the Mosquito Indians, as being Spain's most º: enemies.”
+ The following minutes of the Council of State at Jamaica, reported tºff the Lieutenant-
Governor, were by him transmitted to the Board of Trade and Plantations in 1773:—
“The Committee of the Board to whom your Honour was pleased to refer sundry papers, letters,
and examinations respecting the Mosquito shore, and the disturbances at present subsisting among the
hquests in









se º
*.
From this time, during the peace, and until the conclusion of the war of 1756, the
Mosquito Shore continued to be a military, federal, protected province of Great Britain. In
the Treaty of Peace concluded in 1763, Article XVII had no connexion whatever with the
Mosquito Shore; but the Ministers of the day seem to have but little understood the history
and importance of that country. In the negotiation they were imposed upon by the Court
of Spain, and gave orders, in 1764, for demolishing the fort at Black River, and withdrawing
the garrison to Jamaica. . They were soon afterwards convinced of the impolicy of this
decision, and approved of the conduct of Superintendent Otway, in refusing the Spaniards
admission into the country. Future administrations continued to support the settlements,
and to maintain the sovereignty of the Crown over the Mosquito Territory in such a manner
as to silence the pretensions of Spain to any dominion over it.
From the first establishment of a superintendent on the coast, and of a garrison at Black
River, the colony increased in population and prosperity, notwithstanding the various secret
attempts of the Spaniards to oppress the Indians and the settlements during his administra-
tion. The settlers perceived, from the royal instructions given to the superintendents, that
although the British Government declined to erect, immediately, the country into a British
province, it was considered very desirous to encourage and promote its commerce, and they
naturally concluded that the sooner they were able to bring its trade into a conspicuous
point of view, the sooner they would render, it expedient for His Majesty’s Ministers to
establish a provincial Government. With this view, the settlers and traders began to
purchase lands from the Indians, to plant sugar-canes, and cultivate cotton, cacao, and other
articles. . Eight of the principal settlers purchased a tract of land, said to contain a gold
mine, lying on the banks of Polloy River, and extending in length about seventy miles, and
thirty miles in breadth, on each side of it, known by the name of Alberapoyer. Their
motive in acquiring this large tract of country was to associate purchasers with themselves
from Great Britain, to work, the mine, improve the estate, and raise the importance of the
colony. To accomplish which they gave full powers to one of their number, Lieutenant-
Colonel Lawrie, the last superintendent of the Mosquito Shore, who was then going to
London on his private affairs. This purchase was made in May and June, 1771. Colonel
Lawrie, on his arrival in London, and previous to his enlarging the number of the pro-
prietors of the estate, brought the subject fully before Lord Hillsborough, His Majesty's
Secretary of State, and presented a memorial to him on the month of November following,
requesting to know what support might be expected from Government, on carrying the plan
into execution. His Lordship approved of the plan, and assured him protection. This
assurance of public support enabled him to accomplish his object in April, 1772, by a deed
of demise and declaration of trust, for dividing the estate into two-and-twenty shares; and
British settlers thereon, have taken the same into their most serious and dispassionate deliberation,
and now attend your Honour with their report.
“We find the number of inhabitants in 1770 to have been between 200 and 300 whites, about
200 persons of mixed blood, and about 900 slaves. The Mosquito Indians, so justly remarkable for
their fixed hereditary hatred of the Spaniards and attachment to us, were formerly very numerous, but
they were much reduced some years ago by the small-pox: their present number is from 7000 to
10,000. -
“An administration of justice by magistrates appointed by the Governor of Jamaica and courts
of quarter-sessions, have been settled there for many years, and a commission of superintendency,
amenable to the control and examination of the Governor and Council of Jamaica, has been granted
by the Crown. - - -
“The native Indians of this country have never been conquered by nor ever submitted to the
Spanish Government. The Spaniards never had any settlement amongst them. During the course
of 150 years, they have maintained a strict and uninterrupted alliance with the subjects of Great
Britain. They made a free and formal cession of the dominion of their country to His Majesty's pre-
decessors, acknowledging the King of Great Britain for their Sovereign long before the American
Treaty concluded at Madrid in 1670; and, consequently, our right was declared by Article VII of
that Treaty. The cession of the Indians to the British Crown has been frequently and very formally
repeated, particularly by the Mosquito King to the Duke of Albemarle, when Governor of Jamaica;
and this accumulation of British right was not impaired by the last treaty of peace. These appear to
us to be truths equally certain and motorious; and after this it is difficult to guess what can be said to
invalidate His Majesty's rights and acknowledged title to the sovereignty of the Mosquito shore.
“The climate, as we are well informed, is milder than in any of the West India islands, and the
air more salubrious; the lands, are everywhere well watered, and everywhere fertile. The soil, indeed,
is said to be rich in an uncommon degree. The necessaries and even the luxuries of life present
themselves on all sides; the rivers, lagoons, and sea, abound with excellent fish; and the coasts afford
the greatest number of the finest turtle, both for food and for the shell, of any country of equal extent
in the known world. The cotton-tree, the cacao or the chocolate-nut, and venelloes, flourish spon-
taneously all over the country; indigo, too, is a native, and appears to be of the same sort with that of
the neighbouring province of Guatemala, which is accounted the best of any. The Sligar-cane arrives
here to as great perfection as in any of the islands; and of mahogany and sarsaparilla, the quantity
exported annually is so great as to render the settlement already an object of no small importance to
the commerce of Great Britain ; no less than 800,000 superficial feet of the former of these articles,
and of the latter 200,000 lbs., exclusive of 10,000 lbs. of tortoiseshell, having been shipped to England
in 1769. The banks of the rivers and lagoons are equally well adapted to the growth of logwood as
any part of the neighbouring province of Honduras; and we have reason to think, from the nature of
this plant, that in the course of twenty or thirty years, a sufficient quantity may be raised in this
country to supply all Europe.” - T . - . -
iv
the new proprietors, to exclude every idea of fraud or imposition in acquiring so large a
property, obliged the original proprietors to obtain a renewal and confirmation of their first
grant, by the most approved mode of lease and release, and to enter the deeds in the records
of the settlement at Black River, all which was accomplished in the course of that year.
Such was the notoriety of this purchase, and such the approbation of Government, in carrying
it into execution. - -
In January 1775, an Embassy arrived in London, consisting of Young George, son of
the Mosquito King, Isaac, his brother, Captain Smee, and Captain Richards, two Mosquito
chiefs". This Embassy, amongst other objects of utility, had in view the rectifying of a
flagrant crime, which had been then often practised, of ships carrying off free Indians
belonging to the back Indian settlements, and selling them for slaves in North America.
Government attended to their complaints. A new system of administration was formed by
Lord Dartmouth in August, which Governor Sir Basil Keith put in execution in December
1775. This system consisted of a Council of Government, of which the Superintendent was
president, of a Court of Common Pleas, and of a Bench of Justices of Peace. Appeals were
to lay from the Justices of Peace to the Court of Common Pleas; from the Court of Common
Pleas to the Council of Government; and from the Council of Government to the Governor
and Council of Jamaica. Superintendent Hodgson was ordered home to London, and Sir
Basil Keith appointed John Ferguson, Esq. to act as Superintendent pro tempore.
In the month of May 1776, Mr. Hodgson was dismissed, and Colonel Lawrie appointed
to succeed him. Superintendent Lawrie set out immediately for Jamaica, received Sir
Basil Keith's commission as Commander-in-chief of His Majesty's subjects on the Mosquito
shore, and proceeded immediately to the principal settlement at Black Riverſ. He found
the Indians and settlers greatly distressed by the Spanish capture of the “Morning Star,”
while lying at anchor off Black River in April preceding, and by the recent desertions of
their negroes, encouraged by the conduct of the Spaniards towards the Indians and the
settlement.
In 1777, some of the principal settlers sent to England an assortment of sugars, rum,
indigo, bark, sarsaparilla, tortoiseshell, &c., in two vessels, the “Neptune” and the
“Hope;” the first in October 1777, the other about January 1778. The sugars of both,
and the sugars only, were refused admission at the customs, which obliged them to go to a
foreign market. The objection to admitting the sugars, was a clause in the 6th of George
III, c. 52, which declares “that sugars imported from British Plantations on the con-
tinent of America, shall be deemed French sugars,” and pay duties accordingly;.
* It is the custom of the Mosquito Indians to assume British names. Thus, the Mosquito
King called himself George, after His Majesty. His son, also, was named Young George, and was
sent to England to be educated. Isaac, the Indian King's brother, likewise assumed the title of Duke
of York; and the names Isaac, Smee, and Richards, were assumed from particular British subjects
whom they esteemed. This custom is continued at the present day. Jeremy, a king of the Mosquito
country, visited Jamaica in the reign of Charles II. He had previously executed a deed, placing
himself under the protection and homage of England; he then proceeded to England, and was
graciously received by the King. The successor of Jeremy was called Edward, who with his succes-
sors, George I and George II, all visited Jamaica, and went through the ceremony of homage and
claiming protection. This continued until 1787.
Young George, the Prince, and the other three chiefs, having finished their embassy, took their
passage on board the “Morning Star,” Captain Millar, bound from London to the Mosquito shore,
about the month of January 1776. Two Spanish guarda costas were then fitted out to intercept her.
Fortunately for the Prince and his companions, the vessel put in at Cape Gracias à Dios, where they
were landed; but on the “Morning Star” proceeding to her destination at Black River, the two
cruizers fell in with and captured her when lying at anchor in the roadstead. -
+ Governor Sir Basil Keith, of Jamaica, agreeably to a plan transmitted to him from His
Majesty's Government by the Earl of Dartmouth, issued a series of instructions on the 29th of
December following, consisting of twenty-one articles, for the reformation and improvement of the
civil police and government of the settlement established on the Mosquito shore, which were carried
into full execution in the month of January 1776; and that in the Royal Instructions accompanying
His Majesty's appointment of Superintendent Lawrie, on the 17th of May, 1776, the Superintendent is
not only directed (as all former Superintendents had been) “to promote the prosperity of the Settle-
ment, to improve the commercial advantages which might be derived from it;” but he is further made
acquainted with His Majesty's pleasure, “that he should forthwith transmit to Lord George Germaine
(as Secretary of State), through the hands of the Governor of Jamaica, an accurate account of the
settlement intrusted to his care, specifying its eatent, the number of its inhabitants, the nature and
amount of its then trade, and what further commercial advantages it was capable of affording.”
Under this mational unlimited encouragement of trade and commerce, the Alberapoyer estate, the
sugar, coffee, cacao, and cotton plantations, as well as the provision-grounds, the woodlands, and every
other species of landed property, forming the claims, had been and were openly, freely, and honestly
purchased of the Indians, by His Majesty's subjects, and remained protected and secured to them at
the conclusion of the treaty of peace in September 1783.-Case of the British subjects earpelled from
the Mosquito shore. -
f On the question being referred to the Lords of Trade, they gave a cautious opinion, as
follows:—
“Tuesday, April 27, 1779.
“Agreeable to the resolution of the 20th instant, their Lordships having again resumed the
consideration of the memorial of the inhabitants of the Mosquito shore, and having also read and
considered a second memorial of the said inhabitants upon the like subject, referred by Sir Grey
Cooper, under the direction of the Lords of the Treasury; and likewise a letter from Mr. Jackson,
y
The navigation on the coast had become insecure by the piratical capture of the
“Morning Star.” In July and August following, the sudden desertion of a body of
negroes, and the appearance of disaffection amongst those who remained, made it necessary
to proclaim martial law, which diverted the attention of the settlers from all kinds of business.
In the Spring of 1777, a conspiracy between the Spanish Governor of Panama, an Indian
Governor, and an English trader, was carried on against the colony. The correspondence
was detected and transmitted by the Superintendent to the Secretary of State at London.
Two Spanish guarda costas seized a vessel belonging to Jamaica at Pearl Quay Lagoon;
they made a prize of another belonging to Captain John Campbell, at Bluefields; burnt
there a third on the stocks; and having landed on the corn islands, they carried away a con-
siderable quantity of goods. In addition to these distresses, the Indians and the settlers
were kept in constant alarm this year and a great part of the next, by advices, from time to
time, of a Spanish armament against the coast, and of their raising fortifications about the
entrance of the River San Juan. Those circumstances were all communicated by the Super-
intendent to the Governor of Jamaica, and the Secretary of State at London; and at the
special instance of the Council of Government on the shore, the Superintendent requested to
be furnished with a blockhouse, arms, and ammunition, a few of the cannon formerly taken
from the shore, and a free company of a hundred, or even fifty men, not as soldiers, but
volunteers, for the preservation of their negroes, and for defending the roadstead. In return
to this application, Lord George Germaine transmitted a despatch to the Governor of
Jamaica, on the 4th of June, 1777, severely rebuking the Superintendent for having made
the request, “as being in direct contradiction to Article XVII of the Treaty of Paris.”
Yet had he not made it, the Superintendent must have been guilty of a most criminal
neglect; and acted in direct contradiction to his Lordship's official instructions, even as his
Lordship stated them in the very same despatch, which directed him “to apply himself to
establish good order among the inhabitants, to promote the prosperity of the settlements, to
improve the commercial advantages which may be derived from them, and to cultivate a
strict union and friendship with the Indians in those parts.”
The conduct of the Superintendent was never after called in question. In 1779, one
Terry, a man of great daring, formerly a British subject, but then a renegade in the pay of
Spain, attempted, in a Spanish vessel of war filled with presents and occupying the southern
parts of the coast, to induce the Indian chiefs to depose George the King, and place his
cousin, Prince Eugene, in his stead, who was to acknowledge the protecting sovereignty of
Spain, and drive the British colonists ont of the country. -
The Governor of Jamaica, early in the Spring of 1780 ordered an attack to be made
from Jamaica upon Lake Nicaragua, and directed that the Superintendent, with his people
from the Mosquito shore, should form part of this expedition. Being consequently left in a
defenceless condition, the settlement at Black River was put to flight in the month of April
following, by a body of Spaniards from Truxillo, who, after destroying a number of sugar
and provision plantations, returned to their former station; whilst the negroes, left to them-
selves, seized on the town of Black River Bank, and declared they would be free. To Sup-
press the revolt, Major Richard Hoare, Captain Farrall, and Captain O'Brian, who had been
expelled from Yucatan, and then resided on the Island of Roattan, assembled a body of
men under their command, consisting of the people of their own settlement, and a collection
of fugitive settlers from the shore. With this armament they proceeded to Black River,
where they opened a conference with the insurgent negroes, and granted freedom to a few of
the ringleaders; the rest su bmitted to pardon. Soon after this, Superintendent Lawrie
returned to Black River with the remains of the settlers, from the abortive expedition against
Lake Nicaragua, much reduced and in a precarious state of health. - -
The Mosquito shore was so far neglected by Government, that only twenty-one regular
soldiers were at Black River Bank on the 5th of March, 1782, when it was invested by sea
by three schooners, two sloops, two galleys, and pettyaugers. The Spanish forces advanced
on the 15th, from the southward, by Black River, with 1350 foot, 100 horse, and 350
Indian pioneers; on the 29th, from the westward, with 1000 men; and on the 30th a line-of-
battle ship and a frigate came to anchor off Fort Dalling, and under a heavy fire landed 500
men. To oppose this force, the Superintendent had twenty-one soldiers, the settlers, their
negroes, and some hundreds of Indians, all ill-supplied with arms, without ammunition and
without provisions. He skirmished with the enemy, and maintained his post until the 31st
of March. On the 30th the guns of Fort Dalling were spiked, and a retreat effected to the
Bank, where Captain Douglas of the militia, who commanded it, was captured by the
Spaniards. Agreeably to the Governor of Jamaica's orders, when in the face of a much
superior enemy, a council of war was held on the 31st, in pursuance of which a general
retreat was finally effected, attended with great suffering from scarcity of food, want of
clothing, and from sickness, to Cape Gracias à Dios. . . . . -
The settlers having thus been driven from Black River, assembled at the Cape
Gracias à Dios, expecting assistance from Jamaica; and the victory over the French,
stating his opinion upon the Act mentioned in the said memorials, they were of opinion that, though
the Mosquito shore is indisputably part of the great American continent, it cannot be considered as
one, or any part of one of the British Colonies or Plantations thereupon, in the sense or spirit of the
Act of the sixth of His present Majesty, but superintended dependently on the Island of Jamaica;
and, therefore, that the produce of the shore should not be made subject to the restrictions of the
clause in question.” . . . . . . . -- . . . . - .
T2
vi
obtained by Admiral Rodney in the month of April, enabled the Governor and Admiral at
Jamaica to turn their attention to the shore. A small squadron, with a detachment of
130 of the Loyal American Rangers, furnished with arms, stores, provisions, and presents
for the Indians, was fitted out and sailed from Port Royal on the 7th, and arrived at the
Cape on the 17th of August, to assist the settlers and the natives to expel the Spaniards
from Black River Bank. Here they found Superintendent Lawrie at the head of 800
settlers (Indians and negroes), determined, though in weak health, to proceed in four days
to the attack of Black River. The reinforcement gave the greatest animation to the expe-
dition, until they learned that Robert Hodgson, their former Superintendent, who had been
much disliked, was appointed to command them as a provincial colonel. But the settlers
and the Indians detesting him, and dreading the exercise of his authority, unanimously
refuse to be commanded by him. The settlers and Indians, in concurrence with the
Superintendent, conferred the command on Captain Despard, a provincial colonel, though a
junior officer. Major Lawrie, the Superintendent and Commander-in-chief, willingly accom-
panied the expedition as a volunteer. The armament proceeded from the Cape on the
26th of August; landed at Plantain River on the 28th, where they were joined by a num-
ber of free men and negroes in that neighbourhood, and by Captain John Campbell, who
with about 150 volunteer negroes, had attacked and carried Fort Dalling from a like
number of the enemy. On the 29th the whole body, consisting of about 1000 men (of
which there were only 80 regular troops), advanced to the bluff at the mouth of the
Black River; and on the 30th they encamped on the banks of the lagoon opposite the town.
Here the enemy opened a conference with Colonel Despard, which ended in a capitulation,
by which the town surrendered on the 31st of August, with 715 regulars and their officers
as prisoners of war. All the western boundaries of the shore were soon after recovered, after
having been five months in possession of the Spaniards.
After the most deliberate discussion on the subject, it was determined by the British
Government to retain the Mosquito Shore under British protection and sovereignty. With
this object in view, Article VI of the Definitive Treaty with Spain, concluded in September
1783, restricts the evacuation of His Majesty's subjects to be only “from any other parts (than
those expressly given to them by the said Article) whether on the Spanish continent or in
any of the islands whatsoever dependent on the Spanish” continent.”
From September 1785, until July 1786, the respective claims of England and Spain
to the Mosquito Territories were discussed; and on the 12th of July, 1786, it was announced
that the territory was to be delivered up to the Crown of Spain. This abandonment of
the country and its inhabitants was considered at the time by the British people a most
profligate surrender.
It was with the most painful reluctance, and only in obedience to positive orders, that
the British settlers slowly and discontentedly left their plantations. Many of the Creoles
and people of colour, as well as some of the Europeans, preferred remaining at all hazards.
For a long period they, or their descendants, resided unmolested, and comparatively com-
fortable, in their old possessions, particularly at Bluefields, Pearl Kay Lagoon, and other
places on the coast, which were by them and their Indian friends considered English
settlements.
The actual number of persons, exclusive of the aborigines, under the British jurisdic-
tion in the year 1757, according to the account of their Superintendent, Colonel Hodgson,
was about 1100 souls; and in the year 1770, Mr. Edwards estimated the number at 1400.
The greater part of them were settled at Black River, Cape River, and Brancmans:—the
former place, where the British had erected a small fort, was the only one of the deserted
settlements which the Spaniards dared even attempt to take into their possession; but they
were immediately driven from it by the Indian general, Robinson. The remainder of the
British at Cape Gracias à Dios, Sandy Bay, Pearl Kay Lagoon, the Corn Islands, Bluefields,
Punta Gorda, Brewers Lagoon, Plantain River, Mizticoe Creek, and other parts of the coast,
as far southward as Chiriqui Lagoon, were never molested. They owned twelve merchant-
vessels, several of them in the European trade, the others constantly trading to Jamaica and
the United States; and their exports of mahogany, Sarsaparilla, tortoise shell, and mules;
together with specie, indigo, cacao, hides, and tallow, got in barter with the Spaniards,
were very considerable, and daily increasing.
Of the great national advantages of this country there is now no reason to doubt. The
ill-judged plans of a remarkably brave, and gallant man, General Sir Gregor Mac Gregor,
and the imprudent administration of those who seconded his attempts, gave rise to gross
misrepresentations of the Mosquito Country. There is sufficient proof that several parts of
it are decidedly more salubrious than any one of our settlements in the West Indies.
It is well known that if men are located in low marshy ground, in the neighbourhood of
stagnant water, the consequences are injurious to them in every country, but more especially
in a hot climate; but in dry situations similar to the Valiente and Bluefields settlements,
* The dispute between the two Crowns, immediately previous to adjusting the Treaty of Sep-
tember 1783, was, whether the term Spanish, or the term American, continent, should be used in
this Article; and it was agreed in favour of the first. Now the Mosquito shore was no part of the
Spanish continent, but a part of the American continent possessed by the Mosquito Indians, as
independently of the Crown of Spain as any of the other parts of America possessed by other
independent States and Powers. Therefore the evacuation comprehended in this Article had no
relation whatever to that country.
vii
where the waters quickly run off, Europeans, generally speaking, enjoy an almost uninter-
rupted state of health, and live to a good old age. In such situations, the general mass of
European cultivators could with safety perform more than double the work done by the
Valientes, or any other tribe of Indians. Many of the dry savannahs and fine ridges are
equally healthy; but it is in the interior, on the banks of the rivers, that agriculturists
should form settlements; and many thousands could find such situations in the hilly country
behind the Kharibee settlements, without putting any of the native residents to inconvenience.
According to Mr. Roberts—
“The mosquitos, the sandflies, and other insects—the poisonous reptiles, and wild
beasts, of which so much is said in England, are, as regards the situations alluded to, mere
bugbears to frighten children; the former are only troublesome on the low sandy beaches
and swamps, some settlements being entirely clear of them, and the latter seldom come
near the habitations of men, or do any harm. It has been asserted, and I am more
inclined to confirm than deny it, that nearly the whole line of coast from Cape Honduras
to the River San Juan, is free from those violent hurricanes which sometimes rage with
such destructive fury in the West India Islands; and it has also been affirmed that the
same tract of country is not subject to those dreadful eaathquakes which have so often
shaken, and at one time or other almost entirely destroyed the Spanish American towns
towards the Pacific Ocean, spreading death and dismay amongst the wretched inhabitants.”
The Mosquito Country affords almost inexhaustible supplies of cedar, mahogany,
Santa Maria wood, rosewood, and many other exceedingly valuable timbers may be
obtained on the coast and on the banks of all the rivers in the interior; dye-woods,
gums, drugs, and medicinal plants of various descriptions, are plentifully dispersed all
over the country. On the "savannahs are reared considerable numbers of cattle, and
innumerable herds could be pastured on the plains close to the shore, as well as in the
interior. The soil is well adapted to the cultivation of sugar, coffee, cotton, tobacco,
indigo, and all the other productions of a tropical climate; rice and Indian corn might
be produced, to supply the whole of our West India possessions. Such are the resources
of a country which has been shamefully neglected, though not altogether abandoned, by
England. ſº - -
If we examine all the circumstances bearing upon the claims of right to possession and
occupancy, and if we consider that Spain has lost all dominion on the continent of America,
we are reasonably led to the conclusion that the Mosquito Territory is still an independent
country, and one over which Spain never had the least control or occupation. It is evident
that mone of the anarchical States of Central America have any right by occupation or by
recognition to the Mosquito Country. If we contend that the country is independent, a
question arises as to how far its King or rulers, and more than all its inhabitants, are under
the protection or sovereignty of England. The English from Jamaica, and all who speak
the English language, who have frequented it since 1787, have found the same favour
among the people as formerly ; the Spanish races continue to be, as formerly, detested and
held as enemies. Mr. Roberts's accounts of the coast, as well as all the more recent infor-
mation we have received, are perfectly conclusive as to the accuracy of these facts. The
misfortune has been that the Mosquito Kings themselves, and the Zamboes, the people who
possessed most authority, have manifested but little wisdom or justice in the country.
B
Evtract from Bryan Edwards. Account of the British Settlements on the M.osquito Shore.
Drawn up for the use of Government in 1773.
IN regard to the right which Great Britain has to the dominion of this country, the
following facts appear to me to be clear and incontrovertible: namely, that the native Indians
of this country, have never been conquered by, nor did they ever submit to, the Spanish
Government; that the Spaniards had never any settlement among them ; that, during the
course of upwards of one hundred years, they have maintained a strict and uninterrupted
alliance and friendship with the subjects of Great Britain; that they have made a free and
formal cession of the dominion of their country to His Majesty’s predecessors, acknowledging
the King of Great Britain for their Sovereign, before the American Treaty concluded at
Madrid in 1670; that this cession of the Indians to the British Crown was accepted on
behalf of the King of Great Britain, has been frequently and very formally repeated by the
natives, and finally, that this accumulation of British right was not impaired by the last
Treaty of Peace. These positions, I say, appear to me certain and indisputable.
The first two are admitted by the Spaniards themselves. In regard to the next,
namely, the alliance of the natives with the subjects and Crown of Great Britain, and their
submission to its Government, previous to 1670, the following circumstances, which, I
presume, may be abundantly confirmed by original papers now in the Plantation Office, are
recorded by Sir Hans Sloane, who was himself present in Jamaica when the Mosquito King
in person applied to the Duke of Albemarle, Governor of that island in the reign of King
James II, to renew his allegiance and to crave protection.
viii
“The memorial and substance,” says Sir Hans, “ of what he (the Mosquito King) and
the people with him represented to the Duke of Albemarle, was, that in the reign of Charles I,
the Earl of Warwick, by virtue of letters of reprisal, possessed himself of several islands in
the West Indies, particularly that of Providence (since called by the Spaniards St. Catalina),
which is situated 13° 10' north latitude, lying east from Cape Gracias-á-Dios (vulgarly
known by the name of the Mosquitos) between thirty and forty leagues; which put the said
Earl upon all ways and means of future correspondence with the natives of the said cape and
neighbouring country; and, in some little time, he was so successful as to gain that point,
and prevailed with them so far as to persuade them to send home the King's son, leaving one
of his people as hostage for him, which was Colonel Morris, now living at New York. The
Indian Prince going home with the said Earl staid in England three years, in which time the
Indian King died, and the natives, having in that time intercourse and commerce with those
of Providence, were soon made sensible of the grandeur of His Majesty of Great Britain, and
how necessary his protection was to them; upon the return of the said Indian Prince, they
persuaded him to resign up his authority and power over them, and with them unanimously
declare themselves the subjects of His said Majesty of Great Britain;" in which opinion,
continues Sir Hans, “they have ever since persisted, and do own no other supreme command
over them.”—Hist. of Jamaica, 1st edit. vol. i. p. 76. - . . - *
In the month of June, 1670, the famous American Treaty was signed at Madrid, of
which Article VII stands as follows:– - - -
“The King of Great Britain, his heirs and successors, shall have, hold, and possess, for
ever, with full right of sovereign dominion, property, and possession, all lands, countries,
islands, colonies, and dominions whatever, situated in the West Indies, or in any part of
America, which the said King of Great Britain, and his subjects, do at this present hold and
possess; so that in regard thereof, or upon any colour or pretence whatever, nothing may, or
ought ever to be urged, or any question or controversy moved, concerning the same, here-
after.” Let us now refer to the last Treaty of Peace, of which Article XVII is as follows:
“His Britannic Majesty shall cause to be demolished all the fortifications which his subjects
shall have erected in the Bay of Honduras, and other places of the territory of Spain, in
that part of the world, within four months after the ratification of the Treaty,” &c. .
From ignorance, as it would seem, that the first of these Articles ever existed, or from
some most unaccountable misapprehension and misconstruction of the second, has solely
arisen any doubt of His Majesty's just right to the sovereignty of this country; for it must
be remembered that the Mosquito shore is no part of the Bay of Honduras, nor was it ever
esteemed as such by the Spaniards themselves, as plainly appears by every chart of this coast
in use among them. The Bay or Gulf of Honduras extends from Cape Catoche in north
latitude 21° 0', west longitude 86° 20' (reckoning from London), to Cape Honduras, in
latitude north 16° and west longitude 85° 55'. From Cape Honduras to the northern branch
or mouth of the Lake Nicaragua, commonly called St. John's River, in latitude about 10° 25',
lies the sea coast of the country commonly called the Mosquito shore; a country on which the
Spaniards never had any footing, claim of occupancy, or possession, from the beginning of the
world to this day. If they had they relinquished it by the first of the foregoing Articles; for
the native Indians of this country, who had happily preserved their freedom and indepen-
dency, amidst the general carnage and desolation which the Spaniards had spread over the
territories around them, had already applied for and obtained the British protection;
acknowledging the King of England for their Sovereign, as we have already shown ; so that,
in fact, they were included in the very words of the above Article, being at that time, to all
intents and purposes, subjects of the British Crown. This, their submission to the sove-
reignty of Great Britain was not only most solemnly renewed by the Mosquito King in
person to the Duke of Albemarle, when Governor of Jamaica, as before stated, but it is a fact,
not to be denied, that they have made it a point to give to almost every succeeding Governor
fresh assurances of their allegiance; in consequence of which Great Britain did, for upwards
of a century, afford them protection, and has for many years constantly distributed annual
presents among their native chieftains. In the year 1741 a regular establishment of troops,
under the command of a superintendent, was fixed there; and an administration of justice
by magistrates and courts of quarter session was constituted in 1744, which continued to
subsist under the auspices of Government, till the last peace, when the troops and military
stores were removed, and orders given to dismount the guns and dismantle the fortifications
which our people had built for the protection of themselves and their faithful friendly allies,
the native Indians, who were now to be exposed to the implacable resentment of a Power from
which they had everything to dread, and by which, but for our protection, they had long ago
been exterminated. These unpolitic orders were evidently grounded on a most unaccount-
able notion that the Mosquito shore was part of the Bay of Honduras; an astonishing
instance of inattention, to call it by no harsher name. As it is no part of the Bay of
Honduras, so neither is it any part “ of the territory of Spain in that part of the world;” for
admitting the Spanish claim of prediscovery of the whole of this coast, aided as it was by the
benevolent grant of Pope Alexander VI, and admitting even (which I have shown is not the
case) that the subjects of England had no intercourse with the country previous to the con-
clusion of the American Treaty in 1670, will it be pretended, in a nation so enlightened as
ours, that circumstances of this kind are sufficient to justify the pretensions of the Spanish
Crown to enslave a free people, who, if not subjects of Great Britain, are, by the laws of God
and the unerring dictates of human nature, free at this day to yield allegiance to what Power
they please?
C
Will of His Majesty the King of the Mosquito Nation.
I, Robert Charles Frederic, King of the Mosquito Nation, being mindful of the
uncertainty of human life, do hereby declare that in the event of my death, it is my will
and pleasure that the affairs of my kingdom shall be continued in the hands of the Commis-
sioners appointed by me upon the nomination of his Excellency Colonel Macdonald, Her
Majesty's Superintendent, to be by them managed, conducted, and administered, under the
sanction and approval of the said Colonel Macdonald, with the functions and powers of
Regents, during the minority of my heir. And that all and every the resolutions entered
into and concluded upon by the said Commissioners in board and consultation assembled,
shall stand as permanent laws of my kingdom; they, the said Commissioners, having full
power to amend or alter them as may be expedient from time to time, saving and excepting
the resolution which establishes, by my express desire made to the said Commissioners, that
the United Church of England and Ireland shall be the established religion of the Mosquito
nation for ever.
And I do hereby constitute the said Colonel Macdonald and the said Commissioners
guardians to my children, the Princes George, William Clarence, and Alexander, and the
Princesses Agnes and Victoria, charging them, the said Colonel Macdonald and the said
Commissioners, as guardians, that they do cause the said children to be educated in the doc-
trine and discipline of the United Church of England and Ireland, and that the expenses of
their support and education shall be defrayed out of the revenues of the Mosquito nation.
And further, that such annual allowance be made to Juliana, my Queen, as the Board
of Commissioners with powers of regents aforesaid, may be able to appropriate to that
purpose out of the revenues.
In case of the demise of the said Colonel Macdonald, the said Commissioners as guar-
dians and regents aforesaid shall apply to the Government of Her Majesty the Queen of
Great Britain to fill up the vacancy occasioned by his death.
And further, that in case of the demise of any one or more of the Commissioners,
guardians, and regents, the survivors of them, with the concurrence of the said Colonel Mac-
donald or his successor, such successor being appointed as aforesaid under this document or
deed, shall have liberty, power, and authority to fill up such vacancy.
I also give to the said Colonel Macdonald and the said Commissioners power to add to
their number, as they may deem proper.
In publishing and declaring this my will and desire, I earnestly entreat that Her Most
Excellent Majesty the Queen will graciously continue that protection to my heirs and mat on
which my forefathers have so long received, and which has preserved the peace and
tranquillity of my dominions. -
Given under my hand and seal, at the Government House, Belize, this 25th day of
February, 1840. - -
(Signed) R. C. FREDERIC, [Seal]
King of the Mosquito Nation.
In the presence of -
W. MASKALL,
J. Mc Don ALD,
JoHN YOUNG, Judges of the Supreme Court of Honduras.
W. GUILD, -
H. SYMons,
Truly recorded this 26th day of February, 1840.
(Signed) H. SYMONS, Keeper of Records.
* * ... -º x- ..f * * - w . . . . . » . . .
- * * * > - - - - - - - & - , ' - #
- ...~ - s - - * - k - -
-- • - - - *. * * ~ * -
- - - - ** , * * -- . . .
- & - *. - * * s - - : -
- - . 4. - y r
- f 4. ~ - . .
- - e - - - -. -- - '. -
- 3. ** * . . . . .
... -- * , , - . - - tº - 2- . . . .
r - . - - - - x. • ~x. - . . * . . - .
6Z6 9. # - - . . - - - - - - *... ~ , k - , * : * - .
- - . - - . . ... ." - . -
l - * * ** r - - - - . . *
t - --- - - - - ---- - - - - - * .* --
“, . • , , - . . . . . .
$1..., As-tº-is ºs-ºsie.