It seems probable that the captain of the British man-of-war and the
vice-consul at Greytown were acting with the knowledge, if not under the
instructions, of their government.
The British minister here assures me he has no knowledge of anything that has
been done in relation to the Mosquito question, as reported by Mr. Freer,
and I believe he has no instructions on the subject.
[Inclosure in No. 315.]
Mr. Freer to Mr.
Williamson.
United
States Consulate at San Juan del Norte,
Nicaragua,
December 11,
1874.
Sir: By the mail of to-day I had the honor of
receiving your dispatch of November 12th, dated at Managua, and also,
from the minister of foreign affairs, Mr. Battle’s commission and
exequatur.
In reply to your inquiries about the “person who calls himself the King
of Mosquito” I have the honor to make the following reply, at the same
time referring you to my dispatch of November 20th, which I trust has
reached you before this.
As suggested in my last dispatch, above referred to, I have visited
Blueflelds, and, after an absence of two weeks, find myself much
improved in health. A very cordial welcome was extended by the citizens
of the place on my arrival there, including a salute, a public dinner,
and an address of welcome. All this was against my wishes, but could not
be avoided without giving offense.
To the address, which contained many useless and bold declarations
regarding Mosquito and the desires of the people to see our flag waving
over all Central America, I replied in general terms, saying, in
substance, that I presumed their cordial reception was in honor of a
nation that loves peace and liberty, and that earnestly desires the
prosperity and happiness of all people, more than of myself, its humble
representative, and assured them that only for the purpose of benefiting
commerce had Mr. Battle been named as our representative there.
Much satisfaction was expressed at Mr. Battle’s appointment, and I found
him to be an intelligent gentleman, who will, no doubt, make a careful
and efficient officer.
The chief I did not see, he having left for a place some twenty miles
above, the night previous to my arrival. It was well understood that his
confidential adviser induced him to do this to avoid meeting me, and his
action was strongly condemned by the magistrate in charge of the
government during his absence.
After my arrival, and without my knowledge, these gentlemen sent him a
letter, urging him to return and see me as a mere act of courtesy on his
part, and also to be prepared to meet the English man-of-war daily
expected. To this request he replied very insolently, as they thought,
but as I cared nothing about the matter took no pains to learn his exact
words.
During my stay in Blueflelds I secured the confidence and friendship of
the people, and became acquainted with the condition of affairs in the
Mosquito government.
The chief is not a badly-disposed youth, and I apprehend would conduct
affairs far better than those who are advising him. His confidential
adviser, attorney-general, &c., is one Cuthbert, a Jamaica negro,
and a subject of Great Britain, as in fact are all the principal officers of his
government. This Cuthbert is a cunning, unscrupulous fellow, with far
more assurance than ability, and has acquired complete control over the
chiefs actions. In my judgment it is clear that it is the influence and
acts of the English subjects connected with the chiefs government, and
many others, claiming like protection, stimulated I fear by the passive
support of the authorities of Jamaica, that have produced the present
state of affairs. These people, under Cuthbert’s leadership and advice,
have decided in their extraordinary wisdom that the treaty of Managua of
January 28, 1860, is of no more force or validity, because Nicaragua has
failed to pay the balance of the indemnity. I mistrust that this view of
the matter was suggested to them in Jamaica, as it was well understood
that an English man-of-war would soon follow their (the chief and party)
arrival in Mosquito.
[Page 157]
The acting British consul here has been, until the arrival of the
sloop-of-war Eclipse on the 29th November, wholly ignored, the Mosquito
government corresponding directly with the admiral at Jamaica, and in
their correspondence the necessity of a war-vessel was urged for the
following reasons, in substance: First, that Mr. Paten, late British
vice-consul here, who fell into the bayou back of the town and was
drowned, while in a fit of intoxication, was murdered by some of the
Nicaraguan citizens of the place. Second, that the rights of British
subjects were in danger. Third, that Nicaragua contemplated asserting
complete authority over the reservation, regardless of the stipulations
of the third article of the treaty; and fourth, that the balance of the
indemnity would not be paid without a demand from Great Britain.
In reply to these requests the sloop-of-war Eclipse, Capt. John E.
Erskine, commanding, was dispatched from Jamaica, arriving here on the
29th November, and after a short stay proceded to Bluefields, with the
acting consul on board. Not finding the chief there, she sailed for Corn
Island, leaving instructions for him to follow her there. This he did,
accompanied by Cuthbert and Vice-President (?) Patterson. The consul
informs me that a careful and thorough investigation was made into all
the complaints and grievances submitted by them, and that Captain
Erskine will make a full report upon his return to Jamaica. While I
could not learn the exact character of the report, yet, from what I have
ascertained from the consul, I feel assured it will be of such a nature
as to insure a formal demand for immediate payment of the indemnity.
The Eclipse left here on the 8th instant for Jamaica, via San Andrews. It
seems a little strange that she visited Corn Island, and will call at
the island of San Andrews. The visit to the first was entirely
unnecessary, and to the second unusual.
The Indians appear to be well satisfied at present with the chief, though
they evidently do not entertain the confidence and faith in him that
they reposed in the former king. He pays but little attention to the
business of the government, the most of his time being occupied in
horse-racing, shooting, and like sports. I inclose herewith a copy of
the proclamation* issued by
him on his return from Jamaica in September last. It is an extraordinary
document, or rather an absurd one, but indicates pretty clearly the
feeling of the British subjects residing in Mosquito, and also of the
Blue-field Creoles. It was evidently inspired in Jamaica. The original
is a formidable-looking paper, being 8 feet in length by 2 in breadth,
printed in capitals.
The United States steamer Kansas will arrive here during the coming week,
touching on her way to Key West from Aspinwall.
Political affairs in Nicaragua remain as when you were in the republic. A
meeting of the merchants of this place called to consider the propriety
of loaning money to the San Juanillo Canal Junta, unanimously decided
not to do so. It is feared by them that the success of the project, or
rather the commencement of such a work, will cause an increase of
duties, and the money raised sent to the interior and expended as has
been done for so many years past.
I again assure you of my regret at not seeing you while in Nicaragua. If
possible I will meet you in Granada in March, and secure you quick
transit to San Juan. Please excuse the length and haste of this
dispatch.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. Geo. Williamson,
United States Minister at Guatemala, Central America.
