Mr. Crosby to Mr. Seward.

No. 12.]

Sir: * * * * * * * *

With all deference I beg to call your attention to the project of colonizing the free blacks of the United States upon lands in Central America. It appears to me by so doing the influence of our government may be made to act directly upon this country, and have much influence in shaping its policy and future destiny; at the same time operating as a check upon the encroachments of England, or other European nations.

In this view I submit for your consideration that the government of the United States arrange with that of Guatemala for the colonization of free blacks upon the territory of Guatemala, lying on the Atlantic side, and embracing the port and country around St. Tomas, and also the port of Livingston, at the mouth of the Rio Dulce, and thence extending settlements up the Dulce, on the borders and around the Lake Isabel.

By reference to the map of Guatemala you can see the importance of this location, embracing the country north of the state of Honduras, and extending to the south line of the colony of British Belize, which is defined by the river Larstoon. The front on the Atlantic is not very great, yet it embraces the important outlets of the Rio Motagere and the Rio Dulce, which afford facilities of water transit for an interior, and large breadth of very rich, healthy, and fertile lands.

I have personally visited and travelled over all this section of country, and speak of it from my own observation and personal knowledge. In my opinion, it is in every aspect the most desirable location and section of country on any part of this continent for the successful development of the project of colonizing free blacks by the government of the United States, or by the humane and Christian efforts of private individuals or societies.

At Livingston there is now a small settlement of blacks, and most of the very sparse population settled at isolated spots are of negro origin. Therefore there would be no conflict of races if our free blacks from the United States were to be introduced and settled on these lands.

Besides the colony of British Belize, which lies to the adjoining north, would present them with neighbors of their own race, speaking their own language, and with the same religious sentiments. These are circumstances that would at once establish good relations between the new emigrants and those with whom they would be first brought in contact, and to my mind they are most important considerations for the success and contentment of the new colonists.

The proximity of these ports to the southern coast of the United States and the facility and cheapness of transporting the emigrants is another important consideration.

Besides, whatever supervision our government might deem necessary could be conveniently given at these places, as they are so immediately under observation.

If you desire, and will so direct, I will, with pleasure, prepare a statement of [Page 882] the geography of the country, its climate, soil, and productions, and the kind of industry most proper to be encouraged, and also forward to you for your inspection some of the cotton, coffee, rice, sugar, corn, and other productions of this particular section of country, with suggestions as to the proper time and mode of introducing settlers, its capacity to maintain a large population, and such other facts and pertinent matters as I may deem of interest to you.

With every deference I submit whether the establishment of such a colony at the points indicated would not have the effect to divert the trade of this country very much towards the United States, and materially increase the influence of our government in shaping the future policy of Guatemala as well as the adjoining States, besides checking, without cause of offence, the future encroachments of the English colony of Belize upon the territory of the republic of Guatemala.

I confidently assure you that President Carrera would personally favor this project. And it is a great point gained to have the co-operation, if such an arrangement were desired, by the government of the United States with that of Guatemala.

Would it not be worth the effort to direct the attention of President Carrera away from the schemes of the monarchists of this country to the principles better harmonizing with our own. And may not this be done in connexion with the colonization of free blacks from the United States, whereby two good things may be done at one and the same time. And should you so direct, I would give to this work my most hearty efforts, firmly believing it can be accomplished with every success.

I have the honor to be, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,

E. O. CROSBY.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.