Mr. Dickinson to Mr. Seward.
No. 29.]
Legation of the United States,
Nicaragua,
September 13, 1862.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith
copies and translations of two notes with which my messenger has just
arrived from the minister of foreign relations of this republic,
expressive of the opposition of the government and people of Nicaragua
to negro colonization within the borders of the republic.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Translation.]
Mr. Zeledon to Mr. Dickinson.
National Palace,
Managua,
September 12, 1882.
Sir Minister: I have had the satisfaction
to place before his excellency the president the communication of
your excellency, in which you are pleased to manifest that the
government of the United States does not entertain designs to
colonize free negroes in the territory of Central America against
the wishes of the people and government of this republic.
His excellency the president of Nicaragua is pleased to see confirmed
the sentiments which he always expected of a government friendly and
respectful of the rights of other people, in which hope he trusted,
notwithstanding the rumors and publications which alarmed the people
of Nicaragua. Through our minister in Washington he has already
manifested to the government of the United States the repugnance of
the people and government of Nicaragua to the establishment in her
territory of colonies under the protection of another government,
and even without that, especially to the colonization of free
negroes; but it may not be amiss here to repeat it to your
excellency, which I now do in answer to your esteemed despatch above
named.
I have the honor to remain, with sentiments of respect and esteem,
your excellency’s obedient servant,
[Translation.]
[Confidential.]
Mr. Zeledon to Mr. Dickinson.
Managua,
September 12, 1862.
My Dear Sir: I have had the pleasure to
receive your valued favor of the 10th instant, through our mutual
friend, Don Pedro Alvarado, as also the official communication of
the same date and substance, the answer to which accompanies
this.
It is true that various publications in the newspapers of New York,
inviting associations for colonization in Nicaragua without having
obtained the sanction of this government, in connexion with the acts
of the United States Congress, authorizing that government to
procure transportation and colonize free negroes
[Page 898]
under its protection in suitable
countries, and the design of the President to prefer Central
America, have excited a feeling of opposition among the people of
Nicaragua against such colonization. And this government has, in
order to prevent it, instructed its minister in Washington to notify
that government of its repugnance to consent to it, being persuaded
that the government of the United States respects, and will respect,
for its own honor, the sovereignty and the territories of the
Spanish-American nationalities.
Therefore, your esteemed despatch and letter, which I answer, is a
gratifying confirmation of the opinion which the government of
Nicaragua has for that of the United States, and the sentiments of
kindness and friendship which your excellency cultivates in
Nicaragua with such good results.
I take the present occasion to present to your excellency my most
distinguished regards, and remain your obedient servant.
Mr. A. B. Dickinson,
Minister resident of the United
States.
