Mr. Koerner to Mr. Seward.
Sir: In reply to your despatch No. 87, of the 6th of May, 1864, which refers to the proposition of the government of Hayti to offer its mediation in [Page 30] the conflict between Spain and the people of Santo Domingo, and the suggestion of the Haytian government, for the United States, England, and France to support this proffered mediation, I beg leave to submit some remarks.
It is generally supposed here, in official and unofficial circles, that Hayti, if not at the bottom of the insurrection of the Dominicans, is, at least, aiding it. It is true that Mr. Madion, the minister resident of Hayti at this court, is protesting against this assumption, and does his best to remove this impression, but with little success.
I have not the slightest idea that Spain will accept any sort of mediation on the part of Hayti, nor indeed on the part of any other power, France, perhaps, excepted. * * * *
I do not think that the present struggle to subdue the insurrection in Santo Domingo owes its existence and continuance to any fear or jealousy of the United States. Most statesmen of Europe have long since formed the opinion that for years to come we will lack the power of aggression, even if the Union were reconstructed, which, as a general thing, they all disbelieve.
* * * * *
Your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., Washington.