Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
No. 1752.]
Department of State, Washington,
May 1, 1866.
Sir: I enclose for your information a copy of a
communication of the 11th ultimo, from Señor Manuel Maria Gautier, of
the department for foreign relations of the Dominican republic, in
regard to the disposition of that government to make a definitive treaty
of peace with the government of Hayti. It appears from the note of Señor
Manuel M. Gautier that the French and English consuls residing in the
country of Saint Domingo have been informed of the desire of the
government, and have been requested to use their good offices in
bringing about the agreeable result; provided, however, that the
government of Hayti, as a preliminary to further negotiation, will
acknowledge the unconditional independence and autonomy of the Dominican
republic. With a view to obtain the sentiment of her Majesty’s
government upon this matter, I will thank you to sound the Earl of
Clarendon, to endeavor to obtain from him information whether if we will
address Hayti and Domingo desiring the establishment of harmony and
peace, the government of Great Britain will concur.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
Same, mutatis mutandis, to United States
minister at Paris.)
[Translation.]
Señor Gautier to Mr. Seward.
department of
foreign relations—god, country, liberty!
Santo Domingo,
April 11, 1866.
Mr. Secretary: The undersigned, secretary
of state for foreign relations of the Dominican republic, is
especially instructed by his government to send the Secretary of
State of the United States a copy of the despatch of the 7th
instant, addresed to the French and English consuls residing in this
city, declaring the good dispositions that animate the Dominican
government to make a lasting treaty of peace with the government of
Hayti.
The Dominican government would have been pleased to find a
representative of the United States in this city of sufficient rank
to have informed him of the above declaration, but as there is none,
it has thought proper to address it to your excellency.
The Dominican government has always desired peace with Hayti, and now
gives official expression of its sentiments, believing it acts
honorably, as every government that has self-respect; and thinks
this the more necessary at this time, as the government of President
Geffrard is adopting the most contrary policy on our southwestern
frontier, encouraging an insurerection, and furnishing men, arms,
money, and munitions of war. This has been done since the cabinet of
General Baez received Salnave and his companions, and prevented them
from fighting against the government of their country.
The government of the undersigned has documents to prove these
facts.
The high consideration that the government of the United States has
had for the Dominican republic, particularly since your excellency
had the kindness to visit our capital, and the well-known spirit of
justice in all the acts of the great American nation, prompts the
government of the undersigned to hope that its loyal intentions in
this affair may be impartially judged by your excellency.
The undersigned embraces the occasion to repeat to your excellency
the sentiments of his most profound respect and distinguished
consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State of the United
States.
Circular to the consuls.
[Translation.]
Santo Domingo,
April 7, 1866.
Sir: The undersigned, secretary of state
for the office of foreign relations of the republic of Dominica, is
charged by Ms government to inform you and your worthy colleague
(the
[Page 115]
British or French
consul) residing in this city, as former mediatorial agents between
the republics of Dominica and Hayti, of the following:
Ever since the inauguration of the government of which General Baez
is President, his whole attention has been directed to the perfect
pacification of the country. The mere defensive attitude of the
Dominican republic, confined to the preservation of its territory,
besides justifying its sincerity, excuses it from overtures of peace
negotiations. In the opinion of the government of the undersigned,
the first steps towards reconciliation ought to be taken by the
government guilty of the first hostilily; and this is more
reasonably expected, as in driving the foreign invader from the soil
the Dominicans have served the interests of Hayti, politically
speaking, as much as their own. Yet, as peace, reciprocal
convenience, the cause of humanity, and civilization are concerned,
the Domincan government does not derogate from its honorable
character in making advances in a way that may tend to strengthen
interests of so much importance. In virtue whereof the cabinet of
which the undersigned is a member does not hesitate to instruct him
to say to you that it is favorably disposed to conclude a definitive
treaty of peace with the republic of Hayti, provided, as a
preliminary to further negotiation, it will acknowledge the
unconditional independence and autonomy of the Dominican
republic.
He respectfully requests you to transmit this declaration to the
representative of your government in Port-au-Prince, authorizing him
to make it known to the government of Hayti, and leave a copy if
desired.
The government of the undersigned desires to have the official
acknowledgment of this act and its justification recorded in the
most authentic manner. As it is not in the power of the human mind
to predict the evolutions of future policy, it is but just that
events should always find nations, both great and small, in the
position they may have chosen.
The undersigned embraces the occasion to renew to your excellency the
sentiments of his distinguished consideration.
To the Consuls of
his Imperial Majesty and her Britannic
Majesty.
A true copy:
M. M. GAUTIER.
