[Extract.]
Mr. Burton to Mr
Seward
No. 190.]
Legation of the United States,
Bogota, August 11, 1865.
Sir: * * * * * *
I also attach paper B, addressed to him, (Commander George Henry Preble,)
concerning the apprehended hostile invasion of the State of Panama, by
persons from other States of the republic. This invasion will be very
likely to take place before long.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. Willliam H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washing ton,
D. G.
Mr. Burton to Commander
Preble,
No. 4.]
Legation of the United
States, Bogota,
July 1,
1865.
Sir: The President of Colombia informed me
to-day that he is advised that armed men from other States are
preparing to invade the State of Panama for the purpose of making
war against its authorities and people, and expressed it as his
opinion that such an invasion would be a violation of the neutrality
and sovereignty of the isthmus, which the United States are bound by
treaty to secure to Colombia. I regret to say that I am without
positive instructions on this point. It is, however, my opinion that
the President’s views are reasonable, and that while carefully
avoiding any interference in the local affairs of the State, except
for the protection of American interests, it is our duty to prevent
its invasion by armed force from abroad if called on to do so by the
proper authority of the republic, vested at present, as the
President informs me, in General Santos Gutierrez.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Commander George Henry Preble, Commanding United States Steamer State of
Georgia, Aspinwall.
