Mr. Burton to Mr. Seward
Sir: In answer to despatch from the department, No. 124, I have to state that his excellency President Murillo has assured me that the directions given by him to the government of Panama, on May 15th, 1865, a copy of which was handed to Major General Sickles, will he observed by the authorities of that State.
An article on this subject, cut from a Washington paper, (the Republican, I think, from the type,) sent to the British minister here, has excited some interest at the British and French legations. The French minister had before endeavored to learn from the President the object of General Sickles’s visit here, but without success; it is probable an explanation will be demanded here and at Washington. I presume the explanation of this cabinet will be according to the facts; that we are entitled by treaty stipulations to the free transit of the isthmus [Page 453] for all purposes, and as a compensation for this are solemnly pledged to preserve its neutrality, property, and sovereignty to Colombia against all the world; and should any nation fail to respect the will of this republic as to the rights thus guaranteed, it will be the duty of the United States to interfere to cause it to be respected; and this, by virtue of the treaty of December 12th, 1846, and not on account of any new arrangement, concluded by General Sickles, or any one else.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
P. S.—Since writing the foregoing the President said to me, in a confidential conference, that I had anticipated truly the answer he will give if called on for any explanation in regard to the matter.