Mr. Burton to Mr. Seward
Sir: Appearances, so far, indicate that the administration of General Mosquera will fail to bring to the country the repose so anxiously looked for, and thus rescue it from the sad condition described in my No. 197. The close of [Page 537] President Murillo’s term found the nation greatly demoralized, and general discontent and painful apprehension seem to have taken possession of the public mind since. The belief is very general among the best judges of events in this unfortunate country, that it will soon be again in a state of civil war; perhaps within a few months. Numerous recent signs tend to confirm the reasonableness of this fear.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.