Mr. Burton to Mr. Seward
Sir: Among the unauthorized contracts celebrated in London by General Mosquera, late Colombian minister in Great Britain, and now President of this republic, were three for the purchase of three steamers, with a considerable quantity of arms and ammunition, and which have been confirmed by the congress. The contracts will be found in Diario Oficial No. 662, and the law approving them in No. 686 of the same journal.
The steamers, supposed to have belonged to the rebel blockade-running service [Page 551] , have arrived in Colombian waters, one on the Atlantic and two on the Pacific. They are a positive burden to the nation. The arms and ammunition have been received by the government.
These are among the transactions mentioned in Nos. 249, 250, 252, 253, and 255, and are reported as showing in part the burdens which weigh on the Colombian treasury.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.