Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams
Sir: The republic of Nicaragua has heretofore requested that the United States would lend their good offices in support of certain representations which that republic had then already made, or was about to make to her Majesty’s government concerning the questions of administration over the Mosquito Territory, arising under the treaty between those two powers. The United States replied to the government of Nicaragua that Mr. Adams would make known to Lord Stanley the very ardent desire of the President of the United States that the subject might be treated amicably by her Majesty’s government; but that before the United States could properly adopt any more urgent measures, it would be necessary to receive more explicit information from the government of Nicaragua concerning the questions at issue. The republic of Nicaragua [Page 179] has now laid before the government of the United States its statement of the questions referred to. I communicate that statement for your information.
Perhaps it might not be improper for this government to pronounce an opinion at this time upon the case as thus ex farte presented, but such an expression of opinion would be justly liable to the objection that it was made without authentic information of the antagonistic positions of the British claimants. It is desirable, on the part of this government, to avoid the premature-assumption of grounds which there might be ultimate occasion to relinquish. The President has, therefore, thought it proper that the statement made, on the part of Nicaragua should be transmitted to you, with instructions to exercise your usually sound discretion after you shall have acquired a full knowledge of the views of the British claimants. You will, however, apply freely to this department for special instructions if you find it necessary or expedient to do so.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.