Mr. Dickinson to Mr. Seward,
No. 124.]
Legation of the United States,
Leon, Nicaragua,
January 8, 1867.
Sir: I transmit herewith a copy and translation
of a note which I have received from the Nicaraguan government,
narrating a late unsuccessful attempt to subvert this government, and a
copy of my answer thereto.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Page 687]
[Translation.]
Señor Cortez to Mr. Dickinson
National Palace, Managua,
December 27, 1866.
Mr. Minister: In the midst of peace, which
has been so happily enjoyed, a lamentable and criminal incident
occurred on the 25th instant, at 11 o’clock at night, which was
perpetrated by a small number of men who, abusing the lenity with
which the government has treated them, and blinded by party
passions, have not stopped short of carrying their opposition into
crime in their disgraceful attempt, although the authorities have
made justice their exclusive profession. The combined plan was to
assault the cuartel of this capital by means
of bribing the soldiers on the outposts of the garrison, for which
purpose they prepared a sufficient quantity of opiated liquor to put
the guard to sleep, as they could not otherwise count on men enough
with good arms.
Everything was prepared on the night indicated, and about 30 of the
conspirators had met in a particular house, when the plot was
discovered and disclosed through the activity of the military
authorities, who surprised them in the act of carrying out their
intentions, and, after meeting with a little resistance, captured
nearly all of them, resulting in two deaths and a few wounded of the
party.
The government being then at Masaya, and on its return from a visit
to San Juan del Norte, accelerated its march to this capital,
arriving the morning of the 26th, and immediately proceeded to take
the necessary measures for the punishment of such of the
conspirators as were discovered, and to prevent a repetition of
similar acts.
In the other portions of the republic there has not been the least
disturbance of order, the people showing themselves to be obedient
to the constituted authorities, and indignant at the disturbers who
would by paltry passions subvert the peace and the tranquillity
which have been so long and happily enjoyed.
I have the honor to put you in possession of these facts that you may
impart them to his excellency the President of that republic,
reiterating the distinguished consideration and esteem with which I
subscribe myself, Your obedient servant,
Hon. A. B. Dickinson, Minister Resident,
&c., &c., &c.
Mr. Dickinson to Señor Cortez
Legation of the United
States, Leon,
January 8, 1867.
Mr. Minister: Your esteemed note of
December 27 is received, and it is with profound satisfaction that I
learn from it that the present able and vigilant chief magistrate of
this republic has again suppressed the vain attempt to subvert his
government.
I forward by this mail the agreeable news to my government, and
sincerely hope that a long and happy peace may be in store for this
republic.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Señor Rosalio Cortez, Minister for Foreign
Affairs, &c., &c., &c.
