Mr. Morrell to Mr. Seward.
Sir: Respectfully referring to my dispatch No. 9, dated 8th instant, accompanying copies of correspondence between the Prussian consul and this government in reference to a proposed naval station for the North German Union in the bay of Limon, I have now the honor to inform you that the Prussian consul here, I believe, will strenuously urge upon his government the expediency of promoting the formation of such a company as is suggested in the latter portion of Mr. Volio’s letter.
In my opinion, it would be a good thing for this country if such a project could be carried out, as it needs settlers above all else for the development of its many resources; and it need be no cause of dissatisfaction to the United States, for the clause in Mr. Volio’s letter, “if the conditions set forth are acceptable,” covers a wide ground; and such a company, unless its members should become naturalized citizens of this country, would be on no other footing than all other foreigners. Should they become naturalized, so much the better on all accounts.
I remarked in the dispatch above referred to that I would “advise our representatives in the other Central American States of this affair, and send them copies of the correspondence by the next mail.” On reflection afterwards, I considered that there was no great necessity for sending copies, especially after the comprehensive extracts contained in my letters to them. Still, inasmuch as I promised the copies in those letters, I resolved to send them, only, however, with the special consent of Mr. Secretary Volio, as I had asked them of him in the first place with a view to their transmission to the Department of State. He not only consented readily, but seemed pleased to have them sent.
I mention this circumstance for the purpose of asking, as there are sometimes occasions requiring the communication from one legation to another of advices, documents, &c., though rarely so in time of peace, perhaps, whether I have erred in deeming this to be such an occasion. My sole motive for the proceeding was, that there might be a similar application made in some of the other States, either on the Atlantic or Pacific, especially on the latter, as Nicaragua, Honduras, and Salvador, [Page 333] all have some very eligible ports; and in such a case it would be well to have the decided negative answer of Costa Rica known.
In default of instructions for my guidance in conducting the affairs of the legation, I am obliged to rely almost exclusively on my own judgment; and if I sometimes err I hope it will be on the right side. My aim is to make all my intercourse, written or otherwise, characterized by truth, justice, and comity, regulated by such common sense as I happen to possess, which last, if fortunately combined with tact and judgment, may for most practical purposes answer in place of the wisdom which I am sorry to say I lack.
I have the honor to subscribe myself, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.