[Extract.]

Mr. Dickinson to Mr. Seward.

No. 144.]

Sir. * * * * * * * *

I transmit herewith a copy of my note to the minister for foreign affairs of this government, announcing the action taken by the United States government in regard to the questions in debate between Nicaragua and Great Britain relative to the Mosquito territory, as set forth in your despatch, No. 98, and a translation of the answer thereto. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. B. DICKINSON.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

Mr. Dickinson to Señor Ayon.

Sir: I have the pleasure to transmit to you herewith a copy of a dispatch which I have received from the Secretary for foreign affairs of the United States, stating the position assumed and the action taken by the government of the United States in reference to the questions pending between the governments of Nicaragua and Great Britain relative to the Mosquito territory.

Trusting that the prompt and friendly measures taken by my government in this important matter may effectually aid in maintaining the sovereignty of Nicaragua unimpaired in the territory of the Mosquito Reserve, I have the honor to be, with high consideration, your excellency’s obedient servant,

A. B. DICKINSON.

His Excellency Señor Don Tomas Ayon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, &c., &c., &c., Managua.

[Translation.]

Señor Ayon to Mr. Dickinson.

Sir: With your official note, dated 17th instant, I have had the pleasure of receiving the copy of that of the 23d of November anterior, from his excellency the Secretary of State of the United States, referring to the question pending between the governments of Nicaragua and Great Britain in regard to the territory of the Mosquito coast.

It is very gratifying for this government to obtain from the illustrious government of the United States the just qualification of the right with which Nicaragua [Page 644] maintains that question, and anticipates its probable termination through the good and pacific offices of the cabinet of Washington and the rectitude of that of Great Britain. Be so good as to express to the minister of state the gratitude of my government.

In relation to the new bases proposed by the transit company, I should say to your excellency that even without the mediation of the offices of the government of the Union in the question of the Mosquito territory, the government of Nicaragua is disposed to agree to those concessions which are compatible with the well-known interests of Nicaragua, as I have had the honor of repeatedly manifesting to your excellency, and also to the agents of the company.

I reiterate to your excellency the assurances of my high consideration.

TOMAS AYON.

Mr. A. B. Dickinson, Minister Resident, &c, &c, &c.