Mr. Sullivan to Mr. Hanaberg.
Dear Sir: I thank you from my heart for the warm friendship which you have expressed for me in the three letters which I have received from you at this place, and it would afford me great pleasure to spend some time with you and my friend Captain Foster of the war steamer Osceola, had not duty called me to Bogota at the very earliest moment I can leave here for there, which I hope will be in the course of the next two weeks.
The Rayo is, and I fear will continue to be, a source of much trouble, but we must [Page 1006] deal with these troubles in a cool, deliberate, and firm manner; but, in every instance, we must act upon good and sufficient evidence only.
I regret the murder of one of the crew of the Osceola by his comrade. If possible, and circumstances should permit or justify, the murderer ought to be sent home for trial.
The blockade of this coast is a farce; our commerce, our mail facilities, the lives and property of American citizens residing in this country, require, at least, two of our war steamers to cruise along this coast during the existence of this rebellion.
All communications between here, Santa Martha, and Bogota, are suspended by the operations of war.
The people of this city have had to make up for General Lopez about $20,000. He has departed from here with two fast steamers, and about five hundred regular troops, for Banco and Bogota. But it is generally believed here that he will not be able to cut his way (which he will have to do) through the opposing forces of General Riasco. It is feared that Baranquilla may soon be taken and held by some of Riasco’s forces from Santa Martha.
I am, very sincerely, your obedient servant,
Augt. S. Hanaberg, Esq., &c., &c., Carthagena, United States of Colombia.