Mr. Rodriguez to Mr. Sherman.
Washington, April 17, 1897.
Sir: Conformably to our conversation of yesterday, I have the honor to address this communication to your excellency.
My Government desires to transport troops and implements of war from a port in Honduras, or from the Confederation, to any port in the same State, on the Atlantic or Pacific, with the object of reestablishing order along the first of the above-named coasts; and in the event of being able to charter, for this purpose, American vessels, it trusts the consuls of the United States at Ceiba and Trujillo, or at any other place along the said coasts, will put no obstacles in the way. My Government solicits this friendly office of your excellency without prejudice to the right which it may have in accordance with international law.
I reiterate, etc.,