Mr. Merry to Mr. Hay.

No. 214.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith the letter of Sr. Sanson, secretary of foreign affairs of the Republic of Nicaragua, alluding to my visiting Managua. Since it was written events have occurred there which impress me with the advisability of my going there promptly, in the public interest.

Yesterday I sent you the following cable: “Have received information rebellion in Nicaragua may be very serious. I have to suggest your instructions to visit capital of Nicaragua the next steamer, Punta Arenas, leaving the secretary of legation San José.” To this I have just received your cable authorizing the trip, and have arranged to leave Punta Arenas on 22d instant for Corinto and Managua, hoping to reach the latter city on 24th p.m. Any cables you may desire to send after that date I respectfully suggest should be addressed to Managua, but letters should continue to come to San José whence they can be read by the secretary of legation and forwarded by him via Punta Arenas in about same time as would be necessary via Panama direct to Managua. The Government here, yesterday, received advices from their customs station at the junction of San Carlos and San Juan rivers that General Reyes is in possession of San Juan del Norte and advancing up river; that the Chontales Coast of Lake Nicaragua is also in revolt against the Zelaya Government; that Reyes had abundant money when he started from Bluefields, and 5,000 rifles with proper ammunition. The force he has with him is unknown further [Page 552] than as before stated: About 300 men, including about 20 Americans and other foreigners also. I am informed to-day by reliable Nicaraguan refugees that just prior to the Bluefields revolt most of the leading conservatives at Leon, Grenada, and Rivas left their homes for the Chontales Coast east of the lake to join the insurgents. I now feel assured that the Mosquito Coast interests of American and British citizens are protected by naval vessels, and as the conflict is likely to move inland it is my impression that I can be of service at Managua, whence I will write you soon after arrival, and, if necessary, cable either direct or via San José, to which place I can telegraph fully if desiring to communicate more promptly by mail than is possible via Panama.

With assurances, etc.,

William Lawrence Merry.

Mr. Sanson to Mr. Merry.

[Inclosure.—Translation.]

Mr. Minister: The Secretary of State of the United States, in a communication of the 16th last month, informs me that on the 6th December last instructions were given your excellency to present to this Government your credentials. Your excellency may be certain that you will be received with particular favor by the Government and people of Nicaragua, always interested in drawing closer the relations that bind them with the nation that your excellency worthily represents, to-day, above all, that the realization of an interoceanic canal through our territory interests so much the future of the two Republics.

I repeat to your excellency the assurance, etc.,

J. Sanson.