Mr. Merry to Mr. Hay.
Bluefields, Nicaragua, April 23, 1899.
Sir: I have the honor to advise my arrival here on the 21st instant at 1 p.m. on board the U. S. S. Detroit, accompanied by the Hon. Joaquin Sanson, minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Nicaragua. Deeming it good policy to permit Mr. Sanson to communicate with the local authorities prior to my landing, I did not accompany him on shore, but sent for Mr. Clancy, the United States consular agent here, to come on board at once.
He arrived at 6 p.m. and remained all night; gave Commander Dayton, Consul Sorsby, and myself latest information relating to the condition of matters at Bluefields. In company with Commander Dayton, the United States consul, and consular agent, I landed yesterday, the 22d instant, and, accompanied by the former, paid an official visit to Colonel Torres, who is, as you are aware, here as the “executive delegate” of President Zelaya. We were pleasantly received by Colonel Torres and General Estrada, after which Commander Dayton returned on board to await further information. I found the five American mercantile houses with closed doors and the American flag hoisted over them. At 8 p.m. the Government band serenaded me at the hotel, Colonel Torres having advised me thereof when he returned my official call. The telegrams and dispatches of Consul Sorsby have informed you of events to date, and I shall have the further honor of addressing you thereon by this mail.
With assurances, etc.,
United States Minister.