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PAPERS OF MIRABEAU. BuoNAPARTE LAMAR
respect for property, and the loyal agreement of the people with the Government were producing such abundant fruits, when foreign events seemingly lamentable for Central America, perhaps in the incompre- hensible mysteries of human evolution, come to interrupt that peace- ful and happy progress. Sufficiently known to us are the many scandalous happenings in Nicaragua which puts all the good sons of Central America on guard. Notwithstanding our sustained principle of neutrality, the many dif- ferent grave circumstances, which were coming up, the dangers which were threatening, all made the public voice pronounce itself since the end of the last year in favor of undertaking a war against the army of adventurers which was increasing with rapidty in number and power in the center of our States scattering alarm everywhere, for redeeming Nicaragua enslaved on account of it; and sheltering the existence and tranquility of our beloved nationality from a treacherous blow. C~p.- vinced of the risks which· were surrounding us, in agreement with the Governments of Guatemala, San Salvador, and Honduras, supported by the unanimous national opinion, I called you on the 25th of Feb- ruary in order to present to you our situation face to face with the filibusters who subjugated the neighboring State challenging us with audacity. Influenced by my own convictions you granted me full power for making war on them. Youth, valiant, and devoted, re- sponded quickly to my call to enlist themselves under the flag of our Country.- Everything then was joyous, enthusiastic, happiness and patriotism.- It was the first time that in Central America a war was undertaken that reason and humanity did not condemn.- Thus within the country as well as without this decision was applauded with joy. Let us go on.- The enemy resolved for some time to combat us, blinded by their pride, and the incomprehensible scorn with which they viewed us, invaded our territory: in it was shed the first blood, and in Santa Rosa our arms won their first laurels putting the fili- busters to disastrous flight.- Provoked, invaded and triumphant, it was not honorable nor possible to wait for auxiliaries or allies.- We continued our victorious march and on the 9th of April we were mas- ters of the ports of San Juan del Sur and the Virgen, and the impor- tant city of Rivas.- The Key to communications between the Pacific and the Atlantic was in our possession a month after going out from this capital.- The royal road of the filibusters was cut short.- The 11th of April Walker with his army attacked us in Rivas. The vic- tory placed in his hands by chance, instantaneously, it is reconquered by our brave troops with a valor insuperable, obliging him to flee at daybreak on the 12th with the rest of the mangled host, in the midst of the darkness, the mortality and the fright. The need of caring for our wounded and of waiting the reenforce- ments sought, in order not to abandon the very important line of interocean transit obliged me to stop our victorious march, remaining in Rivas until the end of April, when suddenly the cholera appeared in the Costa-rican ranks, the contagion spreading death among them.- We knew nothing of the allied forces.- It would be imprudent to advance or to remain in that infested city, deprived of resources at the beginning of the plague and of the winter rains. It was necessary to retreat, postponing ter.minating the campaign, but leaving our
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