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of its reception, and would have gladly done so with all the warmth which its generous courtesy inspired, but for the· new matters of in- terest which immediately followed the completion of the treaty, and the continual occurrence of important events which have so engrossed my attention since, as to leave me no leisure, until the present moment, for private correspondence. If I have contributed in any manner- as you are pleased to intimate-either in my indiv_idual or official char- acter, to allay the asperities of the past, and to smoothe the way to a better understanding and more harmonious relations between our re- spective governments and people, I have only effected what my mission was designed to bring about; and in the performance of this duty, I beg leave to say, that I have been guided as much by my own desire and impulses, as by the instructions and policy of my government. It is true, my mission commenced under very unpromising circumsta~ces. I had many difficulties to contend against -prejudices to combat; -pas- sions to allay; and misconceptions to remove; but it is a source of gratification to know that my steady perseverance in the cause of peace aind friendship, has not been unattended with good results. Having toiled so long against the apprehensions and suspicions natural to a people who had suffered the evils of every form of war, and brought about at last a better state of feeling, I should be loth to see your fine country convulsed again by any untoward circumstances. The treaty between Nicaragua a.ncl the United States is now adjusted to the sat- isfaction of both parties, and is as liberal on the part of the former as any American citizen can reasonably desire. That it will be ratified by our Senate, I haYe no doubt; and those who shall attempt to dis- turb the tranquility and good relations it establishes, by marauding invasi01ns of your territory, must assume a very high responsibility. Whatever justification the fillibusters may have claimed by virtue of your own invitation for their first entrance into Nicaragua, they can no longer plead it, in the face of the liberal provisions and friendly spirit of that treaty. That treaty opens the door to every American who chooses to enter the country as a peaceful and law-abiding citizens. And what more can a good man require that this? Any attempt, therefore, under these circumstances, to seize upon the country by un- provoked and lawless aggression, is equally a violation of the laws of the United States, as of those of Nicaragua, and cannot fail to draw clown upon its authors the reprobation of every unprejudiced and think- ing mind. I am confident that such a system of rapacity and murder will never receiw the sanction of the American people, or be tolerated by my government, so long as Nicaragua shall adhere to, and abide by the treaty in the same good faith in which it was ma_cle. It is there- fore, to be sincerely hoped that your people will not allow any feeling of distrust and insecurity to be engendered in their minds, nor permit the relations, now so happily existing between the two countries, to be destroyed by the selfish counsels or malign influences of those whose machinations are inspired more by their hatred of my nation than lty any sincere regard for the welfare of yours. No man can be the tr:ue friend of Nicaragua who would sow the seeds of discord and stnfe between her and the United States, which I cannot but regard as the natural friend and, in the last resort, the protector of Nicaragua. I address you from my rural home in Texas, where, should you ever
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