The Papers of Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar, Volume IV, part 2

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PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BUONAPARTE LAMAR

to some point on the Pacific; - and this I think is probably true; in as much as some of the Members of the National Assembly have been enquiring whether the United States would permit such an enterprise or not. The idea is a popular one; - not from any desir.e for public improvement, but on account of the hope which it inspires that a work of that kind, constructed with French capital and French labor; and owned and controled by by [sic] Frenchmen, would lead to the build- ing up of a French power in this country, which would be able to keep the Americans in subordination. Such are the hopes and desires of those who control the destiny of this nation. I do not suppose that said Belly has promsed them anything in the name of his Government; but I am certain that there prevails in this country a strong impression that France and England - as soon as they can have a pretext for so doing - will unite with Nicaragua and all Central America in a war . against the United States. The nation is looking forward to this event; and the strong belief that it will sooner or later take place, has much to do in shaping the present policy and measures of this Govern- ment." - No 10. 28 May 1858. No. 2632 1858 May 30, MIRABEAU B[UONAPARTE] LAMAR, MANAGUA, [NICARAGUA) TO SEBASTIAN MORENO, [MANA- GUA, NICARAGUA] Plans for a trip together. A. Df. S. 1 p. No. 2633 [1858 May ?], T. F. MEAGHER, SAN JOS:l!J, [COSTA RICA] TO M. B. LAMAR, [MANAGUA? NICARAGUA] 86 San Jose M[ ?s1] My dear General, I took the [opportunity] of dropping you a line 88 by the [last] steamer, with regard to the contemplated overthrow of the Iryssarri Treaty This, as a loyal American citizen, I considered it my duty to do. I sincerely trust the letter reached you safely - The success, so far, of the Anti-American conspiracy (of which M. Felix Belly is the chief instigator) has given rise to the most vicious delight amongst the paltry statesmen and their dupes in this quarter - Visions .of a French Protectorate appear to embolden them and give confidence to their purpose of excluding the United States (as far as ever it is practicable) from any fraternal co-operation or political influence in Central America - I regret truly it has not been in my power to pay you a visit - were it only for two or three days - I repeat my assurance, however, that it will greatly delight me to be the Bearer of any messages or documents

""A. L. S. "Words missing where document is torn. 88 No. 2618.

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