Mr. Seward to Mr. Coggeshall.
Sir: Your despatch of October 28, No. 12, has been received. I thank you for the information it gives concerning supposed negotiations by British bondholders with the government of Ecuador, for the purchase of the right of soil in the Galapagos islands. The United States lay no claim to those islands. I do not understand that the fact of their ownership by Ecuador is established. Not being prepared either to concede or to controvert it, I reserve any expression upon that subject. If Ecuador is invested with the title to those islands, I know no reason upon which this government could question the right of Ecuador to convey the soil to such private persons as should desire to buy, whether they should be the subjects or citizens of one state or country or of another. Should there be any proposition to release or transfer that jurisdiction you will please keep me advised.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
W. T. Coggeshall, Esq., &c., &c., &c.