No. 276.

Mr. Nelson to Mr. Fish

No. 342.]

Sir: I inclose a copy of a communication, dated the 11th instant, from our consul at Minatitlan, informing me that Colonel J. J. Williams and his corps of engineers, assisted by all the federal and local authorities, broke ground on the 9th instant near Minatitlan for the Tehuantepec Railway, carriage-road, and telegraph line.

Your obedient servant,

THOMAS H. NELSON.

Mr. Hoyt to Mr. Nelson

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that Colonel J. J. Williams, and his corps of engineers, assisted by all the federal and local authorities in this port, broke ground for the [Page 613] New York Tehuantepec Railway, carriage-road, and telegraph line at a point about half a mile from this place, on the 9th of the present month. I had the honor of being present. The ceremony, including the speech of Colonel Williams, was very interesting, and was well attended by natives and foreigners.

I have the honor, &c.,

R. C. M. HOYT, United States Consul.