No. 83.
Mr. Williamson to Mr. Fish.
United
States Legation in Central America,
Punta Arenas, Costa Rica
,
December 13, 1873. (Rec’d Dec. 30.)
No. 75.]
Sir: I have the honor to inclose you correspondence
had this day with President Guardia. In nay opinion it was better to reply
officially to his unofficial note. His letter to President Barrios was left
open for me to read. In fact I should have declined to carry a sealed
letter. I have read it. It contains a reiteration of his desire for peace
and progress, and his hearty approval of the proposed personal
conference.
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure 1 in No.
75—Translation.]
General Guardia to
Mr. Williamson.
On
Board the Steamer Montejo
,
December 13, 1873.
Dear Sir: I was very sorry yesterday on leaving
Punta Arenas to know of your indisposition, that prevented me of the
pleasure of seeing you at the last moment. I hope you feel well at
present. With this note you will receive another, in accord with [Page 129] yours and my own feelings,
directed to General Rufiuo Barrios, President of Guatemala. Be so good,
since you nave been so in this and on every occasion, as to send it to
the person to whom it is written. By all means you must know that I am
determined to maintain the assurance of my good-will in favor of peace
and progress of all the Central American states. Please to receive my
personal compliments, and believe me,
Yours, friendly,
[Inclosure 2 in No. 75.]
Mr. Williamson to
General Guardia.
U. S.
Legation at Central America, Punta Arenas,
Costa Rica
,
December 13, 1873.
General: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your note of yesterday, dated on the steamer Montijo. It will
afford me much pleasure to deliver to President Barrios the letter which
you inclose for him. I think we fully concur in our views as to the
favorable consequences that are likely to result from the proposed
personal conference of the five Presidents of Central America. There is
no doubt that strong personal and political influences, hostile to the
existing governments, will be actively exerted to prevent the
conference. You will be prepared to combat and overthrow such
influences, and I shall venture upon a word of caution to the other
Presidents.
Be pleased to accept, general, my thanks for the cordial terms in which
you have chosen to refer to my good intentions; I but feebly represent
the ardent wish of my government that Costa Rica and her sister states
may be peaceful and prosperous.
I avail myself of this occasion to tender you the assurance of my
distinguished consideration, and have the honor to be your obedient
servant,
- GEO. WILLIAMSON.
- General Thomas Guardia,
Guanacoste, Costa Rica.
