Foreign Relations of the United States, 1894, Nicaragua (Mosquito Territory)

No. 83.
Mr. Herbert to Mr. Gresham.

Navy Department,
Washington, July 27, 1894.

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith copies of four communications, with inclosures, Nos. 4248, 4250, 4273, 4275, received from Commander Charles O’Neil, U, S. N., commanding the U. S. S. Marblehead, relative to political affairs in Nicaragua.

I have, etc.,

H. A. Herbert.

[Inclosure 1 in No. 83.]

Commander O’Neil to Mr. Herbert.

U. S. S. Marblehead,
Off Bluefields, Nicaragua, July 10, 1894.

Sir: In my letter No. 45 of the 9th instant, by this mail, I am not sure that I have expressed fully the attitude of American residents at Bluefields toward the Nicaraguan Government and the Mosquito Government, if the latter can be called one.

Prior to February last they had lived quietly and prosperously under the Mosquito régime until it was overthrown by the Nicaraguans, who have in fact governed it since then, though there has been a mixed council known as “The Provisional Council,” who were supposed to exercise the functions of Government, but the original members resigned one after the other, and there being no provision for filling Vacancies the Nicaraguan commissioner, first General Lacayo, and later General Cabezas, acting as such, filled the vacancies and gradually concentrated all authority in themselves.

No legislative body Existed, and decrees were issued in the name of the provisional council and sometimes in the name of the commissioner, making laws with reference to taxes, land rents, and other matters which were considered as arbitrary and harsh measures.

For example, a few weeks ago the inclosed notice was issued relative to the payment in advance of a year’s rent of lands.

These and other matters gave great dissatisfaction, and the sympathies and interests of the foreign population were with the Mosquitoes, under whose mild and easy rule they had materially prospered.

The inhabitants of the reserve naturally feel that their territory has been invaded by the Nicaraguans, and tell many stories of oppression and injustice, and of course are hostile to the Nicaraguan Government and its officials.

The American community here is a very respectable one, made up of representatives of fruit and mahogany companies, of jobbers and importers, clerks, pilots, a doctor, and a few people of other trades and occupations. I do not learn of any disreputable characters among: them.

Probably with two or three exceptions they all are in sympathy with the Mosquito party, and I have heard a good deal of indiscreet talk which should not be indulged in, and at the meeting at the United States consulate I called their attention to the impropriety of the matter and counseled them to refrain from even an appearance of being identified with either faction, but I know very well that some Americans are now named for places in the Mosquito council, and some others have taken civil offices under them already.

In the event of there being hostilities between the Mosquitoes and Nicaraguans, these people will at least be open to the suspicion of having taken an unfriendly attitude toward the sovereign power, though I do not know that there is in itself any impropriety in taking a purely civil office, such, for instance, as magistrate.

As soon as I can get on shore again I propose to again see as many of the American, residents as I can, and shall tell them plainly that if they aid or abet in any measures hostile to the Government of Nicaragua they must not look to me for aid, as I will have nothing to do with them.

The so-called British subjects are practically all Jamaica negroes, and of course identified with the Mosquitoes.

I have no idea what steps the Mosquitoes propose to take for their preservation. The young chief told me they did not propose to have any more Nicaraguans here; but he is an [in]experienced boy and did not know what he was talking about, nor did he have the faintest idea as to the gravity of the situation. I heard talk about purchasing arms in the United States, but they have no organization and no leaders and could only resort to guerrilla warfare. I have formed the opinion that they would not offer much resistance, but some time ago, when H. M. S. Magicienne was here, Captain. Clarke said there were a great many arms in the country and the people would fight.

The Americans here are only in danger should there be a general uprising, when, in the excitement, anybody’s property might be injured; there is no hostility to them, but in the absence of a strong and well-organized local government, disorder is likely to occur, especially as, owing to the recent excitement, the natives have many of them quit work.

The United States consular agent, Mr. Seat, is very well informed as to local matters, and is an educated and very intelligent man; therefore his reports will probably be much more comprehensive than mine, as he undoubtedly understands the situation and all the causes that led to it better than I do.

So far as I can judge at present we ought to be able to furnish necessary protection for Americans with the force now here.

I can not think that the Nicaraguan Government will quietly accept the situation nor overlook the attack upon her soldiers.

I am told that Bluefields can only be approached by water (from sea or by way of the Escondido River) and if the Mosquitoes had a few guns they could hold out for a long time; but they have none.

Very respectfully, etc.,

Charles O’Neil,
Commander, U. S. N., Commanding.

A LAW for the better collection of rents or leases of the public lands of the Mosquito Reserve,

Be it enacted by the Provisional Council in session assembled, and it is hereby enacted:

1. That all laud rents in the Mosquito Reserve are payable in advance at the office of the land commissioner on June 1 of each year; and all rents due on the passage of thin law must be paid within thirty days, each leaseholder paying to June 1, 1895.

2. Three days grace will be allowed in which to settle the dues with the land commissioner. After three days 5 per cent penalty will be added, and after fifteen days, 10 per cent additional penalty will be added to the rents not paid within the required time, and at the end of thirty days all lands on which the rents have not been paid will be advertised by the land commissioner, either by posting two or more notices or by inserting said notice in one newspaper published within the reserve, and teu days after such notice the land commissioner will turn over such unpaid rent list to the judge of the peace, who, after due notice to the interested, patties, will cause such land or lauds, with all improvements, to be sold to the highest bidder. All money over and above the rents due, penalties, cost of publishing notice, and cost of sale, will be paid to the original owner of the land.

3. The land commissioner is hereby instructed to put this law into force thirty days after date. No further notice will be given to leaseholders, as each lease shows the date on which the rent is due the Government.

• D. H. Thomas,
  President of Provisional Council.
• Geo. P. Hall,
  Secretary.

Bluefields, M. R., June 18, 1894.

[Inclosure 2 in No. 83.]

Commander O’Neil to Mr. Herbert.

U. S. S. Marblehead,
Off Bluefields, Nicaragua, July 9, 1894.

Sir: I have the honor to report the following occurrences, which have transpired in this vicinity during the past few days:

July 4 was observed in the settlement of Bluefields to a less extent than usual by the Americans, because they were depressed and anxious, and feared that should they make any demonstration in the way of a parade, etc, that some excitement might arise or some pretext be given for a disturbance.

Brig. Gen. Rigoberto Cabezas, a Nicaraguan official, holding the position of “inspector-general of the Atlantic Coast,” and who, in the absence of General Lacayo, is acting as “Nicaraguan commissioner” to the Mosquito Reserve, and who, by virtue of the latter office, is “president of the provisional council.” was in fact the governing power of the community, as the provisional council had practically ceased to exist, as all the original members had resigned, and there were no recognized provisions for filling their places.

General Cabezas issued an announcement to the employees of the Government, proclaiming the 4th a holiday, explaining its significance, and addressed me a friendly and complimentary note, which I acknowledged. The Nicaraguan Government house was properly decorated with flags, and guns were fired at intervals during the day in the headquarters and at the bluff, some 5 miles distant, at the entrance to the lagoon, and where the custom-house is located.

I had been on shore on the 3d and 4th for the express purpose of mixing with the people, to learn their views and get as much insight into matters as possible, and everything was apparently quiet when I went off to the vessel on the 4th, but I could get no farther than the bluff on that day and had to stop on board a steamer at anchor and reached the ship on the morning of the 5th.

At midnight on the 5th a tug came out and brought me a communication from the United States consular agent (B. E. Seat, esq.) informing me that the presence of some of our men was necessary in view of the unsettled state of affairs (copy herewith, A); this was accompanied by a memorial signed by 25 persons, nearly all Americans, and the acting British vice-consul (copy herewith, B).

It being extremely hazardous to attempt to cross the bar at night in ship’s boats, and having had no direct communication with or from the authorities of Nicaragua with regard to landing men, I sent back word to the consular agent that I would send men in at daylight to the bluff, but would not land them until permission had been obtained from the authorities to do so (see copy herewith, C).

At early daylight on the morning of the 6th I went into the settlement in the gig, leaving orders for Lieutenant Bowman to follow with a detachment of about 54 marines and bluejackets, with 3 other officers, and for them not to land, but to await further instructions in their boats at the bluff.

Upon reaching the settlement I went at once to the consular agent and learned that in the previous evening (after he had sent his letter to me) a mob had opened fire on the (Nicaraguan) Government house with rifles, at about 9 p.m., and that the streets in the vicinity were full of armed men discharging their rifles, which was kept up during the night and until about 4 o’clock the next morning. The Government house was pretty well riddled with bullets, and several houses in the vicinity, of Americans and others, were repeatedly hit, but so far as learned no one was killed, but there was great alarm throughout the community.

General Cabezas, with some thirty-five Nicaraguan soldiers, occupied the Government house, and he informs me that he restrained his men from firing on the mob, because he feared to injure people in the houses near by.

In company with Mr. Seat I called upon General Oabezas to inquire into the situation and asked him if he could and would guarantee the safety of law-abiding American citizens and their property. He said in effect that while he would like to do so, he feared that under existing circumstances it would not be possible, whereupon I told him I was ready to land men for the purpose and to help preserve order if he would request it, or grant permission for me to do so, and further stated that I would like such request or permission in writing.

The General said he would like to have the men landed, and would address me a note to that effect, which be did (see copy herewith, translation D), and requested, or rather proposed, that the men should be quartered there, on the premises of the Nicaraguan Government house, which I told him I could not do, as it would be misunderstood by all the people that we had landed to join forces with the Nicaraguans, and, moreover, it would be putting our own men in the way of immediate conflict with the people, and could not quarter them in the same com-.pound with the Nicaraguan troops. He finally said we could make use of the court-house as barracks, and it proved to be admirably suited to the purpose, on high ground back of the settlement, and where our men have been very comfortable.

Immediately upon receiving permission to land, a light-draft steamer, furnished by the agent of the Southern Pacific Company, was sent to the bluff to bring our men up, and at 12.30 p.m. on the 6th instant they disembarked at the settlement, and, followed by an orderly crowd, marched to the court-house.

As soon as they landed, General Cabezas suggested that I should clear the streets of some groups of men who were assembled, and one of which had hoisted the Mosquito flag, but I told him that was not my intention. As will be seen from his letter (D), he would like to have me assume the control of the settlement, and was quite disappointed when I told him the substance of my written reply to him (copy herewith, E). Had I done so it would have meant a serious issue with the people and an occupation of an indefinite time until more troops could be obtained by him.

The cause of the attack upon the Government house is generally agreed to be due to the action of some of the employees of the acting commissioner in harshly treating some policemen who applied for their pay. Hard words passed and some or all of them were roughly handled and ejected by the soldiers, and it is supposed that after dark they and a lot of their sympathizers banded together and went to take revenge, and as arms are in possession of a large number of the people, the thing became contagious. It is quite sure, however, that the firing on the evening of the 6th, above referred to, was done by a mob, and had no other signification than to show the temper of the people, nor can it be connected with events which followed, except in an indirect manner.

After seeing our men properly disposed, I went to the United States consulate and asked the consular agent to get together as soon as practicable as many representative Americans as possible, and in a short time perhaps twenty assembled, accompanied by the British acting vice-consul and a few citizens of other countries. I stated briefly to them the object of our landing and our strictly neutral attitude as regarded the factions, and told them in what way we proposed to protect them, etc., and extended the same to British and any other law-abiding foreign residents, and counseled them to abstain from any participation in or interference with the contention going on.

While thus engaged a letter was brought to me which, upon opening, I found to be a proclamation (copy herewith, F) from Robert Henry Clarence, hereditary chief of Mosquito, to the effect that he has resumed his rightful authority as chief of Mosquito, etc. I could see that there was no little satisfaction among the Americans at this turn of affairs, but I again counseled them to keep out of the political agitation, and to advise others to do the same.

After the gathering at the consulate bad dispersed I called on the Mosquito Chief, who was still domiciled at the British consulate, and had a few words with him, but of no special import, and then went again to see General Cabezas, who admitted that the situation was complicated, but he could do little but report matters to his Government.

Our men being comparatively few in number could not be posted about the town, nor was it expedient that they should be, as the streets are quite dark at night and they could not support each other or perform useful service in such small groups as we should have to make, so good-sized patrols were paraded at intervals through different sections of the settlement simply to be seen and to give assurance to our people that we were on the alert.

As soon as the Mosquito Chief had proclaimed himself he appointed as chief of police an American, a Texan, I believe, by the name of Folks, or something similar, and he looked quite equal to any emergency. A police force was hastily organized and did good service in preserving order. There were no other police, and General Cabezas and his few soldiers were as good as besieged at the Government house, as none of them could venture out with impunity.

Late this same afternoon a party of volunteers from the Mosquito faction, or their sympathizers, went down to the bluff in two small boats, with about fifteen armed men, arriving there just before sunset. At the custom-house at the bluff were three Nicaraguan military officers, ten men, and a 7-pound Krupp field gun and about two hundred stand of arms and some ammunition. The party from the settlement surprised them, shot and killed two soldiers, wounded one, captured the officers and arms, and brought them up to the town and planted the gun in the main street, pointing toward the Government house, and I was told then sent word to General Cabezas demanding that he turn over the Government with its archives, etc., and giving him until 8 o’clock the next morning to reply. I can not find out yet whether the attack on the Nicaraguan soldiers was authorized by the Mosquito officials or not, or whether they knew anything about it until after it was accomplished, but by subsequently entering into negotiations as to the disposition of the arms, they practically became a party to the serious charge of perpetrating an act of war against the sovereign State of Nicaragna, and I doubt if they yet realize the gravity of such an act.

Everything was quiet in the settlement during the night, with the exception of the murder of a colored woman, who was stabbed and killed in the main street by a colored man, the result of a quarrel, which had no bearing on the situation. The murderer was quickly arrested by Americans and lodged in jail. At 7 o’clock the following morning I went to see General Cabezas. and he explained to me the gravity of his situation; alone in the Government house with his few men, and an angry populace, well armed, against him, with the field gun in their possession, it would be but a few moments’ work to annihilate them and burn the Government building.

He asked my advice as to a proper course to pursue under the circumstances. I told him I did not feel competent to advise, as I could not put myself in his place, but thought that in face of an overwhelming force it would be wise to make the best terms he could, and that I had heard a number of people say that if he would simply resume the duties of acting commissioner, and would withdraw the Nicaraguan soldiers, tranquility would be restored. He then asked me if I would go in his name to the Mosquito chief and make such a proposition, further stipulating that the provisions and arms captured at the bluff should be given up, and that safety should be guaranteed to himself and any Nicaraguan officials.

I accordingly went to the chiefs quarters (in British consulate) and told him I had an important communication to make, and requested that he would get in some of his counsellors and the American and British consular officers. He sent out for Mr. Patterson, the vice-president of the Mosquito council, Mr. Cuthbert, the attorney-general (his former guardian), and one or two others, and the American and British consular officers being present, I stated General Cabezas’s terms, and after a good deal of discussion they agreed to all except the delivery of the arms, and stipulated that General Cabezas should at once notify Nicaraguan officials in all towns within his district that Mosquito authorities were in power and were not to be interfered with. I immediately went to see the General and stated the case, but he still stood out for the arms and urged me to use my good offices to secure them, and if no other way was open to receive them myself. I went back again and urged the Mosquito officials not to impede a final settlement, and as this was the only point not agreed upon, said I would receive the arms and take them out of the neighborhood 5 they said they must talk to the people, who were much excited over the matter, and retired for awhile, then returned and asked me if I would say a few words to the crowd, about 200 negroes, Creoles, and Indians, gathered outside, and explain matters to them. So I went out and told them it was the intention of General Cabezas to withdraw all Nicaraguan soldiers within an hour after they had arrived at a settlement, and urged them not to be unreasonable, but to be guided by the advice of their recognized leaders. There were some dissenting voices, but finally they gave in and called for “three cheers for the captain,” and I hastened back to tell General Cabezas, and in a short time the Nicaraguan soldiers embarked in a river boat for Rama, there being no demonstration. The Government offices were turned over at once to the Mosquito officials, the gun was taken from the Street, and things quieted down at once. I accompanied the chief officers of the Mosquitoes to the Government house, where some matters of detail were attended to.

In all these matters I merely acted as a disinterested third party and as a medium for communication between the others. As regards the arms, it seemed the only way to settle matters, and considering the state of the community it was desirable that tranquility should be restored as soon as possible. The arms have not yet been turned over to me, and I am told that the rifles were distributed the night they were captured. We took the breech plug from the field-piece and have it in our possession.

This final wind up took place on Saturday, the 7th instant, and I went off to the ship for the first time in several days and ran down to Port Limon to send a telegram to the Department as to events, returning this morning.

I had intended to embark our men to-day, but the Americans are uneasy and apprehensive lest a Nicaraguan force should appear and a conflict follow, so I decided to have them remain where they are for the present. Things will remain quiet until Nicaraguan troops come back.

The Mosquitoes have been reorganizing and perfecting their government. From what I have seen of them they impress me as lacking strength of character and have not the elements necessary for self-government. The young chief is merely a puppet, and is neither bright, clever, nor well educated. It is a well-known fact that they are guided by the influence of foreigners, some of whom are Americans, and for tbat reason the foreigners welcome their régime.

The dangerous element here is a lot of Jamaica negroes and their descendants, who form part of the Mosquito faction and who entertain a deadly hatred of the Nicaraguans, or Spaniards, as they call them.

I think I am safe in saying that every foreigner in the community rejoices at the turn of affairs, as the Nicaraguan Government had made itself so unpopular, had imposed taxes which will probably be immediately repealed, and had been oppressive in various ways.

I have no idea who instigated the recent movement regarding the restoration of the Mosquito chief; they took advantage of a moment of disorder when the people were practically in arms against the Nicaraguans and achieved a success.

I received word from Lieutenant Bowman this morning that General Cabezas had expressed fears for his personal safety, or that he would be seized and perhaps held as a hostage in case the Nicaraguan soldiers should return, and as he is certainly in a most trying situation, having sent every one of his men away, and is an official of a friendly State, and was not and is not engaged in hostilities, I thought it but an act of humanity to write him a note, and told him if he thought that the Mosquitoes could not or would not keep their pledge as to his personal safety, he could go to our camp on shore, or come off and stay with me-He is in no sense a refugee.

Our consular agent, Mr. Seat, has been very thoughtful and assisted me in many ways; he is evidently thoroughly respected in the community and has taken a strictly neutral attitude throughout. * * *

There is no telling what will be the upshot of this matter. It seems to me that the Mosquitoes had committed a grave error in attacking the national troops, and as they have no organization, no leaders, and no recognition as a sovereign state, their career is not likely to be a long one.

The foreigners here seem to be on excellent terms with the residents of the reserve, and apparently have nothing to fear at their hands unless there should be a general state of disorder.

The Department can scarcely appreciate the difficulty of carrying on any operations here at this time of the year. The heavy sea, constant rain, and great distance from the settlement render it extremely difficult to have communication, and there are days at a time when we could do nothing. What is wanted is a light-draft vessel, one not drawing over 12 feet, that could cross the bar and lay inside, and the landing and embarking of men is a source of serious anxiety. Our men have been protected from the sun and rain, and the only cause for uneasiness is the quality of the well water they have to drink. I did not consider it prudent to land the apprentice boys, of which we have about forty, and therefore left them all on board. Our men have conducted themselves with great propriety, have given offense to none, and have, I am sure, been by their presence a great relief to all the foreigners residing in Bluefields.

There is nothing more to add as regards the situation; people have not yet fully recovered, but there is nothing to fear that I know of until Nicaraguan troops are sent here.

Very respectfully, etc.

Charles O’Neil,
Commander. U. S. N.

A.
Mr. Seat to Commander O’Neil.

United States Consular Agency,
Bluefields, Nicaragua, July 5, 1894.

Sir: The accompanying memorial from citizens of Bluefields was presented at this office at 8 p.m. to-night:

The situation seems to justify the apprehensions and fears expressed in the said instrument, and I believe that out of the abundance of caution it would be well to place on shore as soon as possible a reasonable number of your marines for the protection of life and property.

[l. s.]

B. B. Seat,
United States Consular Agent.

B.
American citizens to Mr. Seat.

Bluefields, Mosquito Reservation,
Nicaragua, Central America,
February 5, 1894.

Sir: We, the undersigned, African citizen residents of Bluefields, hereby request that you ask the commander of the U. S. S. Marblehead that a sufficient force of soldiers be sent ashore to furnish protection to us and our interests. Our reasons for this request are bused on the facts of a disturbance this afternoon between the police and Nicaraguan soldiers.

The resignation of all policemen and leaving us entirely unprotected, the presence of suspicious armed persons in the streets, and threats that an uprising will surely take place during the night.

We urgently ask that you give this your immediate attention.

Very respectfully,

Paul Veterhorst, M. D.

,

S. Goodsell

,

Geo. B. Beckler

,

Y. T. Bryand

,

E. T. Ryder

,

F. M. Solomon

,

G. B. Wiltbank

,

James Brown

,

C. W. Knight

,

E. Legien

,

Y. Stevens

, and ten others, and

E. D. Hatch,
Acting British Vice-Consul.

C.
Commander O’Neil to Mr. Seat.

U. S. S. Marblehead,
Off Bluefields, Nicaragua, July 6, 1894.

Sir: Your communication of the 5th instant received at 12.30 a.m. today.

I shall make immediate preparations for landing some men, but before they laud I desire to be informed whether or not the general in command (General Cabezas) has been consulted in the matter, and if it is also his wish that we should land men, or if he has any doubt as to his ability to protect the lives and property of American and other foreign citizens in the community.

I desire that the Hazel Night or some other suitable light-draft steamer be at the bluff as soon after daylight as practicable, and I shall send some men in to go on board of her ready for an emergeney; but I do not wish them landed unless the consent of the Nicaraguan authorities is obtained, and request that it be so obtained in writing and sent to the officer in charge of the landing force.

Should our men land, please afford all assistance possible to the officer in charge to provide suitable shelter and quarters for the men.

I do not deem it prudent to send our boats and men in over the bar at night, but will send them in the first thing in the morning, so please have the Night back at the bluff as soon as possible, and send word as to the exact situation on shore.

Very respectfully,

Charles O’Neil,
Commander, U.S.N.

D.
Mr. Cabezas to Commander O’Neil

[Translation.]

Bluefields, June 6, 1894.

Sir: You have already knowledge of the lamentable happenings which occurred last night in this city.

Those have placed the social interests, and particularly the life of many innocents, in true danger. A mob, hidden by the darkness, surrounded the government’s palace, opening fire against it, which lasted from 9 at night till 4 o’clock in the morning.

My soldiers [resisted] this unjustified attack with heroic resignations, withholding within their advantageous positions out of fear to make other victims, as the real culpable ones; then, as you will understand, a discharge from the quarters would take the center of the city, and the houses being of lumber, many pacific persons who reposed in the bosom of their hearth would have been immolated.

With the object to persist in this policy of clemency and conciliation, I have thought that there is nothing better under the actual circumstances than to place the guarding of the city, in such as refer to the police department, into the hands of the honor-principled marines which you command; meanwhile my Government receives exact notice upon the particular point. And as I have heard of your words of amicable cordiality, I allow myself to ask your assistance with a guard of marines, which shall do the service under the orders of their immediate chiefs and by request of the constituted authorities. This force shall make that the regulations of police be complied with the laws, which these abnormal circumstances be issued to secure order.

The mentioned police force shall do their service with the formalities of the martial law.

I think from twenty-five to fifty marines are sufficient to comply with the mission to guard order.

I hope your answer over the particular, and meantime subscribe myself your respectful and obedient servant,

R. Cabezas.

E.
Commander O’Neil to Mr. Cabezas.

U. S. S. Marble head,
Off Bluefields, Nicaragua, July 6, 1894.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of this date, informing me of the disturbance in the settlement of Bluefields last night by a mob, whereby the lives of innocent persons were endangered and the government house was fired upon, in which you practically state that the presence of an armed force from the vessel under my command is necessary to guard the city.

I have axlso received a memorial from the foreign cousuls and a number of American citizens requesting me to land men for their protection, and under existing circumstances it seems prudent to do so, and a force will be lauded forthwith, but I can not undertake to guard or police the city, as that duty must devolve upon the authorities.

The object of landing my men is to protect the lives and property of American citizens residing in this community, and of the law-abiding citizens of other foreign countries, whom you are unable to protect.

My officers and men will receive strict orders not to interfere with or show favor or partiality to persons or parties on shore, or show political preferences of any kind; hut it is hoped that the moral effect of their presence as a strictly neutral force will have a salutary and restraining effect upon the lawless members of the community.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Charles O’Neil,
Commander, U. S. N.

F.
Proclamation.

I, Robert Henry Clarence, hereditary chief of Mosquito, do hereby proclaim: That I have reassumed my rightful authority as Chief of Mosquito, and I call upon nil law-abiding and loyal residents to obey my authority and that of my officers.

Robert Henry Clarence,
Chief of Mosquito

Bluefields Mosquito Reserve. July 6, 1894.

[Inclosure 3 in No. 83.]

Commander O’Neil to Mr. Herbert.

U. S. S. Marblehead,
Off Bluefields, Nicaragua, July 13, 1894.

Sir: Not much has transpired at Bluefields since the 10th instant, the date of my last report.

On the afternoon of the 11th General Cabezas, with a few Nicaraguan civil officials and sympathizers, left for Rama with all their effects, thus leaving this section entirely in the hands of the Mosquitoes.

Before he left I called on him, and he thanked me very much for the offer I made him the previous day, that is, to go to our camp or to come off to the ship if he desired, both of which he declined. I told him that if any military operations were contemplated against Bluefields I ought to be informed and the people given due notice, as the place was full of women and children and noncombatants, and many of my countrymen, whom it was my duty to protect, and asked him to give me his assurance that there should be no surprise and no night attack. He said he could not say that there would or would not be operations against the place, but that if there were and he had anything to say in the matter that proper notice would be given. I don’t know what dependence can be placed upon such assurances, but I thought it well to demand them.

The departure of all the Nicarauguans is a source of serious concern to the Americans, as there is now no one here representing the sovereign authority of the Republic, and I must confess I have grave apprehensions as to the fate of this settlement. I asked General Cabezas if nothing could be done toward an adjustment of the difficulties, so that people could be relieved from the mental strain under which they were now suffering, and that business might go on, etc. He replied that they (the Mosquitoes, aided and advised by the foreigners) have trampled on the flag of his country, killed her soldiers, and fired upon the Government house, and he was not empowered to speak or say what Nicaragua’s views would be, but if a settlement was desired, the only way he knew was to restore everything as it was before the attack, and then talk about terms.

I have been on shore most of the time of late, and yesterday asked some of the leading Mosquito officials what they proposed to do, and the replies were to the effect that they would maintain the stand they have taken by force of arms if necessary. When I asked if they had any organization or military leaders they shrugged their shoulders and said, “No.” They are counting on the arrival of a British man-of-war. many of the more intelligent and prominent among them believing that the British will protect and uphold them in the stand they have taken, and, as they express it, insist upon the Nicaraguans carrying out the treaty of Managua.

I think they have done an unwise thing, and am sure that some of the more thoughtful ones are of the same opinion. I understand now that the Mosquito officials disavow the affair at the bluff, when the Nicaraguan soldiers were shot, and say they knew nothing about it until it was over, which is probably the case; but they did, however, turn the episode to their advantage.

Yesterday the Mosquitoes sent off to this ship the captured field piece and some ammunition, and 38 Remington rifles, which are somewhat of an elephant on our hands, but really I think there would have been no compromise, and would have been bloodshed in the settlements had I not consented to take it.

General Cabezas asked me yesterday when and where I would deliver it, and I said, not where it could be used upon this community, as that was the object in placing it in the hands of a third party; he then asked me to deliver it at Corn Island, only 40 miles from here, when he should send some soldiers there, but I think that would be an act of bad faith and that I had better keep it until matters are settled in this vicinity.

There has been trouble also at Corn Island; a revolt of some kind broke out there a few days ago, and I have been told that some Nicaraguan soldiers were shot by the Creoles, but that the latter were put down, and Mr. Mongrio, late judge of the peace here, a Nicaraguan, has gone to the island to settle matters.

An American named Wiltbanks is now acting as magistrate under the Mosquitoes, in Bluefields; he seems to have a good deal of influence in keeping order, and has organized a police force of some fifty men, and at night at every few rods people are halted in the streets by policemen armed with rifles, and the settlement is quiet and orderly; but the people are in a state of great alarm and uneasiness, especially the foreigners. I have told them they must come to our barracks if there is an outbreak, as I have not men enough to scatter throughout the settlement, and also said that in case of alarm if they would send word to our camp we would send an escort and see them safely there.

Yesterday I sent an armed boat with 1-pounder gun and small detachment to locate at “the bluff,” at the entrance to the lagoon, as there are three wharves there, and some warehouses and sawmills, the property of Americans, which seemed to require looking out for, and we can not keep our boats, that is the steam cutter, in the water alongside, nor hoist her in and out with safety, and yet require her services; so she lays in at the bluff, and we have a signal code arranged at the settlement and the launch and ship. I had to put a petty officer in charge, as we have four line officers at the settlement and only three left in the ship, having no junior officers on board.

The executive council of the Mosquito Government consists at present of J. S. Lampton, American, agent of Southern Pacific Company; Charles Lobner, American, from Pearl Cay Lagoon; H. T. Springer, American, bookkeeper; W. H. Brown, Canadian, Agent Morgan Line steamers; S. H. Hodgson,¹ negro, landowner; G. S. Hodgson,¹ negro, landowner; H. C. Inghram,¹ half-breed, merchant; W. J. Cuthbert,¹ Jamaica negro, former attorney-general; Charles Pattain(?),¹ Indian, former vice-president.

They have been holding meetings, and so far I understand their efforts have been in the direction of “ways and means;” in arranging for carrying on the government, collecting the revenue, etc.

General Cabezas carried off the books and records of the provisional government, which he said belonged to Nicaragua; but be told me the day before that the Nicaraguan Government never recognized the provisional council.

It is a pity that these people, the Mosquitoes, have not some one to advise them and look out for their interests, for they are surely not competent to do it for themselves. The agitators are, as usual, of the class who have nothing to lose. Many of the better class of Americans here say that they would be thankful to get out of the country if they could realize fifty cents on the dollar on their property, and all this commotion, is directly due to the forcible occupancy of “the reserve” by the Nicaraguans.

No one knows what will happen next, but the wildest rumors are afloat, and the community is in an unhappy frame of mind. They (the foreigners) say they feel comparatively secure while we have men on shore, and consequently I shall not withdraw them at present, but do not like the idea of having them remain a long time, as it is very rainy and damp, and I am somewhat apprehensive of fever and malaria, but so far all are well and in good condition.

Our force is not very strong numerically, as I do not think the moral effect of sending the apprentices on shore, many of whom are mere boys, would be good.

“The Chief” Clarence has left the British consulate, where he has been domiciled for several weeks, and has gone to his own residence in the settlement.

The most unsatisfactory aspect of things at present is that no steps are being taken looking toward an adjustment of matters, and the Mosquitoes are in fact in an attitude of hostility toward the supreme Government. They simply say that they have only resumed the rights which belong to them and of which they were forcibly deprived by the Nicaraguans in February last.

The welfare of Americans and their interests are not permanently benefited by the presence of an armed force, which simply gives them temporary security. What is wanted is peace and some established order of things, that business may go on and the industries that have been built up by American enterprise and capital may not be destroyed.

It is impossible, in my opinion, for the Mosquitoes to maintain the stand they have taken without outside aid, and while at present any proposition to compromise would undoubtedly be received with great disfavor by their party, it is probable that the wiser and more thoughtful people would realize the necessity of coming to terms with the supreme Government.

In view of the unusual interests which Americans have in this vicinity, and which will be vitally affected by the final settlement, it seems as if the friendly offices of the United States might be invoked to aid in bringing about some adjustment rather than have it settled by bloodshed.

Nicaragua can afford to be patient, and I do believe that some satisfactory solution of affairs could be reached that would save this little community from destruction, but there seems to be nobody who has the ability or the good judgment, on the part of the Mosquitoes, to propose anything, and there are no Nicaraguan officials here, and so we simply wait for further developments, without any idea as to what their character may be.

The Department may rest assured that I shall preserve strict neutrality so far as we are concerned.

Very respectfully, etc.,

Charles O’Neil,
Commander, U. S. N., Commanding.

[Inclosure 4 in No. 83.]

Commander O’Neil to Mr. Herbert.

U. S. S. Marblehead,
Off Bluefields, Nicaragua, July 14, 1894.

Sir: I have just received information that a Norwegian steamer named the George Seeley, eu route for Bluefields from New York, is wrecked in Roncador Reef, and were it not that the situation here demands the presence of this vessel would go immediately to the scene of the disaster. One of her boats has reached this place, and fortunately there is a small steamer here which has been secured to go to the wreck. I have not learned whether any lives were lost or not.

The weather has been so rough that no communication has been held with the settlement until late in the evening, when our steam cutter brought out to me a document in Spanish, of which a translation is inclosed, said document being a protest, as it were, emanating from the provisional council, against the acts and utterances of the party or faction headed by Robert Henry Clarence (the hereditary chief). It will be observed that no protest is issued in the name of the sovereign power, but in the name of the provisional council, which has been for some time a myth, as, in point of fact. General Cabezas, the acting commissioner, told me himself it was merely a figure of speech. For some reason nothing is done in the name of Nicaragua, but this provisional council, which General Cabezas told me his Government did not recognize, is always put to the front and everything is done in its name, implying that the Government of Nicaragua is not meddling with the affairs of the reserve, but it is patent to everybody that its officials are acting under orders.

I have a note from Lieutenant Bowman, in charge of our men on shore, saying that the consular agent thought of sending the archives of his office to our barracks, and that of course he would receive them.

All kinds of rumors are afloat calculated to alarm the people, but in view of present circumstances that is to be expected.

The D. H. Thomas who signs the inclosed copy is said to be a very shrewd and clever colored lawyer, who was the brains of the provisional council, and who worked in the interest of Nicaragua. H, G. Higley is an American who held the position of land commissioner under the provisional council, and is the only American I have heard of who has not been opposed in sentiment to Nicaraguan rule.

General Cabezas has addressed me a letter from llama, which has not as yet been wholly translated, but which appears to be simply an argument to show the Nicaraguan Government has been outraged and insulted.

Very respectfully, etc.,

Charles O’Neil,
Commander, U. S. N., Commanding.

A.

On the Escondido River, in the Mosquito Reservation, at the hour of 4 p.m. of the clock, this 12th day of July, 1894, the members of the provisional council of the said Mosquito Reservation, assembled by request of the President to consider and deliberate upon the events which occurred at Bluefields on the 5th and lasted until the 8th of July instant.

The acting commissioner (General Cabezas) informed the board that on account of very peremptory duties imposed upon him by the occurrences referred to, he had appointed in his stead as president of the council Mr. D. H. Thomas, who was immediately called upon and invited to accept the duties of the office.

Under the presidence of Mr. D. H. Thomas it was laid before the council, for its consideration, a proclamation issued by Mr. Robert Henry Clarence, in which he declares having resumed power and authority in the Mosquito Reserve, which had been withdrawn from him by the authority of the sovereign power, and in virtue of a special convention entered into by the Nicaraguan commission and the consul of Her Britannic Majesty.

The council declared that the action of the said Robert Henry Clarence, apart from being illegal, constitutes a flagrant usurpation of authority, accompanied with crimes of the following nature:

(1) The crime of high treason, because proofs have been produced that the Mosquito flag had been hoisted and kept floating without the emblem of the sovereign power, and the outrage of destroying and tearing the Nicaraguan flag to pieces was committed.

(2) The crime of rebellion and insurrection with armed force, because the natives and other inhabitants of Blueflelds were parading the streets armed with rifles, and maintained an open and constant fire from 9 p.m. on the 5th instant until 4 a.m. on the following day upon the residence of the Nicaraguan commissioner, at the same time vociferating and uttering seditious language, disturbing the public peace, threatening violence, and putting the lives of peaceful inhabitants of the city in great danger.

(3) The crime of assassination, committed on soldiers of the Republic of Nicaragua who had charge and custody of the Bluefields Bluff and apiece of artillery stationed thereat, said soldiers having been surprised and murdered without mercy.

(4) For having disowned and disacknowledged the sovereign power of Nicaragua, in intimidating and ordering the representatives of the Republic and military chief of the Atlantic coast to surrender and deliver the arms in his custody. The council further declared that, the government of the usurpers has for its foundation and basis the ignominious crime of murder and the unwarrantable shedding of blood, and [includes] all the aspects of the abominable crime of high treason.

That considering the necessity measures of reprehension and censure until the supreme Government be informed and adopts such measures as it may deem convenient, the provisional council in legal assembly declares:

(1) That all acts, actions, decrees, laws, and other dispositions made, sanctioned by, and emanating from Robert Henry Clarence, or by his council, shall be, and are, declared null and void.

(2) That nil employees of the government of the said Robert Henry Clarence be warned not to pay or receive any rent or Tents of the Mosquito Reserve, nor to contract any obligation in its name.

(3) That all those who support and encourage or otherwise help and serve the present regime which has been brought about by force of arms and bloodshed on the nights of the 5th and 6th of July instant, shall be, and are hereby, declared accomplices of the crime of rebellion.

A copy of the present decree, jointly with the minutes of this meeting, shall be forwarded to the Nicaraguan commissioner for transmission to the supreme Government and to the American and British consuls resident at Bluefields.

• Dennis H. Thomas.
• H. G. Higby.
• Jesus Monterey.
• Naroiso Barborena.
• O. Lacayo
• A. Aubert, Secretary pro tern.

1. Members of old government.
1. Members of old government.
1. Members of old government.
1. Members of old government.
1. Members of old government.