The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-05-03


Laguna the vessels and productions of other ports of
Yucatan-the President is inclined to give favorable re-
sponse Whilst he deems II necessary hold this port
for the purpose OF preventing Mexico from receiving mil
itay supplies from it, to be used to our injury no suf
cien perhaps exists for the continuance OF these
impos,s, Commodore Perry WILL therefore, be instructed
by the Secretary OF the Navy to abolish them unless he
may have reasons to the contrary not within the
Presidents knowledge 1t is however, To be distinctly
understood, that this instruction will be confined to the
productions of Yncatan carried to Laguna in her own
vessels and not 10 interfere with the inspection Of such
vessels and the execution OF the revenue regulations by
officers OF the United States to sanction any trade
whatever between Laguna and any OF the ports OF Mex
leo.
The privilege thus accorded will continue so long as
iucatan SHALL in good faith, maintain her neutrality but
shall Immediately cease the moment this is violated.
The claim of Mr. Cotaya, to which you alude shall
be referred to the Secretary of the Navy after you have
presented it in form, accompanied by the proofs in lis
support.
avail myself of this occasion offer 10 you the as
N'''"~' - ''' ~ "S JAMES BUCHANAN.
To Senior Don Jusro SIERRA, &C., &c.
Mr. Sierra to Mr. Buchanan.
WASHINGTON, March T. 1s4s
SIR In of my anterior notes ! made known TO
the government OF the United States through the chan
mel of the Secretary OF State, the horrible and ncacua-
BILE evils and misforlunes which the people of Yucatan
suffering from war forced upon them by the bar
barous Indian tribes who live the eastern frontier OF
Yucaan, who have evidently been armed and melted
thereto by power This savage and extemi-
mating has assumed such formidable aspect. that
can, compliance with my duty, do longer refrain from
invoking, frank and conclusiveH, the sympathy and
humanity of this highly civilized republican government
in favor Of that people, who every way worthy of a
better fate In the name OF humanity and civilization,
compelled to demand that this government will die
tate all such mea may be within its power; and
if possible, by prompt iDcrvention put end TO this
war; which threatens TO produce the most amentable
sequences to the American policy.
Although have not received any recent dispatches
from my government, am in possession OF positive IN
formation that the war waged by those barbarlans has
taken rghtiul direction; that numerous hordes of them
have advanced to the very gates OF the capital, and
committing the most unheard-o OF excuses, running
and devastating everything before them Under these cir
cumstances Spanish vessel OF presents ITSELF and
offers to the people of Yucaan, i'll the name of the cap
tain general of the island OF Cuba, aid and support This
opporune Offer evincing the lively sympathy OF Spain
favor of her ancient colonies was accepted without hest
taon in consequence of which, portion OF the forces
arms and munitions OF war belonging to the Spanish
crown have been disembarked in the ports of Yucaan
have been notified of these facts from source emit
tied TO my confidence, and consider them ndubiabe
and, whilst claim for them full credit, they prove tha
the situation OF Yucatan is truly desperate and total ex
termination awaits her, unless some friendly hand
tended to succor beate, and her from the horn
BILE dangers with which she is menaced therefore, II
virtue OF instructions and orders received from my gov
ernment anticipation OF the foregoing events, reques
that the government OF the United States will be pleased
to take without loss OF time, such measures may
consider necessary to protect the people OF iucatan from
the brutal oppression of her barbaous assailants 1t il
not necessary that should remind the honorable Secre
tay of State, that humanity civilization and sound pol
icya unite in exactng this duty at the hands of the
United States. Prompt aid, given with that aacrty ant
good will which, believe is characteristic OF the intel
Iigent free, civilized and, above all emneny religious
people OF this country would produce the most beneficial
results, and at once put stop to q war which, other
wise, might become general.
In conformity with the orders of my government,
am authorized TO ask account thereof the aid and
sistance OF two thousand troops, and a half million o.
dollars If is possible the here required car
be furnished to my unfortunate and exhausted country,
doubt the terms will be humane and rational will
therefore, not vacate moment in accepting them il
the name of my government Ii the honorable Secreta
ry of State wishes more amplifed information any
the foregoing points, it will afford the pleasure
give it, either verbally in writing he may esteem
most convenient.
The gravity and ranscendent importance of this sub
ect was readily by Mr. Buchanan, at the interview
he pleased to give to me yesterday. relterate my
most earnest supplication to which end invoke the
cred name of humanity, of liberty, and of civilization
that he will firmly and attentivey view the events
taking place at Yucatan, in which, most assuredy
involved questions of the greatest magnitude
beg the honorable Secretary of State will have the
goodness to favor me with answer soon as pract.
cable, in order that may be able to communicate my
government whatever may be the determination of the
government of the United States In the mean time,
renew to Mr. Buchanan the profound consideration Of
respect of his obedient servant,
JUSTO SIERRA