New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-06-18
Nesupork DAILY Gribn,re
THE FILLIBUSTERS IN NICARAGUA
LETTER OF GEN. WALKER TO THE PRESl-
DENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
WAsHIyGros. June Is, 1857.

SIR: On the first of May last entered into a con-
vention with Commander Davis, of the United States
sloop St Mays to evacuate the town Of Rvas, in the
territory of Nicaragua. Justice TO myself as well as
TO the Republic of which claim to be the rghtful aud
lawful chief Executive, requires me to communicate
to your E1cellency the circumstances which attended
this convention. And in order that the events which
led TO the agreement between Commander Davis and
myself may be more fully understood, beg leave 20
narlate some facts connected with my presence and
authority in Nicaragua, which have never been
properly presented to the Government OF the United
States.
In the month of May 1854, few exiles from Nicara
qua landed in the port of Rcaeo declared against the
then existing government of the Republic and secured,
within two months possession Of nearly all the princi
pal places NJ the State. They soon organized Pro-
yisi0nal Government Of which Don Francisco Castel-
Ion was the head. 1t soon became apparent, however,
that although the vast majority of the people OF MIA
raj qua were friendly to this movement 1t was likely TO
fail through want Of proper military force and organi-
zaton. Casteon, therefore, sent to me IL was then
residing in San Francisco contract authorizing me
TO raise three hundred men for the service OF the
Provisional Government. This contract l rejected,
because it contrary to the act OF Congress OF 1910
and sent back the agent employed by Castel0n,wlth
instructions to secure If possible grant oil cOOnila
ton which would not make me amenabe to the laws
of the United States. Such grant was obtained,
ard as soon as ! received it | showed II TO the
Uniteds States District Attorney for the Northern
District of California, and TO the General COM
mapding the Pacific division, who then had SPECIAL
powers and instructions from the President, under
the neutrality act of 1918. Both these officers IN
formed me that could act under the contract not
only without fear of interference their part, but
with the express that they would do all In
their power 10 forward the enterprise. Not only did
sail from San Francisco with the appreciation aud well
wishes of all the Federal authorities, but the American
sailors from revenue cutter then III port actually I'M
bent the sails for the vessel as she was lowed out
of the harbOr
After arriving at RealejO | and my fellow-colonsts
were regularly naturalized as citizens OF Nicaragua;
and became necessary for US 10 our arms III de-
tense of the rights had acquired under the Provi-
sional Government. Ii soon apparent, however,
that the presence of the Americans in Nicaragua was
not acceptable 70 all the adherens OF Castellon, and
therefore informed the Provisional Director that II
our cooperation injurious to has cause anu pros
poets, we would willingly retire from the country
But Castellon insisted that the Americans were the
only hope for the Democrats, not only OF MGR
ragus but Of all Central America, and he begged
with fervency and perseverance that we would not
think of abandoning HIM IN his extremity; linus
appealed 10 and beso.ghi, we undertook the ca IL
paign which ended in a peace between the contend
ing parties and may safely assert, that toe American
influence chiefly instrumental IN achieving the
treaty of the 23d October. 1853.
BY this treaty OF the 23d October the old Legiuwlst
Government recognized the rights of the Americans
naturalized in Nicaragua under the grant from the
Provisional Government and IN order 10 restrain as
the LegtnisS said the excuses Of the Democrats,
made arrogant by their success they insisted that l
should retain command of the army of the Republic.
Soon after the inauguration Of the Provisional
President under the treaty of the 23d October one OF
the Americans in Nicaragua was accredited as Minis
ter TO the United States. An American was selected
by the Provisional President at the suggestion OF
members Of biz Cabinet-all natives OF Nicdragua-
that fuCh person would be more acceptable III the
Tinted States from his knowledge of the language
srd laws of the country 10 which he was sent Un-
fortunately for Nicaragua ard for Central America,
This Minister vas not received by the Government OF
the United States.
About the time the news Of the refusal on the part
~ me United States 20 recognize tue Ncaraguan Mic
;stsr reached Gl ansda Gen. Cabanas was applying
IN tbe Provisional Government for assistance 10 regain
his authority in Honduras opposed this policy ana
er1eavored To impress on the Government that the
first necessity of Nicaragua was peace Instead oil
making WAL on Honduras, l suggested the prOpre'y
Of sending notes 10 the other States OF central AWsr-
lea declaring our peaceful intentions, and sOhcuog
friendly intercourse. These suggestions pTeVaIr2
with the PrevsiC nal President, but were mol paiataoe
TO the Minister Of Relations Don Maxine Jercz, VINO
resigned in consequence Of the peaceiu pon'y pur-
sued by the Government
In the meantime DEGREES had been issued inviting
emigration TO Nicaragua, offering grants OF ianu anu
other privileges TO such took up t1elr resHence ~
the State. Under these DEGREES large number oi
Americans and other foreigners emigrated 70 Nea'a
gus and extensive interests acquired oy theih ID
the country.
Az soon, however, as the other States OF Central