“Nicaragua has long felt the necessity of sheltering itself under the bright banner of the North American Confederacy; but the time which the Arbiter of nations had designated for such high happiness and consequent prosperity had not arrived. Before we despatched a Legation to the American Minister at Guatemala, and even before the treaty relative to a canal was entered into with Dr. Brown, (a citizen of your Republic,) we had made some advances to the American Government with a view to this happy consummation; but our hopes were scarcely sustained by their result. But I now see all the elements of a happy future brought before us; there is good faith in the Government with which I am connected; the friendliest feelings towards North America pervades every NICARAGUAN heart; and we have the assurances of the sympathy and support of the American Government. We have consequently all things which can be desired to make available the advantages with which Heaven has surrounded us. Our State, considering its geographical position, ought to be the most prosperous in Spanish America; but our inexperience at the time of our separation from Spain—our limited resources, and the civil commotions that have intervened, have retarded the happy day which is now dawning upon us. I am certain that the Government which you represent, can appreciate the difficulties which have surrounded this Republic. Your Excellency being able properly to estimate these circumstances, must already have formed a just idea of the condition of this part of Central America, and of the position of its Government. Believing therefore that the best intentions exist upon your part towards us, as I know there is the happiest disposition on ours, I entertain no doubts that we shall succeed in establishing the most intimate relations between the two Republics, and in opening the way to the consummation of that most glorious enterprise which it has been reserved for the successors of the immortal Washington to undertake and perfect. I shall have the greatest pleasure in being able to contribute my humble share towards this result, and to the consequent happiness of Nicaragua. I thank you, Sir, and through you, your Government, for its proffered coöperation in so glorious an enterprise. “Let us begin, Sir, this great work under these bright auspices, and we shall be sure of obtaining the best results. The people of the two American Continents are contemplating us; it is possible that for what we shall do, future generations shall cherish our memory: at least we shall have the conscious satisfaction of having neglected no means, omitted no sacrifice, in securing the grand objects so ardently desired by two sister Republics, determined mutually to sustain their interests, their honor, their integrity, and the principles of continental freedom.”