JB/060/072/001

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1823. Novr. 19 4

4 New Matter

[II. Junction of the two Seas. Words would be
thrown away if employed in painting the importance
of this measure. The French with their underhand
management, have for some time been
nibbling at it. So long ago as August 1822, I was an
unconscious instrument in their hands: the particulars,
Sir, are at your command. Lake Nicaragua,
(it is sufficiently established) affords a most promising
spot for the junction, and far superior to every
other. Baron Humboldt, with whom I am in habits
is satisfied of this. A Frenchman, who introduced
himself to me t'other day in order to get an introduction
thither, showed me a manuscript map
of that Lake and it's environs, taken he said about
40 years ago. Having never visited that part of
Guatemalia myself, I can not say any thing of
my own knowledge in relation to it: but I have
conversed with various persons, who were more
or less acquainted with it. As to the establishment
of the junction, — capital and auxiliary means of defence
are two things needful, or at least desirable to us.
For capital, we look to England. For auxiliary
means of defence, we have already been looking
as above, to the United States. On the occasion above
mentioned, we were not only content but desirous
to be united, on terms corresponding to those
of the other States, with that neighbouring federal
commonwealth: at present though the occasion
is not pressing, I should not wonder if the desire
should be found continuing: and as to the
United States, should our first offer have been declined
by them, which, owing to their caution and fear of the
expence of war seems not improbable, the advantage
from the command of the proposed junction, might
give a turn to the scale. I mention this, Sir, lest in the
event of such a result, insincerity, or need use less reserve
should be imputed to this address. As to incorporation
with England, I need scarce observe to you, Sir, how far
a Monarchy and a Commonwealth are from being capable
of amalgamating upon equal terms, and as to protection, the
example of Ionia is too recent impressive & notorious (forgive me Sir) for saying so) not to be
conclusive.

Identifier: | JB/060/072/001 "JB/" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 60.
Date_1	1823-11-19	Marginal Summary Numbering
Box	060	Main Headings
Folio number	072	Info in main headings field
Image	001	Titles
Category	correspondence	Number of Pages	1
Recto/Verso	recto	Page Numbering	c4 / d4
Penner	john flowerdew colls	Watermarks
Marginals		Paper Producer
Corrections	jeremy bentham	Paper Produced in Year
Notes public	draft letter mentioned in letter 3019, vol. 11	ID Number	19630
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