should be founded on some known basis, which may render, if that were possible, the duration of these states eternal.

To establish that system, and to consolidate the power of this great political body, belongs to the exercise of a supreme authority, which may direct the policy of our governments, whose influence may be able to maintain uniformity in our principles, and whose name alone may be sufficient to appease our dissensions. An authority, to carry with it so much respect, can only be found in an union of plenipotentiaries, sent by each of our republics, 1 and assembled under the auspices of victory, obtained by our arms over Spanish power.

Deeply penetrated with these ideas, in 1823, as President of the republic of Colombia, I invited the governments of Mexico, Peru, Chili, and Buenos-Ayres, to form a confederacy, and to assemble at the Isthmus of Panama, or any other place to be chosen by the majority, a congress of plenipotentiaries from each state, which might act as a council to us in our distresses, as a rallying point in our common danger, as a faithful interpreter to our public treaties, when difficulties might occur; and, in fine, as a mediator in all our differences.'

The government of Peru concluded, on the 6th of June of that year, a treaty of alliance and confederation with the plenipotentiary of Colombia; and by it both parties were pledged to interpose their good offices, that all entering into the same compact, a general assembly of the confederates might be effected. A treaty to the same purport was concluded in Mexico, on the 3d of October of 1823, by the envoy extraordinary of Colombia to that state; and there are strong grounds to hope, that the other governments will accede to what a regard for their own interests so urgently recommends.

To delay for a longer period the general meeting of the plenipotentiaries from the republics who, de facto, already form a confederacy, until the accession of the remainder be obtained, would be depriving ourselves of the advantages which that assembly would produce from the moment of its installation. These advan

tages are prodigiously increased, if we contemplate the picture presented to us by the political world, and more particularly the cabinets of Europe.

The union of the plenipotentiaries of Mexico, Colombia, and Peru, would be delayed indefinitely, if it were not promoted by one of the contracting parties; unless we were to wait for the result of a new and special convention upon the time and place relative to this great event. On considering the difficulties and delays, from the distance at which we are separated, added to other weighty motives, emanating from a consideration of our general interests, I have resolved to take this step, with a view to promote the immediate meeting of our plenipotentiaries; whilst in the mean time the other states celebrate the same conditions as already exist between us, relative to the appointment and incorporation of their representatives.

With respect to the period of the installation of the assembly, I venture to believe that no difficulty can be opposed to its taking place within the space of six months, counting from the present date; and I likewise venture to flatter myself that the ardent desires which all Americans feel to exalt the power of the Colombian continent, will abridge the difficulties and delays which ministerial preparations might require, and the distance which exists between the capitals of each state and the central place of meeting.

It seems that if the world had to choose its capital, the Isthmus of Panama would be selected for this august purpose, placed as it is, in the centre of the globe, looking on the one side towards Asia, and on the other towards Africa and Europe. The Isthmus of

Panama has been offered by the government of Colombia for this object, in existing treaties. The Isthmus is at an equal distance from the two extremities; and, on this account, might be provisionally adopted as the place where the first meeting of the confederacies might be held.

Yielding, therefore, to these considerations, I feel strongly inclined to send to Panama the deputies from this republic, the

moment 1 have the honour to receive the wished-for answer to this circular. Nothing, certainly, will contribute so much to satisfy the ardent wishes of my heart, as the co-operation which I look forward to of the confederated governments, in carrying into effect this august act of America.

If your Excellency does not condescend to join in it, I foresee immense delay and injury, at a time when the movement of the world accelerates all things, accelerating them, perhaps to our disadvantage.

Afer the first conferences between the plenipotentiaries have been held, the residence of the assembly, as well as its attributions, may be determined in a solemn manner by the majority; and then all our aim will be accomplished.

The day on which our plenipotentiaries exchange their full powers, will form a memorable era in the diplomatic history of América. When, an hundered ages hence, posterity seeks the origin of our international law, and recalls to mind the conventions which consolidated her existence, she will respectfully consult the records of the proceedings in the Isthmus. In them she will discover the basis of our first alliances, which will regulate the system of our relation with the universe. What will the Isthmus of Corinth then be to that of Panama ?

God preserve your Excellency. Your great and good friend, BOLIVAR.

(Signed)

UPPER PERU.

The following decree has been issued by Bolivar from his head-quarters in Arequipa, on the 15th of May:

1. The provinces of Upper Peru, formerly Spanish, shall be united, in conformity to the decree of General Sucre, into a general assembly, to express freely in it their will respecting their interests and their government, conformably to the desire of the

Executive Power of the United Provinces of Rio de la Plata, and of the first-mentioned provinces themselves.

2. Deliberation, in this assembly shall receive no sanction till the installation of the new congress of Peru in the following year.

3. The provinces of Upper Peru shall, in the mean time, remain subject to the direct authority of General Sucre, commanderin-chief of the liberating army.

4. The resolution of the sovereign congress of Peru, of the 23d of February, shall be fulfilled in all its parts, without the least alteration.

5. The provinces of Upper Peru shall recognize no other centre of authority in the mean time, until the installation of the Peruvian congress, except that of the supreme government of that republic.

6. The secretary-general is charged with the execution of this decree.

Given at the Head-quarters at Arequipa,

SIMON BOLIVAR.

16th, of May, 1825.

PROCLAMATION OF RODIL.

Don Jose Ramon Rodil, Brigadier-General of the Royal Armies, Aid-de-Camp General of E. M. I. of the operations of Peru, political and military governor of the fortress of Callao, and of the province of Lima, Commandant-general of the division of the army of the North Coast, decorated with the crosses of Somosa and Espinosa, Monteros, Sampago, Samaneos, Medina del Campo, Tarifa, the Third Army, Pampeluna, and Conchargada, &c. &c. &c., considering that the fort of Callao is besieged by sea and by land, and reviving in their vigour the Spanish laws and decrees, which his Excellency Senor Viceroy Don Jose de la Serna made at the time of his government, I prohibit, by VOL. II. No. 6.

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the present edict, all communications and traffic in the fort and bay of Callao and on its coast; so that any merchant vessel, large or small, and of whatever nation, navigating within those limits, shall be considered and treated as an enemy, and all sorts of foreign provisions and effects which may be seized in any place now occupied by the insurgents, shall be confiscated the moment those places are occupied by the royal armies, without the possibility of their being restored. The vessels of war which may require to communicate with this place, upon subjects necessary and particular to the nations to which they belong, will present themselves before the port, and send out their boats within reach of the batteries, there to await the arrival of the person who may be sent by this government to communicate with them.

MESSRS. COCHRANE, AMERO, AND LINCH, FOR A LEASE OF THE PASCO MINES.

1. The government agrees to let to Messrs. Cochrane, Linch, and Amero, the mines and dependencies which belong to the government of Peru, and which were formerly in the possession of Don Juan Vivas, situate in the department of Pasco, for a term of twenty-five years, on paying every year the sum of 15,000 dollars, and a further sum of 30 per cent. upon the bars of silver which those mines may produce, all other duties included.

2. The amount of 15,000 dollars stated in the present contract shall be paid by the contractors, in specie, by quarterly payments to the sinking fund of the public debt.