John L. Wilson, commercial agent at Cape Haytien, wrote, June 5, 1854: "By a recognition of the Independence of Hayti, our commerce would be likely to advance still more. Our citizens trading there would enjoy more privileges, besides standing on a better footing. Many decided advantages might be obtained through treaty and our own government would exercise a wholesome influence over theirs, of which it stands much in need."—"Commercial Relations," Vol. 4, p. 509.
Seth Webb, commercial agent at Port au Prince, wrote, December 12, 1861: "I must say with frankness to the Department, that I find my position much embarrassed by the failure of our government to take any steps toward acknowledging the nationality of Haiti, or entering into the usual relations of country, which exist between neighboring peoples."—To Hon. Wm. H. Seward, Sec. of State, U. S. Commercial Agency, Port au Prince.
[458] April 18, 1850. Quoted in N.Y. Tribune, November 9, 1860.
[459] Ibid., November 9, 1860.
[460] "Messages and Papers of the Presidents," Vol. 4, p. 47.
[461] Garrison and Garrison-Garrison, Vol. 4, p. 33. Liberator, 31: 194.
[462] African Repository, February, 1862, p. 41.
"The Executive Committee of the American Colonization Society observe with deep interest that the President of the United States has in his late message recommended that the Republic of Liberia should be acknowledged as independent. They also notice his recommendation of some plan of colonization for free people of color in some clime congenial to them."
[463] Ibid., May, 1862, p. 157.
[464] Ibid., April, 1862, p. 111.