Guide to Nicaragua and Isthmian Canal Commission Papers

Collection Summary

Title: Nicaragua and Isthmian Canal Commission Papers
Call Number: MS 74-2
Size: 0.5 linear feet
Acquisition: Unknown.
Processed by: KJC, 3/1992; SMC, 01/1998; MN, 10/2002


Literary Rights

Literary rights were not granted to Wichita State University. When permission is granted to examine manuscripts, it is not an authorization to publish them. Manuscripts cannot be used for publication without regard for common law literary rights, copyright laws and the laws of libel. It is the responsibility of the researcher and his/her publisher to obtain permission to publish. Scholars and students who eventually plan to have their work published are urged to make inquiry regarding overall restrictions on publication before initial research.

Content Note

These papers include a selection of typed correspondence, memoranda and photographs concerning the Nicaraguan and Isthmian Canal Commissions. Subjects covered include the Nicaraguan route and its subsequent abandonment, the Isthmian route and the negotiations with the surrounding country of Colombia. The papers provide insight into the decision-making process in which the United States government engaged regarding the canal routes from 1824 to 1904. The correspondence is between members of the commissions. Some photographs show early stages of canal construction in 1897 and 1898.

Administrative History

Not available.

Series Listing

Series 1 Box 1 FF 1-14 Reports and Memorandum. Copies of typed reports and memorandum investigating the possibility of constructing a canal in Nicaragua. Includes three reports critical of canal construction in Panama. 1824-1901.
Series 2 Box 1 FF 15-27 Correspondence of the United States Isthmian Canal Commission, the United States Naval Department, and John G. Walker. Correspondents range from the State Department, foreign ministers, and the presidents of the Panama Railroad Company. 1890s-1904.
Series 3 Box 1 FF 28-32 Photographs. 1890s-1904.
Series 4 Box 1 FF 33-34 Miscellaneous. Articles, map and report.
 

Box and Folder Listing

Series 1 -- Reports and Memorandum
     
Box 1 FF 1 (1) Incomplete copy of typed report, description of terrain and suggestions for canal construction. (2) 4 September 1824. New York. Typed copy, to Edmund Blunt from John H. Howland, J. C. Bolton and Co. Contract engaging his services. (3) 8 September 1824. New York. Typed copy, to Robert Clossey from survey services concerning the practicality of excavation and canal construction. (4) 26 April, 1825. Grenada. Typed copy to Edmund Blunt from C. Bolton. Concerning continuation of survey.
Box 1 FF 2 Typed copy of memorandum for the Nicaragua Canal Commission signed by T. A. Huertos. Building specifications for a canal in Nicaragua.
Box 1 FF 3 (1) 20 September, 1897. Brooklyn. Handwritten memorandum for the Nicaragua Canal Commission concerning campsites, makeup of camp crews, and necessary supplies to be taken. (2) 14 September 1897. Washington. To Nicaragua Canal Commission from Daniel Ammin. Typed copy of comments on the Ludlow Report.
Box 1 FF 4 3 November, 1897. Washington. Typed copy of a memorandum to members of the Nicaragua Canal Commission from John Sherman. Suggestions concerning the contents of its report to Congress.
Box 1 FF 5 (1) Typed copy of a memorandum to A. A. Adee, State Department, from J. Crawford. Provides "facts" to substantiate his claim in a negotiating role between Nicaragua and the United States. Mentions the Frelinghuysen-Zavala Treaty, W. R. Grace and Company, and Maritime Canal Company of Nicaragua. (2) 30 October, 1899. Washington, D.C. Typed copy of a memorandum to A. A. Adee, State Department, from J. Crawford, Managua Canal Company of Nicaragua.
Box 1 FF 6 15 pages. Typed copy of memorandum on the points embodied in a treaty between Republic of Colombia and the United States and the purchase of the New Panama Canal Company.
Box 1 FF 7 (1) 23 September, 1897. Typed copy of a memorandum to Rear Admiral J. G. Walker, President of the Nicaragua Canal Commission, from Frank P. Dairs. Regarding personal outfits and camping gear for use in Nicaragua. (2) 16 August, 1897. New York. Typed copy of memorandum from Frank P. Dairs.
Box 1 FF 8 (1) Typed copy of memorandum to Nicaragua Canal Commission from Alvey A. Adee, Acting Secretary. Congressional Authorization of disbursement of funds (Sundry Civil Appropriations Act). June 1897. (2) Typed copy of Public document, #2, pg. 54. Goals and objectives of Nicaragua Commission.
Box 1 FF 9 23 pages. Typed copy of a report. The history of the Menocal and the Eyre-Cragin contracts, and the Maritime Canal Company.
Box 1 FF 10 Typed copy of a report. The history and criticism of the payment of directors fees to the members of the Isthmian Canal Commission who have been elected directors of the Panama Railroad Canal.
Box 1 FF 11 Typed copy of a feasibility study comparing the Panama route to the Nicaragua route.
Box 1 FF 12 26 pages. Typed copy of a report from the Committee on rights, privileges, and franchises in and upon the different route for an Isthmian canal.
Box 1 FF 13 Typed copy of a report. A study concerning the estimated value in compensation of the French company.
Box 1 FF 14 A copy of FF 13
 
Series 2 -- Correspondence of the United States Isthmian Canal Commission, the United States Naval Department, and John G. Walker
     
Box 1 FF 15 Correspondence of the United States Isthmian Canal Commission, the United States Naval Department, and John G. Walker. First of four parts described on "List of Papers" in file.
Box 1 FF 16 Contains the second part.
Box 1 FF 17 Contains the third part.
Box 1 FF 18 Contains the fourth part.
Box 1 FF 19 Correspondence. (1) 18 January 1900. S. Saene, at sea. Typed copy to My dear Staunton from J. G. Walker. (2) 19 January 1900. Greytown, Nicaragua. To Commander Sidney A. Stauton from J. G. Walker. (3) 19 January 1900. Greytown, Nicaragua. To Commander Sidney A. Staunton from J. G. Walker. (4) 22 January 1900. Greytown, Nicaragua. To Commander Sidney A. Staunton from J. G. Walker, three copies. (5) 23 January 1900. Greytown, Nicaragua. To Commander Sidney A. Staunton from J. G. Walker. (6) 4 April 1900. Washington, D.C. To J. G. Walker from M. Hutin. (7) 10 April 1900. Washington, D.C. To Maurice Hutin from J. G. Walker. Three copies. (8) 10 May 1900. Paris. To Admiral J. G. Walker from M. Hutin.
Box 1 FF 20 Correspondence. (1) 20 July 1900. Paris. To Rear Admiral Walker from M. Hutin. (2) 13 August 1900. Washington, D.C. To Maurice Hutin from J. G. Walker. (3) 21 August 1900. Handwritten original. Costa Rica. To Admiral John G. Walker from William Lawrence Marry. (Confidential). (4) 26 November 1900. To Admiral John G. Walker from M. Hutin, pp. 84-87. Three copies. (5) 29 April 1901. Washington. To M. M. Hutin form Carlos Martinez Silva. (Translation). (6) 1 May 1901. Washington, D.C. To Mr. Minister (Martinez Silva) from M. Hutin. (7) 3 May 1901. Washington, D.C. To My dear sir (Admiral John G. Walker) form Carlos Martinez Silva. (8) 8 May 1901. Washington, D.C. To My dear sir (Maurice Hutin) from J. G. Walker.
Box 1 FF 21 Correspondence. (1) 10 May 1901. Washington, D.C. To my dear Admiral (John Walker) from M. Hutin. (2) 15 May 1901. Washington, D.C. To Admiral J. G. Walker from M. Hutin. (3) 16 May 1901. Washington, D.C. To Admiral J. G. Walker from M. Hutin. (4) 15 June 1901. San Jose, Costa Rica. To John Hay from William Lawrence Marry. (5) 16 June 1901. San Jose, Costa Rica. To John Hay from William Lawrence Marry. (6) 21 June 1901. Paris. To Admiral John G. Walker from M. Hutin. (7) 28 June 1901. Paris. To Admiral Walker from Hutin.
Box 1 FF 22 Correspondence. (1) 3 July 1901. Washington, D.C. To Maurice Hutin, from J. G. Walker. (2) 9 July 1901. Navy Department, Washington. To the Honorable Secretary of State, from John D. Long. (3) 18 July 1901. Department of State, Washington. To Rear Admiral John G. Walker, from John Hay. (4) 25 July 1901. Paris. To Admiral Walker, from Hutin. (5)26 July 1901. Washington. To Pananovo, from Walker. (6) 14 September 1901. Paris. To Admiral Walker from Hutin. (7) 14 September 1901. Washington. To Pananovo, from Walker. (8) 25 September 1901. New York. To Admiral Walker, from Hutin. (9) 30 September 1901. New York. To Admiral Walker, from X. Boyard. (10) 10 October 1901. New York City. To Admiral Walker, from X. Boyard. (11) 11 October 1901. Washington, D.C. To X. Boyard, from J. G. Walker. (12) 17 October 1901 (Received in Washington, D.C.). Two copies. To Mr. President, from M. Hutin. Concerning the selling price of the Panama Railroad Company. 6pp.
Box 1 FF 23 Correspondence. (1) 18 October 1901. Washington, D.C. Two copies. To Maurice Hutin, from J. G. Walker. Concerning the transfer of New Panama Canal Company. 8pp. (2) 22 October 1901. Washington, D.C. Three copies. To Maurice Hutin from J. G. Walker. About the delay of a closing report as it relates to the end of congressional session. (3) 2 November 1901. Washington, D.C. Two copies. To Admiral John G. Walker from M. Hutin. Concerning the sale of the Panama Canal. 9 pp.
Box 1 FF 24 Correspondence. (1) 5 November 1901. Washington, D.C. To Maurice Hutin from J. G. Walker. (2) 6 November 1901. Washington, D.C. Two copies. Translation. To Admiral J. G. Walker from M. Hutin. (3) 6 December 1901. Washington, D.C. To the President, from President of Commission. Unsigned. Typed report on the purchase proceedings with the New Panama Canal Company. 8 pp.
Box 1 FF 25 Correspondence. (1) 30 November 1901. Washington, D.C. To the President of the United States from M. Hutin. (2) 2 January 1903. Chicago, Illinois. To Admiral J. G. Walker from Corps of Engineers, Northwest Division. (3) 29 September 1903. Handwritten original. Colon, Republic of Colombia. To Rear Admiral J. G. Walker from W. Black, Major Corps of Engineer. About possibility of a Panamanian revolt (confidential). (4) 19 January 1904. Washington, D.C. To John Hay, Secretary of State, from P. Bunau Varilla. (5) 25 January 1904. Washington. To F. V. de la Espriella from P. Bunau-Varilla. (6) 6 February 1904. Translation of reply (in part) of F. V. de la Espriella's letter of 25 January 1904. (7) 13 February 1904. To Rear Admiral J. G. Walker from Tomas Arias. (8) 16 February 1904. To Admiral John G. Walker from the Office of General Superintendent, Panama Railroad Company. (9) 1 March 1904. Washington. To Admiral John G. Walker from the Office of General Superintendent, Panama Railroad Company. (10) 16 August 1904. Panama. To Minister Don Tomas Arias from John Barrett. (11) 23 August 1904. Panama. To John Barrett from Tomas Arias. (12) 6 September 1905. Panama. To William H. Taft, Secretary of War from unknown.
Box 1 FF 26 Correspondence. (1) 3 October 1904. Washington, D.C. To William H. Taft, Secretary of War, Second Vice-President. (2) 6 October 1904. New York. To Admiral J. G. Walker from E. A. (?), Second Vice-President, Panama Railroad Company. (3) 15 October 1904. S. S. "Advance". To Colonel Gorgas from Ronald Ross, professor of Tropical Medicine, University of Liverpool, England. (4) 19 October 1904. New York. To Admiral John G. Walker. (5)14 September 1901. Pananovo, Paris. (6) 28 July 1898. From John D. Long to Walker, calling him to duty as Navy member of the board. (7) 29 July 1898. To the Secretary of War. (8) 5 November 1901. To Maurice Hutin. (9) 22 October 1901. 468-470. To Maurice Hutin. (10) 18 October 1901. 471-478. To Maurice Hutin.
Box 1 FF 27 Correspondence. (1) 3 October 1901. 477. To My Dear Senator. (2) 2 October 1901. 479. To My Dear Senator. (3) 16 May 1901. 480-483. To M. Hutin. (4) 9 May 1901. 484-486. To Señor Carlos Martinez Silva. (5) 8 May 1901. 487-488. To M. Hutin. (6) 10 April 1900. 489-492. To M. Hutin. (7) 15 July 1901. 491. To Señor Carlos Martinez Silva. (8) 6 January 1902. 499. Señor Carlos Martinez Silva. (9) 21 June 1901. To Seññor Carlos Martinez Silva.
 
Series 3 -- Photographs
     
Box 1 FF 28 Photographs. (1) Schooner supply-Isthmian Canal Commission. (2) Group of men, 1898, two copies. (3) Group of men 1898. (4) Four photographs on a sheet of paper. (5) Farewell to Commission at Panama, 7 September 1904. (6) The Commission Chief Engineer Wallace of Empire in Camp Elliot. (7) Special car used by Commission, Panama to Colombia, 7 September 1904. (8) View looking towards Colombia side from top of hill at Empire, 7 September 1904. (9) Group of men: Back row, left to right, Colonel Frank J. Hecker, W. B. Parsons, C. E. Grunsky, B. M. Harrod. Front Row, left to right, W. H. Burr, Rear Admiral John G. Walker, General George W. Davis.
Box 1 FF 29 Series of four photographed Republic of Colombia documents.
Box 1 FF 30 Photographs. Captions in French. (1) Traveaux du port de la Boca, 31 Janvier 1897. (2) La Boca, Travail Termine, 30 January 1898. (3) Culebra, Septembre 1897. (4) Culebra Tranchee Vue du Nord au Sud, Septembre 1897. (5) Culebra a Cucaracha, Septembre 1897. (6) Cucaracha Galerie Cote, Septembre 1897. (7) Cucaracha, Septembre 1897. (8) Chantier de Emperador, Septembre 1897. (9) Chantier de Emperador, Cableway Americains, Septembre 1897. (10) Cucaracha a Culebra, Janvier 1898. (11) Cucaracha, Janvier 1898. (12) Meme region, Janvier 1898. (13) La Canal Maritime pres de Vamos-Vamos. La Souvenir de la visite de la Commission Americaine, Mars 1898. (14) Christophe Colomb, Ponton, La Souvenir de la visite de la Commission Americaine, Mars 1898
Box 1 FF 31 Photographs. (1) House 265 owned by Mr. Hollenger. Two photographs. (2) House 273 owned by Mr. J. J. Burton. (3) House 274 owned by Zeilla Guterrez. (4) House 283 owned by Thomas Daily.
Box 1 FF 32 Photographs. (1) House 266 owned by Marie Lueere. (2) House 275 owned by Andres Podella. (3) House 282 owned by V. de Suza. (4) House 297 owned by Schuetz. (5) House 300 owned by Lam Hing and Company of Colon.
 
Series 4 -- Miscellaneous
     
Box 1 FF 33 (1) Article from Marine Review. "Commercial Aspect of Panama Canal." envelope. (2) Scientific American Supplement. Volume LIII. Number 1359, January 18, 1902. "The Isthmian Canal Controversy."
Box 1 FF 34 (1) Map, "The Lands Claimed by the Chriqui Improvement Company," not dated. (2) 8 May 1901. Washington, D.C. Typed report on land speculation of Chriqui Improvement Company.