1117. CANAL, Panama.—[continued].
I have been told that the
cutting through the Isthmus of Panama, which
the world has so often wished, and supposed
practicable, has at times been thought of by
the government of Spain, and that they once
proceeded so far as to have a survey and examination
made of the ground; but that the
result was either impracticable or of too great
difficulty. Probably the Count de Campornanes,
or Don Ulloa, can give you information
on this head. I should be exceedingly pleased
to get as minute details as possible on it, and
even copies of the survey, report, &c., if they
could be obtained at a moderate expense. I
take the liberty of asking your assistance in
this.—
To William Carmichael. Washington ed. ii, 325.
Ford ed., iv, 473.
(P.
1787)
