Recognition was given when President James Monroe received Antonio José Cañas, the founder of the Central American Federation, as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary.

The treaty was signed in Washington, D.C. by Secretary of State Henry Clay and Central American ambassador Antonio José Cañas.

Prior to the signing of the treaty, trade with the U.S. amounted to $700,000 yearly, including $200,000 in smuggled goods due to customs inspection conducted in fraudulent manners.

William Sumter Murphy was appointed as ambassador to the Federation under the title of Special and Confidential Agent of the United States to Central America.

[1] This article incorporates public domain material from "A Guide to the United States' History of Recognition, Diplomatic, and Consular Relations, by Country, since 1776: Central American Federation".