Office of the Historian

No. 203.
Mr. Bassett to Mr. Fish.

[Extract.]
Legation of the United States,
Port au Prince, Hayti, November 23, 1872. (Rec’d Dec. 11.)
No. 162.]

Sir: It appears that during the latter part of October a small squad of soldiers belonging to the forces of President Baez, suddenly fell upon the camp of General Cabral, on the frontier, killed a distinguished Haytian general, who was also a senator of the republic, named John Lynch, and some few others, and put to flight Cabral himself, who barely escaped, half-dressed, alone, and on foot. Among the wounded was a distinguished partisan of Cabral, general named Pimentel. He was at once brought here to Port au Prince, where he soon after died and was buried with military honors.

Not a word is said about the affair in the official journal, “Le Moniteur.” But another journal, “Le Peuple,” has given of the occurrences an account, which I send herewith, (see inclosure A.) The style and epithets of this article are noticeable.

There are two questions which this recital might suggest. It might be interesting to know why a distinguished Haytien general and senator should be found in the camp of General Cabral, and also why a leading insurrectionary general of San Domingo should be buried at Port au Prince with military honors, in presence of the-high civil and military officials of this government. Nor can the silence of the official journal as to the facts enumerated pass altogether unnoticed.

It is tolerably well clear to my mind that the events above cited must nearly or quite prove the practical end of the “great” Cabral insurrection in San Domingo. * * * * * *

I have, & c.,

EBENEZER D. BASSETT.
[Page 453]
[Inclosure A.—Translation.]

Thursday morning, October 24, ultimo, sixteen Baezites crossed the lines of Cabral without firing a gun. These brigands secretly entered two cabins. In one of them they found John Lynch, Lorenzo Acosta, Jesus del Christo, and B. Pimentel. This latter person was gravely wounded, while the three first were assassinated. In the second cabin Cabral and eight others were sleeping. Six of these individuals fell under the enemies’ balls, while Cabral succeeded once more in saving himself by running away bare-footed.

The sixteen Baezites returned as they came, without a wound, and without sound of trumpet or drum. Such a fact proves the listlessness and incapacity of Cabral’s troops. It is also said that Ogando, one of Cabral’s generals, has revolted against him. What a simultaneous combination of crimes, misfortune, and shame! These assassinations took place at Descuviertos, at four o’clock in the morning.

General Pimentel, removed here by the care of his friends, had to undergo the amputation of an arm Sunday morning. He died in consequence of the operation, and was buried with military honors yesterday, November 4th instant.