No. 361.
Mr. Bassett to Mr. Fish.

No. 245.]

Sir: I have just learned through our consul at Gape Haytien that the Dominican insurgent leader Luperon, of whom mention is made in my No. 227, of the 27th of June last, had rendered himself so obnoxious to his companions and followers, that, after having made several attempts upon his life, they succeeded in banishing him from their ranks as an obstacle to their progress. He is now said to be quietly residing on a plantation about ten miles from Gape Haytien. I have always understood that Luperon was exceedingly unpopular in all parts of his country in which he was well known, and, in fact, that his cruel and overbearing character had caused him to be generally detested among his countrymen.

It is reported that, since the enforced retirement of Luperon from the insurgent bands, they have met with some small successes on the frontiers near Monte Christo. But I scarcely think that these reported successes, if indeed there have been any successes at all, have thus far been, or are likely soon to be, of any-special significance or importance.

The Haytian war steamer L’Union, formerly called the Salnave, a few days ago left Cape Haytien, where she had been stationed for some time past, ostensibly to go to Fort Lrberté, but there are rumors afloat’ to the effect that her mission is to keep an eye upon the Dominican man-of-war Capotille, and to lend aid, if opportunity should offer, to the Dominican insurgents said to be operating, I trust not very dangerously or sanguinarily, on land near the northern coast.

It is possible that there may be a grain of truth in a part of this rumor, but it strikes me, however, that the position of affairs in Hayti at present is such that this government will not feel inclined to intermeddle seriously in the troubles of its neighbors for at least some time to come.

I am, &c.,

EBENEZER D. BASSETT.