I shall, however, forward a copy of his letter and protest to our minister in
Santiago.
[Inclosure in No. 140.]
Mr. Monjoy to Mr.
Christiancy
Consulate of the United States of America,
Lambayeque, March 17, 1880.
Sir: I have the honor to transcribe to your
excellency the following report from Mr. Stalpe, of Lobos de Afuera
Islands, of the proceedings of the Chilian cruisers at those islands,
and also the attack made by the same vessels upon the port and town of
Eten.
“Lobos de Afuera, March
16.
“On the 10th instant there arrived here the Chilian corvette Chacabuco
and transport Loa, which, after notifying the governor of their intent,
proceeded to burn and destroy moles, platforms, cars, launches, &c.,
and to embark everything movable found on the islands, including mules,
horses, live-stock, and provisions, as well from the company’s stores as
from the purveyor’s store, over which the English consular flag was
flying. In fine, they have completely stripped us of everything, and, as
I telegraphed you on the 13th instant, I am sending the people away as
fast as possible, leaving the contracted Chinamen until the last. In the
interest of humanity and at my urgent solicitations, the commander, Don
Oscar Viel, left me rice and charqui for eight days, and spared the
steamer Ballestas, which he said was forfeited by her voyages being
illegal, on my representation that she was absolutely necessary to
transport the people to the mainland, as we could not depart upon the
ships, which do not feel inclined to move at present.
“The commander assured me that his orders to take away everything were
most positive. The mole is this time completely destroyed, and the
loading may be considered as definitely suspended.
* * * * * * *
[Page 841]
“The commander of the Chilian naval forces notified us that his orders
are to await a re-enforcement of ships and to destroy all the ports from
Payta to Callao. A third Chilian ship joined the squadron at Eten Rafter
which they proceeded to sea, and we have seen them no more.”
The resolution of the Chilian Government, as expressed by the commander
of the bombarding forces, Capt. Oscar Viel, to destroy the ports of the
coast, will, no doubt, arouse your attention as also that of the other
foreign diplomatic officers in Peru, from the fact that at least 90 per
cent. of all the immovable property in those ports belongs to foreign
residents, such as dwellings, storehouses, &c. What favorable effect
the destruction of such property can have upon the result of the war is
not very clear to me, and therefore I request your serious consideration
of the disastrous effects of such acts upon the Americans engaged in
commerce and trade on the coast—effects which destroy the strenuous
efforts of our government and citizens for the last few years to promote
and encourage trade and commerce with Peru and to procure in this
country an outlet for our manufactures and products. The solution of
this difficult situation I leave to your excellency, as eminently
qualified by your capacity and position. Still, I consider it to be my
duty, as an officer of the United States, to protest, in the name of our
government and of her citizens resident in this district, against all
such barbarous and inhuman acts as directed chiefly and solely against
American and other foreign citizens and their lives and property, and
declaring that such acts do not and cannot contribute in any manner
towards debilitating or harassing the people or Government of Peru, with
whom Chili is at war, but are evidently and solely acts directed with
premeditation against neutral residents of foreign nations who are
peaceably prosecuting their legitimate trade and commerce under the
protection of the general law of nations.
* * * * * * *
I have, &c.,
S. C. MONTJOY,
United States
Consul.
