No. 233.
Mr. Langston to Mr. Frelinghuysen.
Port au Prince, Hayti , Nov. 8, 1884. (Received Nov. 21.)
Sir: Referring to your dispatch No. 300, dated October 1, 1884, relating to the case of Mr. 0. A. Yan Bokkelen, now pending in the court of cassation, by appeal on his own action, I have the honor to state that [Page 331] I have from the first done all I could consistently to conserve and advance Mr. Yan Bokkelen’s interests in connection with the suits upon the judgments of which he is now imprisoned—confined in the military hospital of this city—but since I received your instruction, on the 22d ultimo, to do all in my power practicable to secure his immediate release, I have, through the kindness of the honorable secretary of state of foreign relations, had an interview with the honorable secretary of state of justice with regard to the case, the law questions involved in its consideration and decision as respects our treaty with this Government and the rights of American citizens residing in this country and doing business here, and the importance of having the case heard and determined at once, thus securing the speedy release of our citizen. The secretary with whom I had this conference, on the 6th instant, heard me patiently, and assured me that the matter should command his immediate attention, and that he would press its decision to the extent of his ability at once.
I shall do all I can consistently to carry out successfully your instructions.
I am, &c.,