Office of the Historian

No. 671.
Mr. Thompson to Mr. Bayard.

[Extract.]
Legation of the United States,
Port au Prince Hayti, November 3, 1888. (Received November 19.)
No. 218.]

Sir: Having been informed by Captain Compton, of the steamship Haytian Republic, yesterday, the 2d instant, that his ten passengers had voluntarily consented to the authorities’ request that they come ashore, and that they had consequently left the ship; furthermore, that the tribunal had rendered a verdict of confiscation of the vessel by the Haytian authorities and a payment to be made them of $50,000 by the Hayti Mail Line for damage done, and that those on board must leave the ship at once, I immediately addressed a dispatch to the charge of foreign affairs (copy herein transmitted, marked A), you will please notice that in conformity with my previous dispatch on the subject (inclosure No. 3 to dispatch No. 217) I ignored the object and validity of the tribunal formed, and that in this last dispatch I only speak of “a verdict and a tribunal,” as it has been but a mockery, the tribunal they established as a court of admiralty.

I am certain you will agree it was absolutely necessary that I send an energetic protest about this matter, as Captain Compton has been ordered several times to leave his ship, but, following my instructions, he will not do so unless those giving the order first pull down the flags over the vessel and force him off.

I have, etc.,

John E. W. Thompson.
[Inclosure in No. 218.]

Mr. Thompson to Mr. Piquant.

Legation of the United States,
Port au Prince Hayti, November 2, 1888.
No. 86.]

Sir: The undersigned has been informed authoritatively that a tribunal has rendered a verdict that the American steam-ship Haytian Republic be delivered to the authorities at Port au Prince, and in consequence that all of the crew on board leave the ship. Now, I, the undersigned, minister resident of the United States, protest in the name of the Government of the United States against—

(1)
The seizure of such vessel.
(2)
Against the irregular tribunal that has rendered the decision.
(3)
Against the verdict.
(4)
Against any action being taken by the authorities until I can receive instructions from my Government.

And do by the present hold the authorities of Port au Prince responsible for all damages in the premises, declaring most solemnly at the same time that the crew of the above-mentioned steamer are under the protection of my flag, the ensign of the Republic of the United States of America.

The undersigned has the honor to be, sir, with assurance of distinguished consideration.

Your obedient servant,

John E. W. Thompson.