Mr. Ryan to Mr.
Blaine.
Legation of
the United States,
Mexico, February 10, 1890.
(Received February 19.)
No. 241.]
Sir: Referring to this legation’s dispatch No. 186
of December 11, 1889, relative to the arrest last November of Capt. J. H.
Stilphen, of the American schooner Robert Ruff, by
the authorities of Minatitlan, Vera Cruz, I have the honor to inclose copies
of notes received by me from United States Consul Joseph D. Hoff, of Vera
Cruz, and from Capt. J. H. Stilphen.
I have addressed a note to Mr. Mariscal, copy whereof please find herewith,
recalling his attention to this subject.
I am, etc.,
[Page 629]
[Inclosure 1 in No. 241.]
Mr. Hoff to Mr.
Ryan.
Consulate of the United States,
Vera Cruz, January 16,
1890.
Sir: Capt. J. H. Stilphen writes me that he is
still under bond of $200 about the affair of carrying that man from
Coatzacoalcos and would like to have it settled, as he had to put the
money up, as they might call the case up when he was away, and forfeit
the bond, and keep the money, which I am satisfied is very unrighteous
and unjust.
The following is a copy of his letter to me received to-day:
“I sail from New Orleans, Friday, 10 January, for Coatzacoalcos; will
load at Minatitlan for New Orleans. Please write me as soon as
convenient and see if you can’t get them to settle the thing up this
time whilst I am down there, for I expect to go north next voyagfe. They
may call for me and I can not get there. I trust you will try and have
it fixed up by the time I get away from there.”
I hope something may be done with the case, as they certainly had no
right to arrest him, for he was out of their jurisdiction when the man
came on board 9 miles at sea. They might just as well arrest the
landlord in Pensacola that entertained him, should he go to Mexico, as
Captain Stilphen, who entertained him out of their jurisdiction.
Yours, etc.,
[Inclosure 2 in No. 241.]
Captain Stilphen to
Mr. Ryan.
Minatitlan, January 27,
1890.
Dear Sir: Some 2 months ago I wrote to United
States consul, Vera Cruz, and also cabled you that I had been arrested
and under bond for $200 on account of man Patton put on board of my
vessel 9 miles at sea from bar of Coatzacoalcos. This man Patton was
sent on board by Sir Thomas Tancred, of the railroad now building, and
some 1 hour after this man was on board the port captain’s boat came
along and handed me a paper written in Spanish asking for Patton. I told
them he was on board. They wanted him. I told them I could not give him
up, for these men in boat were in no uniform to represent any authority.
I did not refuse them coming on board for him. And they went away, and
on my arrival back I was arrested. I gave bonds. This man I never knew
before, and company put him on board, and am I to be fined for this act
when I have done nothing more than many others would have done?
Will you please let me know what can be done in this case? I want to get
clear of this bond and have it settled. I shall sail for New Orleans in
about 12 days?
Please answer and oblige.
I remain, etc.,
J. H. Stilphen,
Master Schooner Robert
Ruff.
[Inclosure 3 in No. 241.]
Mr. Ryan to Mr.
Mariscal.
Legation of the United States,
Mexico, February 10,
1890.
Sir: I am in receipt of a communication from
Capt. J. H. Stilphen, master of the American schooner Robert Ruff, dated Minatitlan, V. C., January 27 last, whom
Your Excellency will remember was arrested last November by the
authorities of Minatitlan, on charge of assisting the escape of one
Patton, supposed to have assaulted Manuel Alor in Chinameca; said
Captain Stilphen being afterwards admitted to bail and allowed to
sail.
He has on his return voyage again reached Minatitlan; and he is anxious
to have the case against him, if there be one, settled as soon as
possible, and his bond canceled, as it embarrasses his movements.
In Your Excellency’s esteemed note of December 10, 1889, you were
gracious enough to promise this legation the result of inquiries you had
kindly set on foot touching this case, and, in connection therewith, I
earnestly trust that some definite report from the authorities of the
State of Vera Cruz may soon reach Your Excellency.
Praying Your Excellency’s attention anew to this matter, I take pleasure
in reiterating the assurances of my highest esteem and regard for Your
Excellency.
