Mr. Blaine to Mr. Ryan.
Washington, February 18, 1890.
Sir: The Department has received your No. 238 of the 7th instant, in further reference to the case of R. C. Work, imprisoned at Victoria, Tamaulipas, for the alleged murder of Francisco Cruz. It appears from the copy of letters from Mr. Work and from our consular agent at Victoria, Mr. King, that under certain rules the prisoner has been allowed, on account of ill health, very considerable privileges, including that of remaining at home with his family; but that for reasons which seemed sufficient to the authorities hi has recently been obliged to return to the jail.
The statement of Mr. Work and of the consular agent conflict somewhat; and if a disinterested medical statement of the physical condition of Mr. Work could be procured, it might assist the consideration of the case. If suffering from acute attacks of asthma, the paroxysmal and intermittent character of that complaint should be borne in mind in weighing Mr. King’s statement that Mr. Work was out hunting a few days before his return to the jail.
I am, etc.,