Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President, Transmitted to Congress, December 4, 1893

Mr. Young to Mr. Gresham.

Legation of the United States,
Guatemala and Honduras,
Guatemala, November 22, 1893. (Received December 7.)

No. 35.]

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that on the morning of the 7th of November, 1893, I received the following dispatch from Minister Baker:

La Libertad, November 6, 1893—4 p.m.

Young, American Minister, Guatemala:

Have sent folowing cablegram to Washington:

“Left Corinto on steamship Costa Rica on the 4th for Salvador. Bonilla, Honduras man, was passenger for Guatemala. His delivery was demanded at Amapala; refused by ship’s captain; threats made on President’s order to sink ship; seven shots fired after clearance papers received.”

Kindly meet me at Acajutla, Wednesday. Alliance will bring you. Answer.

Baker.

I immediately telegraphed Commander Lyons at San José asking him if he could take me to Acajutla, to which he replied that he could. I took the evening train at 3 p.m., arriving at San José at 8 p.m. Went immediately on board the Alliance and sailed for Acajutla, arriving there about 7 o’clock next morning (Wednesday, the 8th). The Costa Rica came into port about 9 a.m. Minister Baker and Capt. Dow, of the Costa Rica, came on board the Alliance and made statements concerning the firing into the Costa Rica by the commandant at Amapala, Honduras, on the 6th instant.

The commander of the Alliance appointed a board of naval officers of the Alliance to investigate the Amapala affair. They went aboard of the Costa Rica, organized, and heard the statements of such persons as they invited before them, and made the investigation as thorough as it could be done under the circumstances. I herewith inclose a copy of the report of this board for the information of the Department of State. After a conversation with Minister Baker, I determined to move down to La Libertad, where I would have good cable advantages and be in direct communication with Washington as well as Honduras. On arriving at La Libertad next day, the 9th, at noon, I sent the following dispatch to the minister of foreign relations of Honduras:

On Board U. S. S. Alliance,
La Libertad, November 9, 1893.

His Excellency Antonio Lopez,
Minister of Foreign Relations, Tegucigalpa, Honduras:

Will you inform me if the Government of Honduras authorized the firing into the American ship Costa Rica, at Amapala, on 6th instant. I await your reply.

P. M. B. Young,
U. S. Minister.

To which I received the following reply:

P. M. B. Young,
U. S. Minister, La Libertad:

In answer to telegram of your excellency of yesterday, I reply that this Government has not authorized anyone to fire on the American ship Costa Rica, at Amapala, on the 6th instant. On that same day I had the honor of sending to Guatemala a telegraphic message of this same import.

J. Antonio Lopez.

At the same time I sent my telegram to you of the 9th and received your reply of the 10th.

I then immediately sent the following:

On Board U. S. S. Alliance,
La Libertad, November 10, 1893.

His Excellency Antonio Lopez,
Minister Foreign Relations, Tegucigalpa

In the name of the United States, I earnestly protest against the insult to the American flag and the illegal act of firing into the American ship Costa Rica on the 6th instant, and I demand a disavowal of this act by your Government and an apology for the same.

Will your excellency give me an immediate answer?

P. M. B. Young,
U. S. Minister.

After twenty-four hours had elapsed and no reply, I again wired Mr. Lopez, as follows:

On Board U. S. S. Alliance,
La Libertad, November 10, 1893.

His Excellency Antonio Lopez,
Minister of Foreign Relations, Tegucigalpa, Honduras:

I must ask your excellency to give me an explicit and immediate reply to my dispatch to you of yesterday.

P. M. B. Young,
U. S. Minister.

And received this reply, which was repeated to Washington:

Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

P. M. B. Young,
U. S. Minister, La Libertad:

I have received your dispatch of to-day, in which yon convey to me that, in the name of the United States, and in the most formal manner, you protest against the insult to the American flag and the illegal act of firing on the steamer Costa Rica on the 6th instant, and demand disavowal of the act by this Government and satisfaction.

In answer and by direction of the President, I inform you that this Government has already disavowed, and does so now, the acts referred to, not having caused them, nor even having had the least intention of causing any offense to the Government of the United States, with which the President wishes always to preserve the best relations. This Government became aware, with great pain, of such an unfortunate incident, whose details I hastened to transmit by telegraph to you on the 6th instant.

As regards the satisfaction, it would be desirable, before offering it, to know the terms in which you ask it.

J. Antonio Lopez.

Upon the receipt of your telegram of the 12th I telegraphed the minster of Honduras in these words:

On Ship Alliance,
La Libertad, November 12, 1893.

His Excellency Antonio Lopez,
Minister of Foreign Relations, Tegucigalpa, Honduras:

Having reported your excellency’s reply to Washington, I am instructed to say that the President of the United States accepts the frank expressions of disavowal and regret of your Government as sufficient, and will waive further formal apology in the interest of friendly feeling. I am en route to Guatemala.

P. M. B. Young,
U. S. Minister.

To which was received in reply from the minister of Honduras this message:

Tegucigalpa, November 14, 1893.

P. M. B. Young,
U. S. Minister, Guatemala:

I have received your message dated yesterday, in which you say in obedience to instructions from the President of the United States, that in consequence of the frank expressions of disavowal and regret in relation to the incident of the Costa Rica and in the interest of the friendly sentiments of both countries, he refrains from demanding any further apology. This Government has seen with pleasure that the Government at Washington has duly appreciated the frank manner with which it has proceeded in this matter.

J. Antonio Lopez.

Which is the practical ending of this correspondence, and all of which has been conducted by telegraph. I left Guatemala hurriedly on the night of the 7th November, expecting to return on the following night on the Costa Rica, but which, owing to circumstances, I found impossible, and I did not return until the afternoon of November the 14th. On my arrival I found your message of the 7th, which failed to reach me until my return.

I can not close this dispatch without calling your attention to the admirable conduct of Capt. J. M. Dow, commander of the Costa Rica, who, under the most trying circumstances, preserved the dignity of his command and the honor of his flag in preventing the violent seizure on his ship of a gentleman who had quietly entered the ship, paid his fare to a point on the voyage, and was entitled to a first-class passage and a safe convoy to that point.

I am indebted to Commander T. A. Lyons, of the U. S. S. Alliance, for important, prompt, and valuable assistance.

Throughout this correspondence I have endeavored to follow as closely as possible the instructions and wishes of the Department of State.

The instructions I am sure I have executed literally. The correspondence, being solely by telegraph, must of necessity be less satisfactory and not so full or thorough as it would have been if it had been conducted in writing.

With the earnest hope that this episode may tend to strengthen the sentiments of amity between the United States and the Government of Honduras,

I am, etc.,

P. M. B. Young.

[Inclosure in No. 35.]

U. S. S. Alliance (third rate),
At Sea, Lat. 13° 35ʹ N, Long. 98°. 33ʹ W., November 9, 1893.

Record of a board of investigation convened on board the U. S. S. Alliance (third rate), by order of Commander T. A. Lyons, U. S. Navy, in accordance with, article 1720 U. S. Navy Regulations, 1893.

Approved:

T. A. Lyons,
Commander, U. S. Navy, Commanding.

U. S. S. Alliance,
La Libertad, Salvador, November 12, 1893.

U. S. S. Alliance (third rate),
At Sea, Lat. 13° 35ʹ N., Long. 89° 33ʹ W., November 9, 1893.

Commander T. A. Lyons, U. S. Navy,
Commanding U. S. S. Alliance:

Sir: In obedience to your order dated at the Roadstead, Acajutla, November 8, 1893, we have to report that we proceeded on board the Pacific mail steamer Costa Rica at Acajutla at 4 p.m. November 8, 1893, and investigated the circumstances connected with the firing by the Government authorities of Amapala, Honduras, upon the Pacific mail steamer Costa Rica.

The following statements were declared by the witnesses examined:

Capt. J. M. Dow, master steamship Costa Rica, made a statement, which was in substance as follows:

“Dr. Policarpo Bonilia, a native of Honduras, came on board the Costa Rica at Corinto, Nicaragua, on the 4th instant, as a passenger, to take passage for San Jose, Guatemala.

“I had no knowledge of him more than of any other passenger, until after arrival of ship at Amapala, Honduras. The Costa Rica arrived at Amapala at 6:30 a.m. November 5, 1893, and was immediately given permission for general delivery and receipt of cargo.

“At 2:15 p.m. a written communication, signed by captain of port, was brought on board by an official in uniform [a copy, marked “A,” of this communication, is appended to this record]. An answer, signed by me to this communication [a copy, marked “B,” appended] was sent to the captain of the port. At 6:15 p.m. another communication, signed by the captain of the port and his secretary [a copy appended, marked “C”] was brought on board by the said secretary, J. Castelar. I replied, verbally, that I had sent my answer and had nothing further to say in the matter. At 6:45 Gen. Aguirre, accompanied by an official in uniform, brought back the communication, mentioned last, stated that he had approved of my action, and requested my signature to the paper, saying that the captain of the port would give the ship the clearance papers if I would sign. Gen. Aguirre was not in uniform. I signed, acknowledging receipt of protest. The purser of the Costa Rica went on shore and returned with the clearance papers, which he reported correct.

No communication was had with shore until 3 a.m., 6th instant, when a boat came alongside with an official who delivered a communication from the captain of the port. [A copy appended, marked “D.”] I sent a verbal message that I would answer in a half hour. I immediately gave orders to get under way. The ship was heading upstream, and twenty minutes were occupied in turning her.

“At 3:55 rang to go ahead fast, to make the final turn, to head out of the harbor. At the same moment a cannon shot was fired from the Amapala shore, the projectile passing about 100 feet astern of the Costa Rica and between her and the City of Panama, anchored in the harbor. Other cannon shots were fired, but I was too busy to count them, as I was getting the ship out of port. I slowed down after I thought I had gotten out of range, to see if the City of Panama had been damaged by the fire.”

Mr. J. Mendez, purser of the Costa Rica, declared:

“I received the ship’s clearance papers from Mr. Villela, the captain of the port at Amapala, being informed that all difficulty was settled on receipt of the captain’s signature to the protest. The clearance papers were of usual form—clearance and bill of health. The clearance was left at La Union, Salvador, the bill of health being at Acajutla.

“Mr. Bonilla came aboard at Corinto, Nicaragua, having a ticket which he had purchased on shore, for passage from Corinto to Acajutla, Salvador. He paid the difference on board from Acajutla to San José de Guatemala.”

Samuel Redmond, chief engineer of the Costa Rica, declared:

“Sometime after 3 a.m., on the 6th instant, the Captain ordered steam ready as soon as possible. The engines were turned over in four minutes and the ship started ahead full speed at 3:55.

“I was standing on the after deck when the first shot was fired. It passed over the after part of ship and sounded like a solid shot from a cannon. I have been under fire and know the sound of a cannon ball.

“After the first shot I went below to see pumps ready, fearing injury to the ship below the water line from another shot. I counted eight shots; the last was a heavy shot. I did not see the flash, but heard the report. I do not know whether the first shot came from the fort or the Cuartel, but I saw about five flashes coming from the fort.”

J. E. Johnson, second officer of the Costa Rica, declared:

“At 3:55 a.m. I came on deck as relief of watch. Passed through pilot house to go on bridge, when a cannon shot was fired from shore.

“At 4:03 a second cannon shot was fired. I heard the report and the whistling of the shot. I noted the times of the shots for the ship’s log. At 4:15, third shot; at 4:26, fourth shot; at 4:35, fifth shot; (at 4:45 the ship passed between the Islands Mangeura and Conchaguita); at 4:55, sixth shot, and at 5, seventh shot; at 5:08, eighth shot. At 4:30 the ship’s speed was reduced to 75 revolutions; at 4:50 slowed still more. At 5:36 went ahead full speeds.

Archibald Stewart, second steward of the Costa Rica, declared:

“I was asleep in a chair on the after deck and was awakened by the noise of the first shot. The second shot passed between the City of Panama and this ship; I saw the flash of the third shot and heard the reports of other shots after the ship had gotten outside.”

George E. Terry, first officer of the Costa Rica, declared:

“I saw flashes of eight shots; the second and third shots were, I knew, to be projectiles from the sound made. I heard no musketry firing, but there was shouting on shore when the ship’s light was hauled down. The first shot appeared to come from the beach and the others from the hill. The ship was making 12 knots, going out.” (The first officer exhibited ship’s chart to show position of ship and batteries.)

J. F. Medina, of Managua, Nicaragua, passenger from Corinto, Nicaragua, to Acajutla, Salvador, declared:

“I was awakened after 3 a.m. November 6, by Minister Baker telling me that a new communication had been received from shore, stating that the ship would be bombarded if Dr. Bonilla was not delivered up, and that Capt. Dow had determined to leave immediately. Shortly after ship was maneuvering the first shot was fired; saw the flash; heard the report, followed by several others. I counted seven. I heard shouting on shore and saw lights going up the hill.

“Dr. Bonilla was head of an unsuccessful revolution in Honduras, and is now a member of the Congress at Managua, Nicaragua.”

Louis Chable, of New York, secretary to Minister Baker, passenger from Corinto, Nicaragua, to Acajutla, Salvador, declared:

“I counted seven shots, all from the hill; fired from an 8 or 12 centimeter Krupp gun, as I have learned since from the captain of the port of Amapala. The guns are mounted on a parapet on a hill 500 feet high, facing towards La Union, Salvador. The fort is of stone, with lookout towers at the corners. I heard shouting on shore, which I afterwards learned came from the boats being made ready to come off to the ship. I went to Amapala on the 7th instant to obtain information for Minister Baker, and made a written report.” (Copy appended, marked “E.”)

Policarpo Bonilla, of Managua, Nicaragua, declared:

“I was engaged in a revolution against the Honduras Government two years ago. The Congress of Honduras has since granted amnesty to the participants.

“I am now a member of the Congress at Managua Nicaragua. I had no knowledge that I was wanted in Honduras at this time, hut the Government must have wanted me very badly to put the lives of 150 people in danger.”

J. Mendez, purser of the Costa Rica, further declared that there were on board the Costa Rica on the morning of November 6, at Amapala, Honduras, 58 male passengers (including Hon. Lewis Baker, U. S. Minister to Nicaragua), 16 ladies, including 2 daughters of U. S. Minister Baker, 2 children, and 62 members of the ship’s crew.

We find that the origin of the trouble was the noncompliance of the captain of the Pacific mail steamer Costa Rica with the demand made by the authorities of Honduras at Amapala, on the 5th day of November, 1893, for the delivery of Dr. Policarpo Bonilla, a passenger from Corinto, Nicaragua, to San José de Guatemala, probably a citizen of Honduras, a former revolutionist against the Government of Honduras, and at present a member of the constitutional Congress of Nicaragua.

Dr. Policarpo Bonilla was evidently wanted by the Government of Honduras for political offenses. No statement was made by authorities of Honduras of the offense of which it was claimed he had been convicted. About 2:15 p.m. November 5, 1893, nearly eight hours after the arrival of the ship at Amapala and prior to the delivery of clearance papers, a demand was made by the captain of the port, under instruction from the Government of Honduras, for the delivery of Policarpo Bouilla to the local authorities; and the information was sent that if this demand was not complied with the steamer would not be allowed to depart.

To this demand the captain of the Costa Rica sent a written reply, stating that after consultation with the minister of the United States, then on board, the demand could not be complied with.

Another communication was received about 6 p.m. stating that the captain of the steamer having refused to comply with the demand of the authorities of Honduras for the delivery of Bonilla, the captain of the port of Amapala, in the name of the Government of Honduras, protested formally against the action of the captain of the steamer in case of nondelivery of Bonilla before 6:15 p.m., thus avoiding the consequences which might follow. Capt. Dow’s signature was requested to this, and refused. The request was again made by Gen. Aguirre, who came on board accompanied by a military official in uniform, and on their representation that clearance would be given in the event of Capt. Dow signing the protest, he, (Capt. Dow), acknowledged in writing the receipt of the protest. After this acknowledgment was made the clearance papers were delivered to the purser of the steamer and he was informed by the captain of the port that the matter was at an end as far as the ship was concerned. This was about eight hours before the firing took place.

After the delivery of the clearance papers and about 3 a.m. on the 6th of November, 1893, a written communication was received on board the steamer from the captain of the port at Amapala, stating that he had received a new order to demand the delivery of Policarpo Bonilla, and that if this was refused, the ship would not be allowed to raise anchor; if done without the delivery of Bouilla, would subject the ship to a bombardment, for such the captain alone to be responsible on account of his refusal.

The captain of the Costa Rica sent a reply to this communication, stating he would send an answer in a half hour. Instead of doing so he ordered the ship to get under way, and as rapidly as possible proceed to sea.

The firing commenced soon after the ship was under way and while turning to head out of the harbor.

Eight shots were fired from the forts at Amapala, Honduras, between the hours of 3:55 a.m. and 5:08 a.m. November 6, 1893, with the intention of sinking the Costa Rica. The shots were fired from Krupp guns of 8 and 12 (probably centimeter) caliber.

One of the shots passed over the after part of the Costa Rica and another passed between the steamer Costa Rica and the Pacific Mail steamer City of Panama, also in port. The other shots were evidently directed towards the Costa Rica as she steamed out, and the firing continued until the ship was out of range.

The authorities of Honduras were fully aware of the fact that the Hon. Lewis Baker, U. S. minister to Nicaragua, and daughters were passengers on board the Costa Rica at the time of the bombardment of that vessel. The captain of the steamer communicated this fact to the captain of the port of Amapala.

No damage was done to vessel or to the people on board. The passengers were greatly alarmed and women and children were terror stricken.

The Pacific Mail steamship, City of Panama, in the port of Amapala at the time of the firing, suffered no damage.

The order convening this board is appended. (Marked “F.”)

Respectfully submitted.

• T. Porter, Lieutenant, U. S. Navy.
• James H. Bull, Lieutenant, U. S. Navy.
• C. McR. Winslow, Lieutenant, U. S. Navy.

Exhibit A.

[Translation.]

Commandery and Captaincy of Amapala.
Republic of Honduras. [undated.] (Received 2:15 p.m., November 5.)

Commandant Villela to Capt. Dow

To the captain of the Steamship Costa Rica:

I am instructed by my Government to notify you in accordance with the following literal directions:

“Mr. Commandant: You will demand of the captain of the steamer Costa Rica the surrender of Dr. Don Policarpo Bonilla, who has been sentenced by the courts of the Republic. The Government directs that you demand his delivery to me with the assurance that his life will be guaranteed; on the other hand, merchant vessels, according to the laws of the United States and of this Republic, do not enjoy the immunities which they claim in waters of foreign countries, they being wholly subject to the laws of the country in whose waters they happen to be.”

I hope that you will make no difficulty in delivering the said gentleman, for by not doing so you will place me in the necessity of obeying instructions.

Notifying you that the steamer will not be permitted to weigh anchor without effecting the delivery,

I am, etc.,

Belisario Villela.

Exhibit B.

Steamship Costa Rica,
Amapala, November 5, 1893. (Sent 2:30 p.m.)

Sir: Your communication of this date demanding the delivery of Mr. Policarpo Bonilla, a passenger on board this steamer holding a through ticket to San José de Guatemala, has just been received.

After consultation with the minister of the United States now on board my vessel, I beg to state that your demand can not be complied with.

I am, etc.,

J. M. Dow,
Commander,

Exhibit C.

[Translation.]

Protest,

Belisario Villela, general of division and principal commandant of the port of Amapala, in obedience to superior orders, has requested of the captain of the American merchant vessel Costa Rica the delivery of Licentiate Don Policarpo Bonilla, a criminal sentenced by the courts of the Republic, as appears from the note which reads as follows:

[Note.—In line 6 (Exhibit A) instead of “merchant vessels” read “delinquent criminals.” Then follow as in exhibit A.]

And as it appears from the appended note that the said captain has roundly declined the delivery, this principal commandery, in the name of its Government and of the laws of the country, formally protests against said captain in the event of his not delivering the criminal, Policarpo Bonilla at 6:15 p.m., disclaiming all responsibilities for whatever may occur in consequence of such refusal. Let this be notified.

• Belisario Villela,
• J. Castelar,
  Secretary.

Exhibit D.

[Translation.]

Commandery and Captaincy of Amapala,
Republic of Honduras,
Amapala, November 5, 1893. (Received 3 a.m., November 6.)

To the captain of the steamer Costa Rica, present:

I am in receipt of a new order to demand of you the delivery of Don Policarpo Bonilla, so I hope that you will execute it. If not, you will not be permitted to weigh anchor, and if you should do so without first delivering him, you will suffer the consequences of a bombardment for which you alone will be responsible by reason of your refusal.

I am, etc.,

B. Villela

Exhibit E.

Steamship Costa Rica,
En route to Salvador, November 8, 1893.

Mr. Chable to Mr. Baker.

Dear Sir: In compliance with your instructions, I proceeded from La Union, Salvador, to Amapala, Honduras, at 3 o’clock a.m. of the 7th instant, for the purpose of securing some information relating to the firing on the steamship Costa Rica in the latter port on the 6th instant. I reached my destination at 7 o’clock a.m.; called at once on U. S. Consular Agent Kohncke, and made inquiries as to whether the City of Panama had suffered during the shelling of the Costa Rica. I was informed that she had not been struck, but that a shell burst within 200 feet of her, and that her captain made a formal protest before the consular agent, a copy of which is appended hereto.

Then, in company with Mr. Kohncke, I called on Commander Villela, who received me very pleasantly. I told him I came to advise him that we had outlived his warm reception, and to inquire as to the fate of the City of Panama. Mr. Villela told me that about 12 at night on the 5th he had received new orders from President Vazquez insisting upon his compliance with former orders and stating that, if Bonilla had not been delivered, troops should be sent to the steamer to take him out, and if this could not be done, to sink the ship.

“Instead of going on board the steamer with armed men, as instructed to do, I wanted to notify the captain; hence sent him my last note and expected the answer which I was advised verbally I would have within a half hour.

“Meanwhile I was getting ready the men and the launches to go to the steamer, but within the half hour the ship began to steam away, and I had to comply with the other orders which I had, to shell the vessel.

“Accordingly, a Krupp gun, of 8 or 12 caliber, was discharged on the vessel from the fort 5 times, under my orders, twice after orders had been sent by telephone to stop the firing. In the whole matter I obeyed superior orders; there were 7 telegrams sent me by the President in the matter.”

Inquired if I could secure copies of these messages, but was told they could not be furnished to me. From Gen. Villela, however, I secured the main points of these instructions, and his statement was corroborated by Dr. Prove, a German physician residing in Guatemala and now on a visit to Gen. Vazquez.

“Bonilla, convicted of crime in Honduras, must be delivered to the authorities under the assurance that his life will be spared. Under the laws of the United States and Honduras jurisdiction extends over merchant vessels when in the waters of the respective powers.”

“Take a force of armed men to the ship and take out Bonilla.”

“I do not ask your opinion, but give you orders with which you must comply. If you do not I will get some one else to do so.”

“Bonilla must be delivered to the authorities. He is a criminal, condemned by the tribunals of the Republic. It is for the peace of Honduras that I ask for his delivery, as he is plotting a new revolution.”

“Make a formal protest to captain, if no delivery has been made at 6 o’clock.”

During the night after the issue of clearance papers: “If Bonilla has not been delivered take a force of armed men and go on board the ship to take the man out, and, if prevented, sink the ship. It seems you have been consulting everybody else instead of complying with my orders.”

In the last telegrams President Vazquez holds Gen. Villela responsible for everything which has happened. I rind that the population generally regrets the whole affair, and commerce condemns it. Gen. Villela told me he had advised President Vazquez that the American minister was on board. He tells me also that he advised the President that he had signed the clearance papers of the ship, but does not know if Vazquez had his dispatch to that effect when he renewed his orders to take out Bonilla.

The limited time which I had in Amapala (my instructions being to be back at La Union at 2 o’clock) made it impossible for me to secure other information.

I am, sir, etc.,

Louis Chable.

Note.—This is as correct as I could take from memory, but many citizens of Amapala will corroborate the above points of telegrams from Vazquez.

Exhibit F.

U. S. S. Alliance (third rate),
Roadstead of Acajutla, San Salvador, November 8, 1893.

Lieuts. Theodoric Porter, James H. Bull, and Cameron Mcr. Winston, U. S. Navy:

Gentlemen: In accordance with article 1720, U. S. Navy Regulations of 1893, you are hereby appointed a board to investigate the reported firing by the Government authorities at Amapala, Honduras, upon the Pacific mail steamship Costa Rica, which has just arrived and is now at anchor in this roadstead.

You will proceed on board the Costa Rica and request her commanding officer, and such others as he may allow who have personal knowledge of the occurrence, to make statement under affirmation of the incident. You will particularly inquire the origin of the trouble, by whom the shots were fired, the caliber and the nature of the arm used, the proximity of the projectiles to the steamer, whether it was after or before the steamer was granted clearance by the proper authorities of the port, the damage done to the vessel or those on board. You will further inquire into any facts that may need investigation from the nature of the evidence given before you and which are not covered specifically in this order, and you will report to me, in duplicate, fully, clearly, and concisely the facts you find established by the evidence.

It is desirable that this inquiry and report be made as speedily as possible, without, however, sacrificing any essential matter.

Respectfully,

T. A. Lyons,
Commander U. S. Navy, Commanding.