Mr. Baker to Mr. Gresham.

No. 268.]

Sir: I desire to submit to you a letter from Gen. C. A. Lacayo in regard to the escape from prison in this city of Norberto Argüello, who rests under the charge of deliberately murdering an American citizen named William Wilson, at Rama, on the night of the 22d of March last. I also submit three affidavits made by three reputable young men personally known to me, going to show that on the day the prisoner walked away from the jail he was seen both in the forenoon and the afternoon lounging outside of the jail unguarded. His cell door was open on the two occasions referred to, as was the outside door of the jail, and the prisoner went and came at his pleasure. A woman, known as his mistress, had been permitted to come and go with perfect freedom, and she had, it is stated to me on good authority, been with him for the past several days. This last fact was admitted last evening by Gen. Lacayo, and in the same conversation he stated that she had $300 or $400, and had undoubtedly bribed the jailer to allow him to escape.

* * * * * * *

I now most respectfully submit that the dignity of the United States makes it incumbent upon the Government to demand in unequivocal terms the removal of Gen. Lacayo from this post.

I am, etc.,

Lewis Baker,
[Page 468]
[Inclosure.—Translation.]

General Lacayo to Mr. Baker.

Honorable Minister: Last night, between 7 and 8 o’clock, I was very disagreeably surprised by receiving notice of the escape of two prisoners from the jail of the city; and, inquiring who they were, was informed that one of them was Norberto Argüello, accused of the murder of the American, William Wilson.

This incident is very disagreeable to me, as I gave very explicit orders to the governor of police of this town to keep the criminal in close confinement.

This employé assures me that the orders he gave the jailer could not be more clear. Immediately on receiving this information I called the governor of police with the object of employing all necessary activity for the capture of Argüello, and to return him to jail. There are enough people assisting the police to capture the criminal by guarding the various points in the bush and the outlets close to the city, and to intercept his passage to another point.

Besides, I have written to the authorities of the Republic in the interior, so that the criminal will be captured wherever found.

In this incident I have fears that there is a hidden hand, an enemy of Nicaragua, lent as an instrument to raise difficulties with a friendly Government.

You must believe me, and in the name of my Government I promise that Argüello shall be tried according to our laws and in accordance to justice.

The case was following its course. The criminal has been examined, and after his confession of faults, and on Friday, the 11th instant, was to have been taken to Rama for final trial before a tribunal of justice.

With my highest considerations, I have the honor to sign myself,

Carlos A. Lacayo.