Mr. Perez to Mr. Gresham.
On board of the American war vessel Bennington, now at anchor in the port of La Libertad in this Republic, are now receiving asylum Antonio Ezeta and five companions, guilty of the crimes of robbery, assassination, and arson, for which they have been really and effectively pursued to that port. My Government, being desirous that such offenses shall not remain unpunished, requests of that of your excellency the extradition of the criminals in question, begging you, in the name of justice, to grant this application. Your excellency is guaranteed that no attempt will be made against the life of the refugees, unless they be previously convicted in a trial. The American consul has in his possession judicial documents proving the common crimes committed by Ezeta, and can inform your excellency thereof. In case you do not deem their immediate extradition in order (procedente, “regular”), will not your orders at least be that the aforesaid criminals remain on the Bennington until my Government demands them with legal documents?
Begging you to consider the urgency of the case, I have the honor, etc.,
General Minister.