Mr. Willis to Mr. Oresham.

No. 90.]

Sir: I have presented a written protest, embodying the facts heretofore communicated to you, as to the forcible deportation of Mr. J. Cranstoun, who claimed to be an American citizen. In a note received an hour ago, this Government claims that he is a British subject. The fact seems to be that he was born in England and took out his first papers at Deadwood, S. Dak., where he practiced law. This was in 1878 or 1879. He returned temporarily to England, and had not lived long enough in one place to complete his naturalization. In the above state of facts, I will await your instructions.

As to those yet in prison who claim American citizenship, I inclose correspondence with Mr. Hatch. As to the question of citizenship, I have asked that it be submitted to you for decision.

Eleven political prisoners leave on the steamer to-day. As to those who are citizens of our country, I have informed them that I could not advise them to go or to stay, but they should make their own decision. Several of them, professing absolute innocence of any connection with or knowledge of the uprising, have concluded to go, saying that they did not believe that in the present condition of affairs a fair trial would be given them. They have, without my acquiescence, signed papers, but not admitting any complicity. The charges, if any, are suspended.

I have sent you a telegram giving the sentences in the cases of United States citizens Gulick, Seward, Marshall, and others. These sentences are tantamount to imprisonment for life and confiscation of their entire estates. The informer Nowlein, the self-proclaimed originator of the plan of rebellion, together with Bartelmann, Davis, the two Ferns, who were witnesses against Bowler, and others who turned states evidence, will, it is understood, be released, their sentences having been suspended. The sentence in the case of the ex-Queen will, it is reported, be suspended.

As the delay desired by our Government was voluntarily granted, it did not, I am glad to say, become necessary to present your telegram.

With sentiments of high regard, I am, etc.,

Albert S. Willis.
[Page 841]
[Inclosure 1 in No. 90.]

Mr. Willis to Mr. Hatch.

Sir: In further reply to your letter of the 9th instant I submit the following names of persons who claim to be citizens of the United States and entitled to the protection of my Government: J. F. Bowler, Charles Creighton, James Dureell, Ed. France, C. T. Gulick, H. A. Juen, George Lycurgus, Louis Marshall, Charles T. Molteno, A. P. Peterson, P. M. Rooney, J. Boss, George Bitman, W. F. Beynolds, W. T. Seward, T. B. Walker, H. Yon Werthern, Arthur White, and J. Mitchell.

As no formal charges have been presented against these persons, and as nearly all of them have been in prison for six or more weeks, I would respectfully request that at your earliest convenience you will inform me of the nature of the accusation against them and of the probability of their trial.

As you are aware, I have called the attention of your Government to the cases of these citizens several times heretofore, and I sincerely hope you will find it in your power to afford them a trial or permit them to be discharged upon such terms as you may deem proper under the circumstances.

With the highest respect, I am, etc.,

Albert S. Willis.
[Inclosure 2 in No. 90.]

Mr. Hatch to Mr. Willis.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th instant, inclosing a list of persons now under arrest who claim to be citizens of the United States and entitled to the protection of your Government.

Of this list the following are Hawaiian citizens by birth or naturalization: J. F. Bowler, Charles Creighton, C. T. Gulick, Charles T. Molteno, A. P. Peterson, T. B. Walker.

Messrs. Creighton and Walker claimed to be British subjects at the time of naturalization here.

This Government does not concede that any of the above are entitled to the protection of your Government.

Five from your list have been tried. Seven have expressed a willingness to leave the country rather than stand trial. There remain only James Dureell, George Lycurgus, J. Boss, W. F. Beynolds, and J. Mitchell from your list whose cases remain undisposed of.

I am aware that you may have called the attention of this Government to the cases of these men several times before. They are held for complicity in the late insurrection. The probability of their trial at au early date is very great. I beg to call your attention to the fact that the commission has been in session almost without intermission since the date of its appointment and that trials are progressing with all the speed consistent with fairness.

I have, etc.,

Francis M. Hatch.