Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Annual Message of the President Transmitted to Congress December 7, 1896, and the Annual Report of the Secretary of State

Mr. Olney to the Secretary of State of the South African Republic.

[Telegram.]

Department of State,
Washington, February 6, 1896.

Failing, after repeated trials, to obtain the facts through the usual channels, I apply to you direct for full information respecting the present condition of Hammond and other arrested American citizens. Is Hammond still in confinement and critically ill, as reported here? Will he be soon released, on bail or otherwise? When will Americans be tried? Much anxiety felt here as to their condition and because of the difficulty of communicating with them or hearing from them.

Richard Olney.