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 Mr. Dupuy de Lôme.
Washington, April 10, 1896.
Sir: I have the honor to call your attention to the accompanying copies of papers relating to the cases of Dr. José Manuel Delgado and his father José Gregorio Delgado.
I especially call your attention to the letter of Consul-General Williams to the Governor and Captain General of Cuba, dated the 26th of March, ultimo. The demands made by Mr. Williams seem to me to conform to the unquestionable facts of the case, and to be in every way reasonable and proper.
I desire to ask your intervention with General Weyler that justice may be done to American citizens without further delay.
Accept, etc.,
Mr. José G. Delgado to Mr. Williams.
Sir: I have to inform you that this is the fourth letter I have addressed you in regard to the desperate situation of my son and myself, persecuted by the Spanish authorities, who desire to consummate the death of my son, who is now almost expiring from the terrible bullet and machete wounds inflicted by command of General Melguizo. As they have discovered that he did not die instantly, he is now being eagerly sought for that he may not give information about this horrible deed. They also wish to kill me; but we are now in the bush (manigua) endeavoring to frustrate their criminal intentions, and I believe in good faith that we can not save ourselves if you do not tender us your efficient aid.
In order not to be deceived again we will not trust them, and we will not go with them unless you or some other person of your confidence accompanies us to the capital. Imagine my son almost mortally wounded, wandering about in the bush (manigua) so that the Spaniards may lose our tracks. I am writing this letter on my knee for want of something better; my bed is a panier basket (ceron) covered with yaguas, that of my son being an old cot used when he was picked up at a piece of plowed ground. The best thing would be to bring a litter. He can not move from the position in which he was placed when found, and is still without medical attendance or medicines. I repeat he is in a critical condition and demands immediate relief.
[Page 583]Our documents showing our American citizenship were not respected, but, on the contrary, we were told that they were the worst thing we could have, and that if they caught you you would also be shot (le darian cuatro tiros).
I write with pencil because I have nothing else. If you come to Bainoa and from there to the farm “Dolores” I will be informed of the fact. We are not insurgents, but neutrals, as the life we have led thus far shows.
The military commandant addressed me a letter to the farm, but not having received it I ignore its contents.
I am, etc.,
Mr. J. G. Delgado to Mr. Williams.
Sir: On the 5th instant I informed you of the terrible misfortune that took place on the 4th in this farm “Dolores” alias “Morales.” My report was intended as a protest to be extended in due form upon my reaching Habana, through your aid, which for the sake of humanity I implore.
My son has been seriously wounded by Spanish forces, who took him out from our house, notwithstanding his statement that he was a peaceful and neutral citizen, showing General Melguizo the letter we received from you relating to the requisition of horses, to which that general answered by striking my son and telling him that if he caught the American consul himself he would instantly shoot him (le daria cuatro tiros en el acto), at the same time he ordered a captain to shoot my son; they fired at him, and when he fell—there on the ground, and already wounded, they again wounded him with their machetes, leaving him in a most deplorable condition. He may still be saved if you send for him at the farm “Dolores “or at Bainoa. We there remained two or three days, but on learning that by order of the Spanish Government he was to be killed I took him away on a litter and concealed him in the bush (manigua), where he is at present, until you may be pleased to send for him, as you deem best, for account of President Cleveland. I think that I should not deliver my son to the Spanish forces without you or the vice-consul coming with them, because I fear they will finish the killing of him; on you or your deputy reaching the “Dolores” farm I will be duly advised. I beg you to get me out of this fearful situation as soon as possible.
Yours,
P. S.—You will understand the mental excitement under which lam laboring; I do not know what to do, nor how to help my son, in such a condition. Please address the Governor-General and send me a safe conduct to enable me to reach Habana in safety.
I have just been told that at Bainoa a military commandant wishes to see me; however, as I do not know his object, which may be that of killing me, I dare not present myself.
Mr. Williams to the Governor-General of Cuba.
Habana, March 11, 1896.
Excellency: With reference to the conversation I had the honor to have with your excellency on Saturday the 7th, relating to the outrage committed on the American citizen, Dr. José Manuel Delgado, on his farm “Dolores” alias “Morales,” near Bainoa, and having now received information that none of his relatives wish to approach said farm to help the wounded man for fear of the dangers to which they would be exposed, I have therefore to beg your excellency to please order that Mr. Delgado, together with his father, also an American citizen, be immediately transferred to this city under the protection of a sufficient guard of regular troops, in order that the wounded man may receive the necessary medical care, with protection at the same time to his father from the dangers which surround him.
I am, etc.,
Consul-General.
The Governor-General to Mr. Williams.
The general in chief of the army of operations of the Island of Cuba presents his compliments to the consul-general of the United States, and has the pleasure to inform him that the proper orders have been issued for Dr. José Manuel Delgado and his father to come to Habana with all protection possible.
Mr. Williams to Mr. José G. Delgado.
Habana, March 11, 1896.
Dear Sir: I have to inform you that upon receipt of your letter of the 5th, Saturday, the 7th, at about 1 p.m., I called on the Governor-General and presented your case to his consideration. His excellency answered me that proper measures would be dictated, and on the 9th I received a note from him to that effect, a copy of which I inclosed you with my letter of the same day, which I beg to confirm. This morning I have again addressed a communication to the Governor-General, which I handed to him in person, asking that an escort of troops be furnished for your protection in coming to Habana, which request his excellency told me would be granted.
Your nephew also informs me that he would be pleased to put two rooms of his house at the disposal of yourself and son.
I have to add that under treaties between the United States and Spain and general principles of international law the citizens of one nation are entitled to protection within the jurisdiction of the other. I therefore advise you to come to Habana to protest as soon as possible.
[Page 585]I have afterwards received your letters of yesterday, one of them handed me by Mr. Pablo Chavez.
I am, etc.,
Consul-General.