Signor Carignani to Mr. Hill.

[Translation.]

Mr. Acting Secretary of State: With a view to facilitating the search for the authors of the lynching at Erwin, Miss., I deem it my duty to communicate to your excellency some important data collected by the New Orleans consulate upon the spot, by means of persons in whom it has confidence.

Vincenzo Serio, one of the victims, eight months ago had a dispute in regard to a horse of his that was found on the property of an American citizen. The latter, and other citizens of Glen Allen, armed with guns, attempted to murder Serio, whom they left wounded, but who succeeded in escaping to Greenville. Lately, having returned for the purpose of rejoining his father, Giovanni Serio (the other victim), at Glen Allen, the citizens ordered him to leave the village within thirty days. He paid no attention to this order, and during the night of the 10th to the 11th instant the citizens went to the house with the intention of killing him and anyone whom they might find sleeping there.

At Glen Allen no secret was made of the preparations for the lynching. Vincenzo Giglio and Giuseppe Butera, two Italians who got wind of it, attempted three times to telephone to Serio a warning of the danger with which he was threatened, but on each of the three occasions they were denied the use of the telephone. At Erwin, Glenville, and Glen Allen everyone is afraid to speak, but knows that the citizens of Glen Allen are the organizers and authors of the lynching.

The importance of these particulars, which have been forwarded to [Page 288] us by our consulate at New Orleans, can not escape the attention of your excellency. By their means the Mississippi authorities, if, as may be expected of a civilized country, they have really the cause of justice at heart, will be able beyond doubt to trace the authors of the brutal crime.

Be pleased to accept, Mr. Acting Secretary, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Carignani.