Mr. Hay to Mr.
Choate.
Department of State,
Washington, December 6,
1900.
No. 506.]
Sir: I inclose for your information copy of a
letter from the Hon. William Alden Smith, a member of the House of
Representatives, in regard to the case of William Frederic Versluis,
formerly a member of Company M, First Illinois Infantry, who served in
the American Army through the Santiago campaign, receivingan honorable
discharge therefrom.
You will observe that he is now, it is supposed, held as a prisoner of
war by the British, by whom he was captured between Heidelberg and
Standerton, in September last, in South Africa.
You are requested to make inquiry in regard to the man in question with a
view to taking such action in regard to the matter as may be deemed
proper.
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Smith to
Mr. Hay.
House of Representatives,
Grand Rapids, Mich., November 30, 1900.
Dear Sir: Inclosed I send you letter from
Hon. G. J. Diekema, chairman of the Republican State central
committee of Michigan, including memorandum from Dr. J. J. Huizinga,
100 State street, Chicago, Ill., relating to William Frederick
Versluis, formerly a member of Company M, First Illinois Infantry,
who served in the American [Page 470]
Army through the Santiago campaign, receiving an honorable
discharge. It is supposed that he is now held as prisoner by the
British, by whom he was captured between Heidelberg and Standerton
September last, in South Africa.
If you can save the life of this young soldier, his friends in this
part of the State will esteem it a great favor, and I sincerely hope
that you may be able to do so.
With great respect, etc.,
[Subinclosure.]
Mr. Diekema to
Mr. Smith.
Holland, Mich., November 28, 1900.
My Dear Friend: I have just received from
Dr. J. J. Huizinga, of Chicago, the inclosed notea relating to a William
Frederick Versluis. The young doctor is very anxious to have me
interest you in this matter. He says that Congressman Mann has been
seen and will do what he can in the matter, and that whatever is
done must be done quickly if the life of this young American
captured by the British in South Africa is to be saved.
It is feared that he is in great danger of death by a process of
drumhead court-martial.
He fought under Colonel Roosevelt at Santiago and belonged to Colonel
Turner’s regiment.
Do what you can in the matter, for you can do much in any matter.
Very truly, yours,