Mr. Hay to Mr. Choate.

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.,

John Hay.
[Inclosure.]

Mr. Smith to Mr. Hay.

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.,

William Alden Smith.
[Subinclosure.]

Mr. Diekema to Mr. Smith.

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,

G. J. Diekema.
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