Mr. Hill to Mr.
Choate.
Department of State,
Washington, May 27,
1901.
No. 641.]
Sir: I inclose herewith copy of a letter from
Hon. J. N. W. Rumple, a member of Congress from Iowa, in regard to one
Francis Connelly, a native of Davenport, Iowa, who is said to be held by
the British Government as a prisoner of war on the island of Ceylon.
You may inquire whether it is possible for this young man to be released
on parole on condition that he will return to the United States.
I am, etc.,
David J. Hill,
Acting Secretary.
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Rumple to
Mr. Hill.
House of Representatives,
Marengo, Iowa, May
22, 1901.
Dear Sir: One Francis Connelly, a native of
Davenport, Iowa, when 19 years old, went to Johannesburg, South
Africa, to reside with his brother, in 1890; was there when the war
broke out between England and the South African Republic; joined the
Boer army, and was captured and is now a prisoner on the island of
Ceylon. He has a brother who resides in Davenport, who, with many
other friends, is very desirous that he should be released and
allowed to return to the United States.
I do not suppose that the Department could make a demand for his
release on account of his being an American citizen, but that the
Department might use its good offices in asking that he be paroled
on condition that he would return to the United States.
If you can give me the modus operandi necessary to bring about this
result and assist me in any way in asking this favor of the English
Government, I would consider it a great favor.
The parole of this young man will be greatly appreciated by the
people of Davenport, and the Administration will receive their
gratitude.
Yours, truly,
