Mr. Powell to Mr. Hay.

No. 1095.]

Sir: I have the honor to inform the Department of the current events up to the time of the closing of the mail to-day, as I will not have another opportunity to do so for the next two weeks.

Since my last dispatch, No. 1092, of May 17, was written, affairs have been very tranquil. No further attacks have been made on either palace or arsenal, both of which are in charge of the national troops. The streets are well guarded at night, and but for the “qui est vous” of the patrol all would be quiet. Yesterday information was received that Mr. Firmin, with Generals Nord and Jean Jumeau, were approaching the city with hostile intent at the head of 5,000 men. The committee of safety requested orally that the diplomatic corps take such measures as they might deem best to save this city from an attack from the vessels of Admiral Killick, stating that it would be impossible for them in such an event to prevent fire, bloodshed, and looting; that they were doing all they could to maintain order, protect the lives and the commercial interests endangered in the event of such an attack, but could not guarantee protection if such an attack should take place.

The diplomatic corps was called together, and it was agreed to forward the following to Mr. Firmin by telegraph:

The members of the diplomatic corps at Port au Prince—the minister of the United States, the minister of France, the chargé d’affaires of Germany, and the consul-general of England—call the most serious attention of the committee of the north, of the northwest, and of the Artibonite to the grave dangers that may arise from the point of view of the security of their respective colonies in the event of the entrance of an army into the capital. Will you amicably invite the army to stop? We rely on your wisdom. Answer requested.

Later we received the following telegram from Mr. Firmin:

Telegram received. Give you full assurance that the army is not to enter into the capital before a perfect understanding with the committee assembled at Port au Prince. It has already stopped, and before two days the committee will come alone to the capital with the most conciliatory sentiments.

When the action of the diplomatic corps became known, confidence in the commercial circles, as well as in the city at large, was restored, though, as a precautionary measure, a body of volunteer troops numbering 500 were sent to defend a narrow pass through which the army of the north must pass to reach the city. This place is about 20 miles from the capital. Then they erected earthworks as a further defense. Later 1,500 volunteers were sent to reenforce those already there.

It is rumored that this action of Mr. Firmin in endeavoring to secure his election by force, and the forced loan that he has contracted, have alienated many persons that favored his candidacy. Dissension has [Page 597] also occurred among Mr. Firmin’s followers in the candidacy of Gen. Jean Jumeau. This makes the third one from that section.

The action of the diplomatic corps stated above has no doubt simplified the situation a great deal. This effect was seen to-day in the nonappearance on the streets, as has been the case during the past week, of armed bodies of men. As matters stand to-day it looks as if an amicable understanding will be reached to organize a provisional government, which will order the new elections.

The Topeka arrived this morning. All are well on board”. Captain Nichols called on me and informed me in regard to his instructions. I have explained to him the situation up to the present.

The arms and ammunition in the hands of Generals Nord and Jumeau were given them by Admiral Killick. Five thousand Remingtons and 1,000,000 rounds of ammunition were recently bought and delivered to the Government. The admiral was charged to have them conveyed to the arsenal. Two thousand of these guns were landed; the remainder, 3,000, and all the ammunition he retained and delivered to Mr. Firmin. It is by this means that the present force under Firmin, Nord, and Jumeau were armed.

I would respectfully suggest, owing to the present grave situation, that the Topeka remain until a provisional government is established. It would not be well to retain her in these waters until a regular government is fully established, on account of the climate and its possible effect upon the officers and men. In discussing this matter the members of the diplomatic corps here are to suggest to their respective governments the serious aspect of affairs and the need of some foreign vessel in port until tranquillity is fully established. This will not be the case until a President is elected, which can not occur under six or eight weeks, and possibly longer. It was suggested at this meeting that there was no need of more than one vessel at a time, as it would suppress by its presence the excited state of feeling and protect the foreign commercial interests in which we are so largely interested. By one vessel relieving the other no vessel would need to remain at any one time more than ten days. I would like to have one of our vessels here at the time the newly elected chambers shall meet, as the condition of affairs will be very grave at the time. Again, the presence of one of our vessels here at that time will give considerable prestige to our country, which will bear fruit for us in the end. If the Department will accept these suggestions, I think it will result in great good to us with this people. Firmin arrived to-day.

I have, etc.,

W. F. Powell