File No. 838.00/1325.
Admiral Caperton to the Secretary of the Navy.
Colonel Waller returned from Gonaives Monday. Conditions that town relative to food and water supply so intolerable as to require immediate action. Therefore directed railroad be opened to Ennery in same manner as was done at Cape Haitien. When Cacos learned of preparations for opening railroad they started firing and began destroying railroad tracks one half to one and one-half miles outside Gonaives. Detachment of 24 marines immediately proceeded along railroad, where about 50 Cacos from behind barricades across railroad opened fire on our men at 25 yards distance. Firing was returned by our troops and Cacos were driven into bush for mile and one-half. No casualties our forces. One chief and five other Cacos killed and one chief wounded. Sniping from bush to east of towns continues at intervals. Cacos’ chief had been warned in morning against interfering with food and water supply. Have approved Commanding Officer Castine action and have directed him open railroad to Ennery without delay and keep it open and take such action as necessary to secure food and water supply for towns and free entry of coffee. No offensive involved. All measures purely those for protection of life and property.