Carrié , Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Port au Prince, Hayti to John Carrié, April 2, 1878

Mr. Langston to Mr. Carrié.

Sir: Your dispatch of the 1st instant has been received. In answer I have the honor to state that I have heretofore said to you, as early as 4 o’clock on the 30th ultimo, and again yesterday morning, about 10 o’clock, that I regretted that your government was unable to furnish an escort and guard in season to embark the refugees now in my legation upon a steamship then in port, advertised to leave for St. Thomas via Cape Haytien at 2 o’clock p.m., on the 30th ultimo, according to the understanding had between you and myself.

Be pleased to rest assured, sir, that I hold myself ready, in obedience to the high considerations of propriety, as well as the public tranquillity of your government, to embark the persons named at the earliest practicable moment.

A steamship of the Atlas line, the Atlas, returning from St. Marc, Hayti, will arrive at this port, on its way to Kingston, Jamaica, on next Wednesday or Thursday, when I trust the embarkation can be made. I may be permitted to express the hope that the government will be fully prepared by the day named to furnish the needed protection promised for the safe embarkation of the refugees.

With sentiments of high consideration, I am, your most obedient servant,