Edwin James to Mr. Houben, April 26, 1874

Mr. James to Mr. Houben.

Sir: On the arrival of the steamship Arizona at the port, on the morning of the 24th, the chief officer of the ship came ashore to see Mr. Magee about discharging his ship.

On his return to the steamer he was met by the com and ante on the head of the pier, who told him he would not permit him to embark. The officer reported the case to me. I at once went to the comandante, and told him he must not interfere with American sailors passing to and from their ships; so he let him off. An hour after I received a message that Mr. Magee and Mr. Moncrieff were prisoners, and in prison, by order of the commandante. I went to the commandante to inquire what he had arrested them for. His reply was he would release Mr. Moncrieff, but he would give Mr. Magee live hundred lashes to-day, and to-morrow he would shoot him. His reasons: he had sent for Magee to come to his house; Magee, having a sore foot, sent back word he could not come. The commandante then sent word to Magee to state his reasons for not coming in writing.

Magee’s written reasons were he had a sore foot, and, besides, his position as British vice-consul exempted him from appearing.

The commandante then sent a guard of soldiers to bring him; and if he would not come, to arrest him or shoot him.

The soldiers went to the house of Magee and took him prisoner. Before leaving his house Magee put a pistol in his pocket. On appearing before the commandante (who met him going up stairs) he asked him why he had brought that pistol with him. Mr. Magee replied: “Knowing you to be a very violent man, I carry this pistol to defend myself.” The commandante then struck Magee several times in the face, and told him to-day he would give him five hundred lashes and to-morrow he would shoot him. This was about 12 o’clock, (noon.)

I did not think the commandante would dare to carry out his threats; but I was very much mistaken, for at 4 o’clock p.m. the soldiers were formed, the bugles sounded, and Magee was brought up to be lashed.

I at once went to my office and wrote a protest, in the name of the United States, against such a disgraceful outrage against humanity, civilization, and all law, human and divine; but he would not receive my protest or listen to me in any way. I was rudely put down stairs by the soldiers, and he carried out his shameful and infamous outrage on the person of a representative of a civilized and Christian nation. I tried to telegraph you several times during the day, but the commandante had seized the telegraph, and would permit no communication on that day, so I acted on my own judgment, and am responsible for all of my actions, and will accept any result they may entail; and if my conduct has exceeded my official duty, I can only say I will be satisfied with any action you may conceive it your duty to take in reference to the whole course of this disgraceful affair.

My conduct will never bring a blush to the cheek of an American.

During the whole course of the day I could not get an opportunity to tell the commandante of the dreadful result of his conduct.

This day, all day, he was blind and stupid with drink and revenge. But something must be done. Magee has received two hundred and ten lashes. The first part of the threat has been carried out; and the second was, that to-morrow morning Magee must die. Nearly every foreigner had fled the port. I determined to save his life, whether it was my official duty or not, whether I saved my own life or not.

I waited till morning; got up very early, that I might see the commandante before he had taken any drink. About 7 a.m. I saw the commandante bringing Magee out. He formed the soldiers, and was ready to flog Magee again. I immediately went up to him and told him not to attempt to go any farther with this infamous outrage. He said he was going to give Magee more lashes and then shoot him. I told him it would ruin him and bring misfortune on his country—perhaps ruin. He listened to me and began to think and understand his situation. He said, “I am ruined any way; and before the event I will kill Magee.” He then says, “I will flee the country and if Magee will give me money I will go aboard the steamer, if you will put me safely there.”

Magee at once said, I will give you all the money you want.

I pledged him the protection of the American flag. At this time the captain of the Arizona (Captain Morse) sent me word he was going to leave. I wrote him a note imploring him to delay an hour longer. I had the money in my pocket, and the commandante was ready to go. He bid Magee “good-bye,” and told him he was free. I walked down the pier with him, and we got into the boat together and pushed away. I had now succeeded in saving Ma gee’s life, and now risked my own, for when the boat had arrived at the steps of the steamer’s ladder, I got out first, the commandante following me, with one foot on the steps and the other still on the boat, when the passengers, armed with pistols, opened tire on the commandante, after I had promised him the protection of our flag. It was on this condition he had agreed to spare Magee.

He received two mortal wounds, stepped back into the boat and went to the shore. He now lies in a dying condition.

I regret this last outrage. In justice to Captain Morse, I must say he did all that; he could to prevent it.

I am, &c.,