Elia Cauvin to Mr. Rameau, March 20, 1872

Mr. Cauvin to Mr. Rameau.

Liberty—equality—fraternity.

republic of hayti.

Saint Elia Cauvin, Major-General of the Armies of the Republic, aid-de-camp of the President of Hayti, commander ad interim of the commune of Saint Marc.

Sir: I hasten to bring to your knowledge that, according to an order which I received from the commission of inquiry, transmitted through the commander of the arrondissement, for the arrest of a person named Batraville, aîné, I sent the general officer, Luc Jean Michaud, with a guard, for the arrest of the aforesaid person. An instant after, the said superior officer came to announce to me that while he was conducting the aforesaid person under arrest to the bureau of the arrondissement, he, (Batraville,) in passing before the store of Messieurs. Jastram & Co., in feigning to hand a paper to Mr. Jastram, who was standing before his door, leaning against one of the posts, rushed into the interior of the store.

General Luc also wishing to enter immediately behind him to re-take him, this general was violently prevented from doing so by the said Jastram, and Mr. De Lande, who was present there.

I make this report, Secretary of State, in order that you may take such steps as may be necessary under such circumstances.

I pray you to accept, Mr. Secretary of State, my distinguished salutations.