ELIHU ROOT, United States Attorney to Augustus H. Garland, April 29, 1885

Mr. Root to Mr. Garland.

Sir: In the neutrality proceedings against the City of Mexico and her master, of which you were advised by my letter of last Saturday, the counsel for the defense has stated that he would accept a statement by the Colombian minister in lieu of formal proof on certain matters which I think it important to bring out. I have the honor to suggest, therefore, that the minister be asked to give full information as soon as he can conveniently do it on the following points:

• An account of the insurrection in the United States of Colombia from its inception to April 10th last, with special reference to the State of Bolivar and the cities Barranquilla, Sabanilla, and Rio de la Hacha.
• The relations, official and other, to the established government of Colombia and to the insurgents during the said period, and more particularly during February and March last, of the following persons: Benjamin Gaitan, J. de P. Manotas, Mig. de la Espriella, Frederico Castro R., J. F. Acevedo, —— Salgar, Rudecindo Ospina B.
• By whom were Barranquilla, Sabanilla, and Rio de la Hacha held during February and March?
• What has become of the fiscal officers of Rio de la Hacha captured by insurgent soldiers on the City of Mexico the latter part of March?
• What is the law of the United States of Colombia with reference to the intervention of Colombian consuls in the matter of shipments to Colombian ports?

Very respectfully,