Hall to George D. Bayard, March 25, 1885

Mr. Hall to Mr. Bayard.

Sir: With reference to my dispatches Nos. 311 and 314, of January 22 and February 5, respectively, I now inclose a copy of a letter from the consular agent at Livingston to Mr. Whitehouse, reporting the visit of the U. S. S. Swatara to that port.

From Mr. Sarg’s letter it will be seen that a board of naval officers inspected the sanitary condition of the laborers, investigated the causes of their destitution, and conversed with the contractors and many of the laborers.

The comandante of Puerto Barrios and the jefe politico of Livingston were also visited, the object of the Swatara’s visit explained to them, and promises for the more efficient protection of Americans elicited.

Mr. Sarg also considers the moral effect produced by the Swatara’s appearance as highly, beneficial, and as duly appreciated both by the resident Americans and the native authorities.

The Swatara took thirty-eight destitute men from Livingston, and proceeded to Puerto Barrios to collect others.

I have, &c.,