J. M. Rojas Garrido to Mr. Terres, October 10, 1883
Mr. Garri o to Mr. Terres.
Dear Sir: The following is a statement of what I passed through during the 22d and 23d September of this present year, while at my post of duty, and which I now bring to your knowledge.
On the 22d, at 11.30 a. m., I found myself on the Bord-Lamer on business of my consulate-general, when I was surprised by the people crying out “take up arms!” Soon as I heard those exclamations pronounced, I took a carriage and hurried to my office. I had not been in the office but a few minutes when you sent Francis requesting of me a flag to protect your private house. At that moment our flag had been already hoisted and the other at my private home for repairs. When I thought everything was quiet I closed the office and went for the flag which was under repairs to enable me to send you the small one already hoisted in honor of Mr. Black’s death. I made but a few moments’ stay. On my return I saw thirty to forty men of the Government well armed before the consulate door. When they saw me they cried out “Qui Vivi.” I presented the American colors. They made signs for my advance with their hands, and also said so. Soon as I advanced they opened fire at me and continued about twenty to thirty minutes. Thereupon an acquaintance residing near by called me and offered me his house for my protection. On entering, a shot fired by the Government troops entered the very doorway which I passed. The distance between the Government troops and myself not over 100 yards.
Now, my dear Mr. Vice-Consul-General, my life was attempted, and the Stars and Stripes disgracefully insulted by a band of the most loose order of ruffians.
I therefore request at your hands a demand requisite both for me personally, and that the United States of America’s colors be saluted.
About 3 p.m., seeing the town somewhat quiet, I went out, and on my return to the legation I ascertained my private house and all I possessed were consumed, not forgetting some of the most ancient and valuable family relics.
Sunday, September 23. On this day my life was again trifled with, in common words, once more attempted. From 5 o’clock a. m. I was standing at the legation door doing acts of charity and humanity in receiving poor, destitute families whose houses were heaped in ashes and some still in flames. About 1 or 2 o’clock p.m. a band of ruffians and soldiers of the Haytien Government, armed with machetes, small arms, knives, and poignards, stopped before the doorway of the legation. I saw coming from the band our poor citizen, Mr. Mossell, along with his wife, being most shamefully treated. Soon as Mr. Mossell reached within the portals a few ladies, already arrived, were seen by this band of ruffians, who cried out, “There they are,” and spoke about the liberal party, and placing their guns, machetes, &c., to my breast, they positively insisting to pass through the legation. They handled me roughly, I assure you. As a matter of course I made the necessary resistance; otherwise they would have passed even through my body. While this was passing, Mr. Van Bokkelen came to my assistance; at that moment General Herard Laforest presented himself, and at my request dispersed the rebel mob.
Very respectfully, &c.,