JOHN DAVIS, Acting Secretary to John Mercer Langston, November 19, 1884

No. 236. Mr. Davis to Mr. Langston.

Sir: I herewith transmit a copy of a letter from Mr. William A. Van Bokkelen, of the 15th instant, stating that according to his latest advices from Hayti, his son, Mr. C. A. Van Bokkelen, was still confined in prison where he was placed September 19 last, fox having made an assignment of his property, and asking that you bring the matter urgently to the attention of the President of Hayti, and demand the immediate release of Mr. C. A. Van Bokkelen. It will be observed that the writer states that the time has expired when, under the law, those having the right to raise objection to the assignment should have done so, and that no objection whatever was made.

The Department has no reason to expect that you will omit any proper step to aid Mr. Van Bokkelen, whose imprisonment, under all the circumstances of his case, appears unduly harsh. It is desired, therefore, that you will continue every proper effort in his behalf looking to his release.

I am, &c.,