John Mercer Langston , Minister Resident of the United States of America, Port au Prince to John Mercer Langston, March 21, 1878

Mr. Carrié to Mr. Langston.

Mr. Minister: At the close of a military treason which is probably unequaled in the general history of the world, General Louis Tanis, sr., Fontange Chevalier, and numerous other adherents to a cause which has originated, as you are aware, from assassination, plunder, and the bombardment of the capital, rendered powerless in one of the fortifications of the place, have fled, taking refuge in the various consulates of this town. Thus, having planned and executed their foolhardy and criminal proceedings at the head of the government troops that they forced in their service, they hope now to escape the penalty of the law in seeking protection in the residences of the honorable consular agents to which they are not entitled. The public peace has been and is gravely menaced.

As my government has not yet an official list of the names of those criminals who may have taken refuge in the consulates, at a time when the commission d’Enquête is in active operation, charged with the high mission of throwing light upon this dark affair, I flatter myself with the hope that you will hasten to give me a list of those persons who have so gravely imperiled the public peace during the absence of the Executive.

It is in these sentiments that I beg you to accept, Mr. Minister, the assurances of my high esteem.

The secretary of state for foreign affairs,