John Mercer Langston to Frederick T. Frelinghuysen, August 21, 1884

No. 229. Mr. Langston to Mr. Frelinghuysen.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit, as herewith inclosed, copies of the correspondence which has up to this date passed between this legation and the Haytien Government with regard to the abuse and maltreatment of Rev. C. W. Mossell, on the 23d day of September, 1883, and his demand therefor.

You will find among the inclosures hereof first a copy of the dispatch of Hon. B. Saint Victor, dated July 29, 1884, with its translation, in which he acknowledges the receipt of my dispatch of the 15th ultimo, already transmitted to the Department, and, after regretting that this matter had not at once been brought to the attention of his Government, expresses his willingness to investigate it properly, and do that with respect to reparation in the premises which may be sanctioned by international law.

You will find next among the inclosures of this dispatch two dispatches, dated respectively August 7 and 13, 1884, addressed by me, according to their dates, to Mr. St. Victor. In the first I acknowledge the receipt of his dispatch, thank him for the kindly spirit he exhibits with regard to the investigation of the case, remind him that he has already the statement of Mr. Mossell, as presented in my first dispatch, on the subject, but promise that he shall hear from me more fully with respect thereto at an early day. Accordingly, on the 13th instant I write him my second dispatch, in which I set out, in precise and detailed manner, the character and standing of Mr. Mossell and his family; their relations to and Christian benevolent labors for the community 5 their success in the building of a church in Port au Prince and establishing a school; claiming that their loyalty to the present administration of the government and country cannot be denied, nor their presence and influence in Hayti be regarded as any otherwise than desirable and beneficial; and, after stating quite at length the abuse and maltreatment of Mr. Mossell and his family at their home, along the streets, to the very doors of this legation, I refer Mr. St. Victor to persons well known in this city with whom he might confer, should he desire, with reference to the facts of the case as presented.

As I have investigated this case, and I have done so with great care, I have been led to regard it in the light of the facts pertaining to it as an aggravated and outrageous affair, for which the Government of Hayti, under the circumstances, should be held to strict and thorough accountability, and generous and liberal reparation.

I am, &c.,