John Mercer Langston to Frederick T. Frelinghuysen, November 20, 1883

No. 213. Mr. Langston to Mr. Frelinghuysen.

Sir: I have the honor to advise you that on the 13th instant the Hon. C. Fouchard, provisional secretary of state of foreign relations of this Government, addressed me a dispatch, received on the 14th instant, similar to that addressed to each member of the diplomatic and consular corps of this capital, in which he announces the purpose of his Government, according to the address of the President, a copy of which was transmitted inclosed in his dispatch, to bombard respectively Jacmel on the 18th and Jérémie on the 21st instant, provided the rebels in such cities have not sooner surrendered to the constitutional government.

In the name of humanity the honorable secretary asks any action that may be deemed wise and necessary on behalf of innocent and neutral persons residing in the cities named, and who might be exposed to the misfortunes of their bombardment. I have the honor to transmit, as herewith inclosed, copies of the dispatch and address mentioned, with translations of each, and also a copy of the dispatch addressed by me to the honorable secretary on this subject, in which I simply acknowledge the receipt of his dispatch, with its inclosure, reserving any rights which may pertain in anywise to American citizens being in the cities named at the time of their bombardment.

I am, &c.,