Langston , Minister Resident, &c., &c., of the United States, Port au Prince to John Mercer Langston, March 14, 1878

Mr. Carrié to Mr. Langston.

Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.

Mr. Minister of the United States: As no doubt you have already learned by public report, General Louis Tanis, sr., military commandant of this department, revolted last night against the authority of the government. Beaten on every hand, this general has taken refuge in the Fort National, where, it would seem, it will be necessary, to dislodge him, to use force, and cause the painful alternative of bloodshed. Before coming to this extremity my department has resolved to inform you of the situation, requesting you to communicate the same to your diplomatic colleagues, in order that you may come to some understanding with them and take measures governed by circumstances having in view the interests of humanity.

This dispatch is strictly confidential.