Monsieur Excellent to E. D. Bassett, May 20, 1875

Mr. Excellent to Mr. Bassett.

Mr. Minister: I have had the honor to receive the dispatch which you addressed to me on the 17th instant, in response to mine of the 14th instant. That which you have therein announced to me has had the perfect attention of the government; Permit me, Mr. Minister, before the American Government pronounces itself upon the affair of Boisrond Canal, to inform you that it has been reported to the government of Hayti that this general, in betaking himself to your residence, entered there (y srait entrê) indeed with arms and ammunitions. The government does not know to what point these assertions may be founded. Nevertheless, reposing itself upon the assurances which you have given to it, it thinks that whatever there may be in them, you could never assuredly tolerate, in the circumstances, any act of a nature to lead to unfortunate and compromising results for the security of the country. The government calls very seriously your attention upon this point in, view of eventualities which it is impossible for it to foresee. The government takes good note, Mr. Minister, of the friendly dispositions which you transmitted to us by your aforesaid note. It partakes of them very sincerely, and it is in view of maintaining them always that I have felt it my duty to address to you my present dispatch, in order to bring to your knowledge the point which is the object of it, persuaded that you will give it attention, (y aviseriez.) Be pleased to accept, Mr. Minister, the new assurances of my very high consideration.