Morgan to José Fernandez, May 15, 1884
Mr. Morgan to Mr. Fernandez.
Sir: On the 15th March last I called your honor’s attention to the case of Howard C. Walker, a citizen of the United States, who had been arrested on the 19th of March, 1883, by the Mexican authorities at Minatitlan (or Coatzacoalcos), and who was, at the date of my note, still in prison upon the charge of having stolen some lumber. I asked that prompt investigation be had of his case in order that, if innocent of the charge under which he was held in confinement, he might be set at liberty. On the 17th of the same month your honor informed me that you had asked for information respecting the case from the governor of Vera Cruz. Two months have elapsed since the date of your note, and I have heard nothing further from you upon the subject.
In the meanwhile I have received a letter from Mr. Walker, dated the 3d instant, in which he informs me that he is still in prison. Mr. Walker states that as the shipping agent of Mr. R. H. Leetch he had shipped on the Norwegian bark Circassian some mahogany logs; that these logs were claimed by Mr. José R. Teran; that the vessel was discharged of her cargo by order of the tribunal of the district, and that none of the logs were marked as claimed by Mr. Teran.
The date at which the circumstance took place I have not been told, but on the 19th of March, 1883, Mr. Walker was arrested, as above stated, and thrown into prison. He fell ill and was sent to his own house. After his recovery nothing was said to him until the 12th of February last, when he was again arrested upon the same charge and again sent to prison, where he now is “confined,” as he says, “with all classes of criminals, lepers and Indians, with all classes of diseases.” He informs me that since his second arrest he has been once near the point of death, and that he is still in wretched health. He has offered to give bond pending the proceedings -against him, but his offer has been declined.
What Mr. Walker asks is a faithful and prompt execution of the laws of Mexico. And this, I think, it must be admitted he is entitled to. It is, therefore, my duty to again call your honor’s attention to Mr. Walker’s case, and to claim for him the speedy trial to which he is entitled.
I renew, &c.,