Thomas Cathcart Taylor to C. Henderson, November 13, 1865

Mr. Taylor to Mr. Henderson

Sir: I regret to have to inform you of a painful, though not very unusual tragedy which occurred here on the night of the 10th. A few days ago the United States gunboat James Adger, commanded by Captain John McDeirmid, came alongside one of the covered wharves to coal, when of course a sentry was stationed on the wharf, which I may add is usually occupied by a considerable number of persons as a sleeping place, and on the night indicated it appears that one of those persons was a black man named George Holmes, who, as appears from official papers shown to me, had served twelve years as gunner in the third West India regiment, and was discharged there from on the 21st of May, 1860, with a good-conduct certificate, badge, and pension. It further appears that at about 11 o’clock on the night of the said 10th instant, as Holmes was passing along to his bed or sleeping place, the sentry came up to him and asked for some tobacco, which he said he had not got and never used. A demand was then made for cigars, money, &c., which being also refused, the sentry said that Holmes must leave the wharf, which he likewise refused to do. The sentry then used the butt end of his gun to drive him away; but failing to do so he said he would blow his brains out, and then deliberately shot him dead on the spot. I advisedly use the word “deliberately,” because I am well informed that there was no accident whatever in the matter.

The prefect has held an inquiry into the case, and, the proof being conclusive, he demanded that the culprit should be given up to the authorities of this country for trial; but this demand, I am informed, both Captain McDeirmid and the United States consul decidedly refuse to comply with.

Permit me to draw your attention to the facts:

1st. That there is no doubt of the crime having been committed by the American sentry, and without provocation.

2d. That it took place on Colombian territory; and

3d. That the wharf has always been used as a sleeping place by any and every one who chooses to occupy it as such; nor is it said that any orders to the contrary were issued on the night of the crime.

I have, &c.,