WOOD, Lieutenant, United States Navy to Commander Wiltse, March 19, 1885

Lieutenant Wood and Surgeon Penrose to Commander Wiltse.

Sir: In obedience to your order of the 13th instant, a copy of which is hereto appended, marked A, directing us to ascertain the condition of the destitute American and foreign citizens in the vicinity of Livingston and Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, &c., we beg to state that we have performed the duty assigned us, and respectfully submit the following report:

• On the 14th instant we visited Livingston and inquired into the condition of all those presenting themselves for examination at that place. A preliminary statement was immediately made to you of their condition. Those needing it were prescribed for at the time of our visit, and food and medicine were sent on shore for their use pending your decision in their cases.
• On the 16th instant, having received information from Mr. Sarg, the United States consular agent at Livingston, that others had arrived at that place, they were visited and their condition inquired into, and you were duly made acquainted with the facts pertaining to their cases.
• On the 17th instant 38 men found at Livingston, Guatemala, were received on board this ship, and, after being washed, were supplied with clean clothing, mattresses, and blankets. All requiring it were placed under medical treatment immediately.
• On the morning of the 18th, the Swatara proceeded to Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, and we immediately proceeded on shore and inquired into the condition of all those presenting themselves before us for examination. A preliminary statement of their cases was also made and presented to you for your decision.
• On the 19th instant, 40 men were received on board from Puerto Barrios. Many of them were sick. After receiving a bath they were supplied with clean clothing and blankets; mattresses were also furnished until the supply was exhausted. Nearly all of these men were immediately placed under medical treatment.

In conclusion we beg to state that we were informed by Captain Grant, the chief manager of the railroad, who has but recently assumed control there, that everything will be done to further the interests of all workingmen connected with the road; a better hospital will soon be erected on higher ground near Sulphur Springs; that there are at this time no destitute persons there, as employment can be found for all those desiring it. This gentleman also stated that when men were taken sick they would be supplied with hospital treatment, and in cases where men are not likely to recover in that climate they would be sent back to New Orleans at the company’s expense; that he had already sent 48 men back before our arrival.

In this connection we wish to state that from all reports received by us regarding the accommodations for the sick, as at present provided in the hospital not far distant from Puerto Barrios, they are to our minds entirely insufficient and unworthy the name.

We desire to acknowledge our indebtedness to Captain Grant and Consular Agent Sarg for assistance rendered us during our investigations.

Very respectfully, &c.,