No. 213.
Mr. Fish to Mr. Bassett.
Washington, May 3, 1872.
Sir: Your dispatch No. 119, of the 25th ultimo, relative to a signal indignity offered to Mr. Jastram, the consular agent of the United States at Saint Marc, by persons in the service of the government of Hayti, has been received. The spirit, diligence, and promptness shown by you on the occasion are approved. As there seems to be no doubt that the officer who trespassed upon the office of Mr. Jastram, for the purpose of arresting Mr. Batraville, was aware of the official character of the former, that act, and the gross, causeless, and unprovoked maltreatment of Mr. Jastram must be regarded as an international grievance. You will consequently press for due reparation from that government, which must at least make the officer who was guilty of the improper conduct adverted to sensible of its displeasure, and must express to this Government its regret for the occurrence.
I am, &c,