[Inclosure in No. 352.]
Mr. W. K. Van
Bokkelen to Mr. Bayard.
[Extract.]
155 Broadway,
New
York, April 29,
1885.
Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to inclose
letter from my son. In writing me, under date 15th instant, he states
that no change has been made. The jail is his resting place. On that
date Hon. J. Mercer Langston had called and told him that at once a new
demand would he made in his behalf in accordance with your instructions
of March 28.
I pray the deluded negroes may be brought to a true sense of what is due
American citizens, * * * *
I cannot too kindly thank you for the deep interest shown, and pray that
soon it may be in your power to inform me that my son is free, and Hayti
made to compensate him for his sufferings, and be more careful of her
acts.
I am, &c.,
[Inclosure in inclosure in No.
352.]
Mr. C. A. Van
Bokkelen to Mr. Bayard.
In
Prison, Port-au-Prince,
Hayti, April 9,
1885.
Mr. Secretary: On the 28th June, 1884, at the
request of the United States minister resident, and in accordance with
instructions from Washington, I was transferred from this loathsome jail
to the military hospital, where I was allowed to remain until the 21st
March, when I was ordered by the director, in obedience to instructions
received from the attorney of the Government, on a certificate of the
doctor that I was a well man, to be conducted to the prison, with felons
and thieves.
I protested in writing to the inspector-general, and furnished proof of
the fact that my condition was worse than when I entered the hospital,
and that during my stay there no doctor (public) had prescribed for me,
nor had I been supplied either with food or medicine, but was compelled
at times to buy water for use.
The inspector immediately ordered my installment at the hospital; the
doctor informed the Government commissary of the fact, who, in turn,
informed the minister of justice, who approved the act of humanity.
On Holy Thursday the inspector-general, accompanied by the director,
called and gave me the assurance that, knowing my condition, I should
not be disturbed.
Judge of my surprise when, on the 4th April, at 12 m., I was made to walk
in the hot sun, with three plasters on me, to the jail, where I was
confined without a word of explanation, and where I now am.
I am, &c.,
