No. 641.
Mr. Thompson to Mr. Bayard.
Port au Prince Hayti, July 9, 1888. (Received July 19, 1888.)
Sir: Every resident of the city that can is now moving to the country; there is a general panic, and from the alleged stopping of persons accused of throwing quantities of kerosene oil against houses in different localities it has caused the utmost trepidation. The Atlas steamer taking this dispatch returns much of the cargo she brought; merchants [Page 899] and their armed employés patrol the district where their warehouses are situated both night and day. I must close this dispatch in order to have it reach on board before the sailing of the Atlas.
I have just been informed by the secretary of state that a man has just been caught in the act of setting fire to a house. He will be executed immediately.
I am, sir, etc.,