Appendix C (1889-11-18)
Appendix C. LETTER FROM DOUGLASS TO JAMES G. BLAINE, 18
NOVEMBER 1889, PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI
Douglass to James G. Blaine, 18 November 1889, US. Legation, Port-au-Prince,
Haiti, Dispatches to the State Department, RG 84, Records of Foreign
Service Posts, State Department, DNA.
No. 13 Diplomatic.
Legation of the United States,
Port au Prince, Haiti, November 18, 1889.
Honorable James G. Blaine,
Secretary of State,
Washington, U.S.A.
Sir:
I have the honor to inform you that, in pursuance of an arrangement made by
preliminary correspondence with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Firmin, (see
enclosures 1, 2, and 3) an audience was granted to me by President Hyppolite on
the 14th instant, in order that I might present to him the letter of recall of my
predecessor and the letter of credence by which I am accredited as Minister
Resident and Consul General of the United States to reside near His Excellency’s
Government.
The occasion appeared to be considered by the Government of Haiti one of
much interest. Evident preparations had been made both inside and outside of the
National Palace to increase the significance of the event. On either side of the street
leading to the Palace, long lines of soldiers, who saluted us as we drove past them,
were drawn up under command of officers in brilliant uniforms, imparting to the
scene quite a gay, military aspect.
As our party entered the ample grounds of the Palace our ears were saluted by
the familiar strains of the “Star Spangled Banner,” the bands playing it with
remarkable skill and effect.
On ascending to the audience chamber, we were ushered into the presence of
President Hyppolite who was surrounded by his Cabinet and several of his most
trusted Generals. Having been introduced to the President by Mr. Firmin, I proceeded
at once to present to His Excellency my letter of credence and also the letter
of recall of Mr. Thompson, my predecessor.
I herewith respectfully enclose a copy of my brief address to the President
together with a copy of His Excellency’s response accompanied by a translation.
President Hyppolite is a man of about the medium height, of dark brown
complexion and gray hair. He has a well balanced head, a clear steady eye, a calm
temper and high intelligence. Herewith enclosed I send a small but quite accurate
photographic likeness of him. He is evidently a man not to be trifled with, and
from what I have seen of him and his immediate surroundings, I am led to think
that his election is a prophecy of peace to his country.
I would take occasion here to express my grateful acknowledgments for the
prompt arrival of Mr. Thompson’s letter of recall and of my letter of credence.
Their absence was already causing me some embarassment. The public mind had
become somewhat confused and doubtful as to who was the authorized representative
of the United States in Haiti. It was claimed in the interest of Mr. Thompson
that until his letter of recall and my letter of credence were presented and accepted,
he was the rightful representative of our Government here. This view of the case
was for a time entertained apparently by some members of this Govemment.
Color, too, was given to this misapprehension by Mr. Thompson, who continued
after my arrival to hold himself out as the dean of the Diplomatic Corps. He went to
Gonaives in that quality to witness the administration of the oath of office to
General Hyppolite, and while there, on the 17th or 18th ultimo, he made, in the
same quality, an address which was published in the columns of “Le Peuple,” a
Haitien journal.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
Frederick Douglass
List of Enclosures.
1. Mr. Douglass to Mr. Firmin. Nov. 11, 1889.
2. Mr. Firmin to Mr. Douglass. Nov. 11, 1889.
3. Translation of the above.
4. Mr. Douglass’ remarks on presenting his letter of credence. Nov. 14, 1889.
5. President Hyppolite’s response.
6. Translation of the above.
7. Photograph of President Hyppolite.