Mr. Peck to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have almost finished for the mail a long despatch in which I give you full information of the progress of political events in this republic since the abdication of President Greffrard, of which I wrote to you (despatch 22) on the 13th instant. But as the vessel which leaves to-night may be a long time on the passage, and as I shall probably have an opportunity to send by a better conveyance in the course of a few days, I prefer to keep my lengthy communication for the latter occasion, and to send you at this time only this brief despatch.
In outline the history of public events here since the abdication of the President (on the 13th) is as follows:
For a time it was expected that the constitution and the chambers would survive the fall of the President, but everything was presently compelled to yield to a movement in the north which declared for an entire reconstruction and for a putting of things on a truly republican basis.
With this programme a provisional government, which includes a fair representation of all interests of the country, has been formed, a constituent assembly has been called for the 8th of April, and it is expected that that body will give the election of the President and of members of both houses directly to the people, and that the elections will occur in May.
The new government exhibits, as might be expected, inexperience, and betrays a difference of views in its secret councils. But it has done reasonably well and the whole republic consents to its authority.
Thus far there has been no serious breach of the public peace except at Aux Cayes, where a plan to pillage the town was arrested only by the killing of many of the conspirators. Still there has been great and reasonable alarm everywhere, and the country cannot yet be said to be secure against anarchy.
Everybody feels the want of a governing mind, and, to meet this want, General Salnave has been sent for, and is expected here to-night.
Events exceedingly important to this country will occur in the next 30 days.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.