No. 241.
Mr. Frelinghuysen to Mr. Morgan.
Department
of State,
Washington, December 12,
1883.
No. 477.]
Sir: I transmit herewith a copy of a letter of the
7th instant from the Hon. John F. Miller, a Senator of the United States
from California, relative to the case of George Caleb, also a letter from
Captain Caleb to Senator Miller concerning his present condition.
Inviting your careful attention to this correspondence, and requesting that
you will render Captain Caleb every possible assistance,
I am, &c.,
[Inclosure in No. 477.]
Mr. Miller to Mr.
Frelinghuysen.
United
States Senate,
Washington, December 7,
1883.
Sir: Referring to inclosure herewith, I beg to
say that so long a time has elapsed since the Department instructed our
minister to Mexico to investigate Caleb’s case that I fear that it has
been neglected. I therefore call the attention of the Department to the
fact that the man is still in prison, with the view to ask further
action in the premises.
Very respectfully,
[Page 345]
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Caleb to Mr.
Miller.
La Paz,
Mexico, November 19,
1883.
My dear Sir: I write to you once more to let
you know I am still confined at this place, and I have not heard one
word, either from the city of Mexico or the United States, since July
last. I have about given up all hopes of my Government doing anything
for my release. I am sick, and cannot regain my health here. I have
passed the yellow fever; had it lightly.
My vessel was sold on the 25th of October, and they have all I have in
the world now, and ought to be satisfied. I have been in prison and the
doctors have taken me out again. I have been a great sufferer in body
and mind. This is the first time I ever had any trouble with a vessel. I
have been master twenty-five years, served the Government in the Mexican
war and the late rebellion till the close.
Mr. Beach, the gentleman that came from Washington, was satisfied that I
had no fair trial in the courts at this place. My lawyer claims that
fact. All the Mexicans who were in this affair have their liberty and
are permitted to go away. I must some way try and get to some other
place, or die soon. I don’t know what news the United States consul
gets; he keeps all things secret from me, and I am left in darkness; no
one to tell me anything. I hope that I am not forgotten and will hear
something soon. I am thankful to you and remain,
Most respectfully,
P. S.—I must confess that the governor at this place has treated me
kindly. He is a fine gentleman, with a noble principle and honor,
and I will long remember his. kindness to me.
I am quite discouraged.
