Office of the Historian

Mr. Woodford to Mr. Day.

Paris, France, April 28, 1898.
No. 245.]

Sir: I have the honor to inclose copy of the last report which I received from Mr. Bartleman, our consul at Malaga. It was written on the train as he was leaving Malaga for Gibraltar at 9.30 a.m. of April 21, instant. It is interesting as showing the disposition of the Spanish Government on the night of April 20 and confirms the judgment which I formed at about midnight of that day when I learned that a telegraphic dispatch from the State Department addressed to me had been already received at Madrid at 11 o’clock that night, but was being held without delivery to me.

Mr. Bartleman shows in this report the same careful consideration and brave performance of duty which marked all his conduct during the last few trying weeks of his service at Malaga.

I have, etc.,

Stewart L. Woodford.
[Inclosure in No. 245.]

Mr. Bartleman to Mr. Woodford.

On Train, 9.30 a.m., April 21, 1898.

Dear General: Last evening I received from Mr. Bowen the following: “Prepare to leave Spain. You may do so at once if in immediate danger. Bowen.”

I decided not to go, but when the civil governor sent his secretary to my house at 6 a.m. to-day to read to me a telegram his excellency had just received from Madrid stating that at any moment relations might be severed, that all hope for peace had gone, they—his excellency and secretary—thought it advisable that I depart immediately; that the records of the office I might send to him (this was being done when I left) for protection; wished me to have the shield removed, which I said would not be done until relations had been severed, and so left instructions with the clerk, they to notify him in time and before the news was made public.

What I am now doing is with deep regret, but no other way seems possible. My absence from Malaga may be the means of saving the destruction of much property. My losses will be heavy; my furniture, which I can not take with me and which I did not sell, not wishing any of my movements known, will all be destroyed, I believe, for from my conversation of this morning I am of the opinion that the governor will be unable to control the mobs which are sure to form at any moment.

I go to the Hotel Royal, Gibraltar. If I can serve you, wire; my services are now for my country.

May you have a happy journey to God’s country, and may we both meet there.

With best wishes and many apologies for this letter, believe me, sincerely,

R. M. Bartleman.