I have taken the affidavits of tho~e who ha~e visited this city, certified copies of which are herewith transmitted to the Depart- ment, together with a copy of my correspondence with the commandant on this station, respecting the capture of the prisoners; by which documents it will be seen that they have been shamefully ill-treated, and it is confidently expected that their grievances will not escape the attention of our Government. Unless prompt and efficient measures are taken to prevent a repetition of such abuses, there will be no security, in this country, for the persons or property of our countrymen. One outrage will form a precedent for another, until they occur so frequently and become so aggravated as to be altogether insupportable. I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, your most obedient servant,
D. W. Smith
Hon. John Forsyth, Secretary of State
[ 1688] [BARNETI to SMITH l
To His Excellency Henry Smith Governor &c. Sir:
I herewith enclose to You the commission & other documents authorizing the investigation of certain transactions connected with the capture, recapture, and sale of the schooner Hannah Elizabeth and her Cargo; which commission has not been executed, by reason of the absence of James C. Collinsworth as is supposed to the United S.Lates of the North, and the failure of Robert H. Williams another Commissioner to act in the case, and as I did not consider any authority vested in me by the Commission to act alone, I thought it prudent to return as Speedily as possible and lay the matter before the Government. The expenses paid out by myself amount to about thirteen dollars, and I shall leave to the Governor and Council Lo determine the value of my services, and whatever future action may be thought necessary in the premises Very Respectfully Yr. Excellency's Obt Servt. Thos. Barnett Cornr .. San Felipe Jany. 2nd. 1836
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