[2006) [CASTILLO to FORSYTH)
Philadelphia, February 4, 1836. The undersigned, charge de'affaires of the Mexican repub- lic, has the honor to inform Mr. Forsy Lh, the Secrelary of State of the United States, that by an official communication received from the consul of his nation al New Orleans, he learns that on Lhc 12th ultimo the prosecution against Don Thomas M. Thompson, commander of the l\'lexican schooner of war "Correo de Mexico," and Lieutenant Don Carlos Ocampo, of the army of the same republic, was renewed in the district court of the United States for the eastern district of Louisiana; and that on the 15th, the jury having declared the latter person innocent, and informed the judge that with regard to the former they could not agree, the attorney of the said district had withdrawn his Dema11da, and the said officers were immediately set al liberty. The consul adds that Thompson was afterwards again imprisoned on the spot, at the demand of his creditors. With regard to the first part, the undersigned flatters him- self that, upon seeing the result of the affair before the said court, and that the impropriety (or inconvenience) which the President felt with respect to forming a resolution on the subject being removed, he will think proper now to determine that the said vessel, Correo de Mexico, should be returned without delay; and that Captain Hurd, of the merchant schooner San Felipe, belong- ing to these United States, should be made to answer before the American courts for the insult committed against the !Vlexican flag of war; and, al the same time, to make good all the damages and injuries which he may have caused by his arbitrary conduct. As Lo the second part, inasmuch as Captain Thompson belongs to the service of the Mexican republic, and his being re- cently conducted to New Orleans was a measure in every point of view illegal, the undersigned likewise hopes, from the spirit of justice of Lhc Supreme Government of the United States, that it will order his freedom to be made effective, as those who have any demands against him may present them to the Mexican Govern- ment for its determination.
253
Powered by FlippingBook