principal barrack i11 this city, where Lhey are confined as prisoners. They were arrested upon suspicion of being about to leave for Texas; which is altogether aside Lhc fact, so far as it applies to my son. A short time after this occurrence, sentinels were placed at the doors of my residence, under false pretences, and all communication therewith prohibited. Armed soldiers broke open my gale during my absence, and forcibly look oul of my yard a mare and two mules, being my private properly; and afterwards entered my house with drawn swords, and searched every room in the building, contrary to law or justice, for the avowed object of finding Lhe father of Mr. Hall. · , The foregoing facts were immediately communicated by me to General Fernandez, with a request that exemplary punishment be inflicted upon the delinquents; but as I have received no answer to my last note addressed to him upon the subject, ii may be reasonable inferred Lhat no further notice of the matter is intended. I therefore submit the case lo your consideration, and herewith transmit to the Department a copy of my correspondence, with the hope than an unprovoked outrage of such an aggravated character will not be permitted lo go u nred resscd. Allow me al the same Lime to add, that since the publication of the enclosed order by General Fernandez, imposing certain restrictions upon the inhabitants of the city, lawless depredations have been frequently committed with impunity by a licentious soldiery; and that serious and well-grounded apprehensions are entertained by the resident American merchants for the safely of their persons and properly. I beg leave Lo mention that your circular of the 3d of November, 1835, was received al this office on the 26th of Jamwry last. I have the honor to be, with great respect, sir, your obedient servant, D. W. Smith. Hon. John Forsyth, Secretary of State of lite United Stales.
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