PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BU0NAPARTE LA.MAR
425
prisoner an Interpreter; in as much as without one he can have no use for a lawyer That Interpreter should be one of own selection, in whom he can repose confidence. I make this remark because it has been intimated to me, that Your Excellency is willing to concede this favor to the prisoner provided he will accept an Interpreter of Your Excellency's own selection.- I have not been disposed to give cre- dence to this proposition; because it is one far more offensive to every sentiment of justice than the withholding of an Interpreter entirely.- I beg leave to remark, that if I have been wrongly informed as to the law; and that it should result, that Your Excellency in reality pos- sesses the legal right of prescribing the course of treatment to be pur- sued towards the prisoner then the question becomes one of humanity and justice; in which case I have nothing to offer more than the gen- eral observation that cruelty to the unfortunate can never be a virtue.- I do not pretend to have much knowledge of this case, but I infer from the little I do know of it that it is far from being one that can justify the commencement of the prisoners punishment before his trial and con- viction. I have no disposition to protect l\Ir Conway in the wrong. If he has fallen into error and misfortune by accident or otherwise, let him be judged accordingly. I only ask in his behalf a fair trial- that no impediments may be placed in the way of impartial justice, and that he may not be persecuted on account of his nationality. These things I have a right to demand ; nor will I impute to Your Excellency any indisposition to do what is legal and just in the case- [Endorsed :] Not Sent
No. 2766. P. TRAETA [ ?] TO LAMAR
[Translation from the Spanish]
Government of Punta Arenas June 8, 1859
Honorable MIRABEAU B. LAMAR. Sm.
I have seen your esteemed letter, date of yesterday relative to bring- ing to my mind the difficulties which the condemned criminal Edward! F. Conway has for acquiring the facts and the power with them to for- mulate his defence in the case which they are ·constructing against him in the competent Court, as well as the fact that you say that the pris- oner is complaining of the prison in which they have him confined. Concerning the first, Your Honor is a witness to the contrary, and con- cerning the second, I must say to you, although it grieves me, that it. is altogether impossible for me to accede to the petition to give the- aforesaid criminal more liberty than he has. With the above explanation, Honored Sir, I hope to have satisfied the object of your said letter; there remaining to me only the liberty of subscribing myself your most attentive servant. P. TR.A.ETA [? Rubricl [Endorsed:] Letter from the Governor of Punta Arenas Respecting- 1\Ir Conway to Genl Lamar
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