The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-01-24
LIMA. December IL. I849

LIMA, December IL, 1849.
DEAR Sin: Apprchensive that an incorrect state
ment may find its way into the public journals re-
lative TO the difficulty which occurred yesterday at
the ssFrench Hotel' between Henry Stephen Sul-
van. the English "charge d'atfaires' 70 the court
of Santiago dc Chill, and myself, have learned
with great qualification that you witnessed the af-
fair and that you are conversant with all the facts
connected with it. Will you do me the kindness
to inform me what you know relative to it; and
pecially Of the insult offered by him to my wife
during my absence from the hotel!
desire TO place the matter in just light before
all honorable men, and myself in correct position
before my Government.
With high regard, remain your obedient SER
want, z. w. POTTER,
U. s. Consul for Valparaiso.
JAMES WHIrEHEAD, esq.
LIMA, December IL, l849
DEAR Sin: am in receipt of your favor Of this
morning, and have taken due note of its contents.
As an Englishman, feel much grieved that ne
cessty and truth compel me TO bear testimony
against countryman, and that countryman q
representative of my nation at foreign court.
You ask Inc to inform you of what has come I'M
der my own notice regarding the insult and indig-
nifty offered to your wife by Mr.. Sullivan at the
"French Hotel" during your absence ON Sunday
last. shall, therefore, refrain from noticing what
have heard from other eye-witnesses, and confine
myself to such facts as can answer for before God
man.
On the day in question, was sitting in General
Hcrrerh TOOTH, AZ the salu IT TeuCu TlOteis WucH
was suddenly called by Mrs. Mckle, the generals
daughter to go and protect Mrs. Potter from being
insulted by Mr.. Sullivan, who, she said, had taken
possession of her room.
attended the call instantly, and on reaching the
room found your lady in tears, pale and trem-
bling, with her baby in her arms. also found Mr..
and Mrs. Sullivan and their servants in the room
the former talking aloud; the exact words could
not CATCH but they certainly to the effect that
your lady must leave the room-that it had been
taken for him. The only answer heard from your
lady was, edo wait, sir, until Mr.. Potter comes
in" The appeal did not appear to be listened to.
Immediately called Mr.. Sullivan's attention to The
fact Of the rooms having been taken by you, and
possession given Of them, and that should protect
the lady in them until your arrival. This drew his
(Mr. Sullivan's) attention to myself; who, with
peculiar puppy arrogance, asked me if knew TO
whom was speaking. answered in the afiirma-
tive, and took the liberty of giving him plain
English version of what thought of him. "a rich
page for "Punch.") During the alteration be-
tween US, your lady entreated to be taken out Of
the room. Fearing some bad consequences from
her alarm, i accompanied her towards the door !;
when to my establishment, Mr.. Sullivan approach
do not whip me; will be good will 4" entreat-
ing her not to leave the ROOM Fudge!
Now that have detailed facts SO far my
collection of words goes, must beg to venture an
opinion, which is, that more ungentlemanly and
wanton outrage on the part of Mr.. Sullivan towards
your wife, never witnessed in any society; and
that every heightened gentleman will say well
done" TO the Gaming you gave him, and to which l
say, amen!
Hoping your good lady has entirely recovered
from her fright, / am, dear sir, yours truly,
JAMES WHITEHEAD.
To Z. w. Porter, ESQ.,,
United States Consul for Chill.