The southern press., 1851-06-27
Hayti &c.
WASHINGTON, June II, 1851

|
Haytl &c.
WASHINGTON, June II, 1851.
Editors ofhe .Nstc York Tribune
A friend has just called my attention to al
editorial article in your paper of the 9th instant
headed "Ihe st. Domingo Annexation Scheme,
in which find the following statements
| /. That was sent to that island by Messrs
| Polk and Buchanan
Q. ct is insnuated) that while there, as the
diplomatic representative of the United States
/ made proposals, as the agent of company oi
American spectators, to supply the Dominican
government with war steamers and colonists
| from the United States
| 3. That the ultimate object of the United
States government in sending me there, as well
as the purpose cf the proposals 80 alleged to
have been made by me to that government, was
the annexation Of the island as slave territory to
the United States.
Permit me to say that the singular confusion
of dates in the editorial referred to, and the
startling political revelations" extracted from
purely commercial enterprise, might seem to
have been ingeniously resorted to for the pur-
pose of catering to the appetite of your readers,
| and of showing on what small capital an ex-
citing leader can be manufactured in these quiet
tines But as wish to believe that you were
actuated by better motive, | beg leave to make
known to you and your readers,
lst. That | was not sent to Saint Domingo
by Messrs Polk and Buchanan, but by General
Taylor and Mr.. Clayton; that was not selected
because | was a Southern MN, skilled or zeal
Gus 'in the annexation line," but because the
government required some confidential person,
who spoke Spanish, to repair Immediately to
L. IL NJ 4 . d.
out of any zeal for annexation, but reluctantly,
and, as it turned out, unfortunately for myself,
as the conditions on which consented to go,
and which were intended TO compensate me for
the interruption of my business, were not full
filed at the time Of General Taylors sudden
death. AS the government has not thought
proper yet to make public the object and results
of my mission, do not feel at liberty to state
what was the object But may with proprety
say that il was either annexation or the exten-
sion of slavery as charged by you; that so far
as | am informed or believe, neither ever oc-
Cured to the minds Of those who sent me, or
was contemplated by me.
2. Your mputation that united to the official
character of diplomatic representative that Of
an agent for company Of American spectators,
is wholly undescrved; and the charge that made
prop sails in the latter capacity, while was
"His Excellency, or duly accredited charge de
affaires of the United States" is wholly untrue
My mission was a secret one, and was not
to make myself Known until such time as cir
cumstances should require; and inasmuch as on
my arrival made diligent inquiries in regard to
the country, its products, wealth, capabilities,
&c, 1t was for some time supposed by many
whose misconceptions did not think 1t neces
sary or expedient to remove that my object was
commerce and speculation. | trust that you
have not availed yourself of this circumstance to
misrepresent my conduct, but have rather been
misled by your informant.
Il made no oyertures while at San Domingo
for contracting to supply the government either
with colonists or steamers but my advice was
frequently asked by the President, and by many
other influential persons, as to the best means
of procuring both, and promised that would
be the medium of communication on the subject
il on my return to the United States, should
meet with any one desirous to undertake such
contracts. | left San Domingo in May, reached
here in June, and several months after my con-
ncction with the government had ceased, (to wit
in August or Scptember,) forwarded from Wnsh
ingion proposals in my name The real contrac
tors were Northern men, prompted by no "slav-
cry Influences" and actuated solely by the cal
mighty Yankee dollar and the project was a
purely commercial one, having no reference to
annexation or the extension Of slavery. For my
own part. however. wish not to conceal That
in becoming the medium Of communication for
these proposals, | had a political, as we'll rs
money making object. That object was, not
the extention OF slavery, or the annexation of
slave territory, but solely to aid in protecting
the Dominicans from the attacks of their black
neighbors, the Hayiiens, and from repetition
of the scenes ofcrime and horror which marked
the victory of the blacks over the French col
onists, and would again surely follow a success
ful invasion bv them of the Dominican end of
the Island This sympathy. which am proud
to profess for the Dominicans, is, believe, com
mon to every right minded foreigner who has
visited the Island. ! refer you TO letter from
Port au Prince, published in the Journal of Com
merce, in August or September last The writer,
as have since learned, and as you will nj once
see by perusal of his letter, is friend of the
negro race, and, If not an Abolitionst, is certain
ly deeply imbued with the Northern sentiments
on that subject. Speaking Of the efforts of the
English, French, and American consuls TO dis
suade The black Emperor from his intention OF
invading the Dominican territory, he says
'If these Consuls shall succeed in dissunding
him (Soulouque) from bis march, and thus
restore peace to this long Distracted and most
unhappy island, they will richly deserve The
plaudits Of the civilized world. ] am sure the
civilized world nre ignorant Of the manner IN
which wars are carried on here, or they would
long ago have exerted their influence in some
way TO prevent the barbarous scenes enacted
and enactng here"
| And in relation to the naval preparations