The New York herald., 1876-10-28
AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP.

APPEAL OF AN IMPRISONED AMERICAN TO HIS
rARY FIsH-sToRY OF AN ARREST AND IN
cARcERATIoN ON THE MEXICAN FRONTIER.
COMMON JAIL, MArAMoRos. Mexico, Oct 25, 1870
To the Hon. HAMILTON FISH, Secretary OF State, WASH
ington, d. G. -
The protests, appeals and demands OF Vice Consul
Walls in my behalf having been disrcgardcd by the
national administration and It's petty ocials address
you this open through tho press OF tho country
the end, II obtain relief for myself in my
unjust and cruel Imprisonment, the American people
and the world may know tho value OF American cit-
zenship on this border when petty ends OF petty
officials are to DO gained Since the 10th day
OF September last ! have boon confined In tho
common Jail OF Matamoros Mexico. l am an Ameri-
citizen, native oil Dutchess county, New York
served during the war federal soldier, captain
Of volunteers disabled for life by wounds received
In action; had brother who was killed during tho
war, and another disabled in tho service Three Of
four brothers years OF agc rendered this
service in the hour Of my country's need.
am now a civil officer OF Cameron county, Texas
Was arrested on letter rcc.ing gossip from acting
Mexican Vice Consul Brownsville. Texas, 10 General
Rcveuitez, commanding at Matamoros, which says It
is stated had inspected the fortincations around
Matamoros, and advised Cort,na and that had 9 I'D
him and powder III Texas, which is untrue. Tho
declarations Of two witnesses have been taken, who
only declare TO my friendly relations to persons be-
lieved TO DO in sympathy with the revolution IN
Mexico but no decision can be had, and am still =
prisoner.
General Rcveultex referred the record to federal
Judge. who dccdea the military had no jurisdiction,
but General Revcu:cz said he would try my case any
how.
United States Vice Consul Walls has been active IN
my behalf He was Arst dcnicd by General Reveultcz
Information as TO the charge against me; he
fused sight Of the charges. Alter my counsel stated
to him tho came wcre frivolous he made demand for
my release, which was contemnsd. He called upon
the lieutenant commander, H. /. johnson, command
ing the United States steamer Bravo lying III the Rio
G:andc to and in securing my release, but he refused
TO interfere. Lieutenant Colonel Dcvin. COM
my arrest to resent castigaton l gave
him the press for his maciousness
and ignorance and Official usurpation as United States
military commander on the Rio Grandc. Hc tclo-
the ntrenchmcnts OF Matamoros which he knew 10 DO
iaise when he pcnnel the despatch. Vice Consul Walls
has sent you full report and record OF proceedings
against me, but my government has been silent whilc
Lieutenant Colonel Devin gratics his petty revenge
and Commander johnson falls under the influence Of
Mexican liquor and both pass much OF their time In
rotous Twins with Mexican officials, disregardng their
duty and the demands Of American citizenshi
have becn republican and supported the present
administration, but cannot refrain from complaint
OF the treatment II has accorded me IN my conhnc-
pounded by Secretary Marcy in the Martin Kosta
still prevail? Is tho spirit OF an lngraham and Cnsh-
ing dead IN navy, and our military command
ers permitted IN SO unmany o manner TO seek their
reveugey ask not for mercy or clemency, but pro-
tccton-my natural right Tho vindicaIion Of Ameri.
citizenship ard honor OF That flag which followed
years OF my life, with tho Of wounds and being
disabled Tor lie my service tho country
which now fails TO protect me. Respectfully,
JOHN JAY SMITH.