1863-July-27: The Haitian government, through its representative Roumain, submitted a formal defense of its actions in the Pelletier case, including a detail…

1863-July-27: The Haitian government, through its representative Roumain, submitted a formal defense of its actions in the Pelletier case, including a detailed report by a Captain Hubbard. The evidence suggested that Pelletier’s vessel, the William, had been involved in illicit activities that justified its seizure under Haitian law. Despite the regularizing of diplomatic ties, the Pelletier affair created immediate friction, as the U.S. State Department felt obligated to protect the rights of its citizens abroad while simultaneously wishing to avoid a major rupture with a newly recognized ally during the American Civil War.