1869-August-03: Despite maintaining a public stance of neutrality regarding the civil war between Haitian President Sylvain Salnave and insurgent forces, Sec…

1869-August-03: Despite maintaining a public stance of neutrality regarding the civil war between Haitian President Sylvain Salnave and insurgent forces, Secretary Fish demonstrated a private willingness to assist the de jure Salnave government. Fish provided a letter of introduction for a Haitian agent named Laroche to Secretary of the Navy Robeson, facilitating negotiations for the purchase of surplus U.S. warships. This “moral recognition” of Salnave’s authority went beyond standard neutral conduct, as the U.S. sought to stabilize a government that appeared willing to grant American maritime concessions.