1890-March-26: Frederick Douglass wrote a concerned dispatch to Secretary Blaine, reporting that the Haitian government was increasingly fearful of rumored A…

1890-March-26: Frederick Douglass wrote a concerned dispatch to Secretary Blaine, reporting that the Haitian government was increasingly fearful of rumored American intentions against their national integrity. Blaine’s response was curt, merely acknowledging the letter and stating that a copy had been sent to the Secretary of the Navy. This dismissive attitude confirmed for Douglass and the Haitians that the Harrison administration was prioritizing naval strategy—specifically the acquisition of Môle Saint-Nicolas—over traditional diplomatic reassurances.