To Rutherford B. Hayes
20 September 1877 • Hartford, Conn.
(MS, author’s copy, in pencil: CU-MARK, UCCL 01483)

(Copy of telegram to President of U. S.[)]

The starving crew of tThe Jonas Smith can be found in a very little while if your excellency will order the cutter Colfax to search again. The crew are good men, subjects of a friendly power (England) & are only starving, not committing crime. The Smith is a sailless, chartless, ‸foodless‸ unmanageable hulk, & has been drifting helpless for four months from Bermuda, begging her bread as she [goes. I] know the ship & her [history. Our] government has moved to the relief of distress like this before, hence I am emboldened to make this appeal. With great respect. Signed S. L. Clemens, Hartford.