Consulate of the United States.
Havana November 12th 1851.

Sir,

I am requested by Mr. John S. Thrasher to protest against the trial of his cause coming on today.

Mr. Thrasher informs me that the time allowed him to make a defense to the charges is not sufficient.  He says that the two hours per day to have intercourse with friends has been too short, and that the Military officer, whom he selected to defend him has not consulted with the legal counsel whom he has chosen and who is of his naming.  He says that his counsel have only had twenty four hours to examine the proceedings including the evidence which is much at length, and that after such examination only one hour remained of the time allowed, and that it is wholly insufficient to enable him to enter upon his defense to the charges against him.

Mr. Thrasher asks me, as the Consul of the United States within whose jurisdiction he is, to offer this protest.  I do not know how far Your Excellency will allow me to proceed in this matter by Protest, but I desire by this communication to secure such rights as belong to Mr. Thrasher as an American citizen, under the Treaty stipulations between the United States, and the Government of Spain.

                                                                                                                                            I have the honor to be
                                                                                                                                            Your Excellency’s
                                                                                                                                            Obt. Serv’t
                                                                                                                                            (signed) A. F. Owen

His Excellency
Sr. D. Jose de la Concha
Gov’r & Capt. General
of the Island of Cuba