Foster to J. M. Lafragua, February 8, 1875

Mr. Foster to Mr. Lafragua.

Sir: The consul of the United States at Acapulco, in making the report which I called for, in regard to the assault upon the Protestant church at that place, on the 26th ultimo, which resulted in the assassination of the American citizen Henry Morris, and seven other persons, states that up to the 1st instant the guilt of no person had been established as having participated in the affair, and that he feared that no one would ever be convicted and punished therefor. He further reports that the assault partook of the character of a cowardly massacre; that the American citizen killed was horribly mangled; the furniture in the church cut to pieces, and that several of the wounded have since died. He represents the ignorant Indians, incited by a fanatical priest, as having created in the community a reign of terror; that the district judge, having arrested the parish priest, was forced to release him owing to the threats of armed violence made by the captain of the “Matricula;” that he, the said consul, together with others who have shown any sympathy pr friendship for the Protestant congregation, have had their lives threatened, and that nothing but the most energetic and severe action on the part of the federal government will have any influence in restraining the reign of intolerance and lawlessness.

I have deemed it proper to bring to your excellences attention, in this brief statement, the substance of the consul’s report to me, hoping that it may furnish your government additional motives for enforcing strict and decisive measures against the criminals.

The said consul informs me that the American citizen, Henry Morris, assassinated as above stated, has left in Acapulco a large and dependent family, thus deprived of protection and support. It is my duty to take this early opportunity to state to your excellency that the Government of the United States will expect the government of Mexico to inflict rigorous punishment upon the murderers, and make full indemnity and compensation to the bereaved family for the loss sustained, by any failure of the authorities to afford the protection guaranteed to American citizens by Articles XIV and XV of the treaty of 1831.

I again reiterate to your excellency the assurances of my high consideration and esteem.