Foster to J. M. Lafragua, January 28, 1875

Mr. Foster to Mr. Lafragua.

Sir: I inclose to your excellency a copy of a telegram received at a late hour last night from the consul at Acapulco. From this telegram it may be inferred that the local authorities at Acapulco have been either not able or not disposed to shield Rev. Mr. Hutchinson from the fury of the intolerant mob, which has successfully set at defiance the laws and authority of Mexico, and that he has been compelled to seek protection on board an American frigate and under the flag of my Government.

This event, following upon that of the assault upon the Protestant church and the murder of an American citizen, together with other persons, satisfies me that the earnest language which I used in our interview on yesterday was not too strong, neither did it exaggerate the gravity of that occurrence for the Mexican government. I embrace the opportunity afforded, by inclosing a copy of said telegram, to express the hope that you have communicated to the President the substance of our interview of yesterday, and that measures have already been ordered which will result, not only in the prompt and severe punishment of the criminals in this affair, but will satisfy American citizens in this country that the government has the ability and the disposition to protect them in the free and unrestrained exercise of religious instruction and worship.

I remain, with marked consideration and esteem, your excellency’s obedient servant,