Foster to J. M. Lafragua, November 18, 1874

Mr. Foster to Mr. Lafragua.

Sir: I take the liberty to call your excellency’s attention to a communication which has been addressed to the Secretary of State of the United States by the presiding officer of the Pacific Theological Seminary at Oakland, Cal., in relation to the insecurity of Messrs. Watkins and Morgan, graduates of that institution, now stationed at Guadalajara, Mexico, and who were friends and associates of the late Rev. John L. Stephens, who was assassinated at Ahualulco, in the State of Jalisco.

This officer, in his communication, directs attention to the fact that no one has yet paid the penalty of that crime, although the assassination occurred in March last; that recently the priest who instigated the crime, and several other persons implicated in it, have been acquitted; and that these occurrences have emboldened the enemies of Messrs. Watkins and Morgan, and have rendered their situation more perilous. He therefore asks, on behalf of the faculty and other officers of the Pacific Theological Seminary, that the Government of the United States may exert its influence with the national and state authorities of Mexico to secure the safety of these gentlemen and the free exercise of their religious duties. To this end, I am instructed by my Government to ask for them the good-will and protection of the national authorities of Mexico and of the State of Jalisco.

As I have heretofore, in official notes and personal interviews, expressed to your excellency the deep interest which the Government and people of the United States feel in the questions growing out of the assassination of Rev. John L. Stephens, and the regret entertained for the long delay of and immunity from punishment of the instigators and perpetrators of that crime, it is hardly necessary for me on this occasion to do more than direct your excellency’s attention to the representations and request contained in the communication to which I have alluded, and to express the hope that the Mexican government will take such additional measures as it may find requisite to secure full and personal protection and freedom of religious worship.

I again renew to your excellency the assurances of my distinguished consideration.