Foster to Julius A. Skilton, February 9, 1875

No. 416. Mr. Foster to Mr. Fish.

Sir: In my No. 237, of January 30, I communicated to you the telegraphic information I had received from the consul at Acapulco, of the assault upon the Protestant church at that place and the assassination of an American citizen, together with the murder and wounding of a number of Mexicans; and inclosed copies of correspondence between this legation and the Mexican government in relation to the affair.

I now inclose copies of three communications from John A. Sutter, esq., consul at Acapulco, to Julius A. Skilton, esq., consul-general in this city, giving further details of the assassination, which aggravate rather than mitigate the outrage, as reported by telegraph. In these communications the consul 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, Henry Morris, a native of Boston, was horribly mangled, and that he leaves a large family at Acapulco, which, I am informed through other sources, was dependent upon him for their support; that the furniture in the church was 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, (a federal armed force;) that he, the said consul, together with others who have shown any sympathy for the Protestant congregation, have had their lives threatened; and that nothing but the most energetic and severe measures on the part of the Federal Government will have any influence in restraining the reign of intolerance and lawlessness.

In communicating the substance of the communications of the consul to the Mexican minister of foreign affairs, in a note dated yesterday, I expressed the hope that they would furnish his government additional motives for enforcing strict and decisive measures against the criminals.

In the same note I stated to the minister that the Government of the United States will expect that of Mexico to inflict rigorous punishment upon the murderers, and make full indemnity and compensation to the bereaved family of the American citizen assassinated, for the loss sustained by any failure of the authorities to afford the protection guaranteed to American citizens by articles 14 and 15 of the treaty of 1831.

I felt it my duty to give this prompt notice of indemnity, not only because I deemed it an act of obligation and justice to the bereaved family, but because I was satisfied it would have the effect to incite the Mexican authorities to greater diligence and care in the protection of other Americans similarly exposed, and in punishing the persons who participated in and instigated the assault at Acapulco.

I beg to direct your attention to my action on this point, which I trust may meet with your approval; and, if so, I respectfully request specific instructions as to my future action in fixing and enforcing the indemnity.

I am, &c.,