Ignacio Mariscal to H Morgan, May 4, 1882

Señor Mariscal to Mr. Morgan.

Mr. Minister: I have received the note which your excellency addressed to me of this date, in which you inform me that your government had instructed you to request permission for the United States troops to cross upon Mexican territory in pursuit of hostile Indians,’whose capture they were seeking, until a competent force of Mexican troops should be able to take up the pursuit.

In reply, I have the honor to say to your excellency that, as is known, it belongs to the Senate of Mexico to grant the permission asked for, and considering that that body has twice felt it lo be its duty to refuse a similar request except upon the condition of reciprocity, and under certain necessary measures of precaution necessary to both countries, conditions with reference to which the Government of the United States has returned no answer whatever, the President does not consider it proper (oportuno) to consult the said house upon the subject on this occasion, while, at least, he is not informed that said government is disposed to grant a similar request, under similar circumstances, to Mexican troops.

Certainly the first Magistrate, desiring to assist, as far as possible, within the limits of his constitutional authority, in the pursuit of the hostile Indians referred to, has given orders through the secretary of war, by telegraph, that, within Mexican territory, they be pursued with the greatest vigor, and to capture them (procurando su captura); and that should they succeed in recrossing the frontier prompt advice be given thereof to the United States forces to the end that they be able to attack them without loss of time.

I renew, &c.,