J. M. Lafragua to John W. Foster , Envoy Extraordinary and, November 26, 1874

Mr. Lafragua to Mr. Foster.

Sir: I have the honor to reply to the note of your excellency dated the 18th of this month, in which yon are pleased to call my attention to a communication which has been addressed to the Secretary of State of the United States by the president of the Pacific Theological Seminary at Oakland, relative to the insecurity of Messrs. Watkins and Morgan, friends and associates of the late Rev. John L. Stephens, who was assassinated in Ahualulco, stating to your excellency that I have transcribed said note, in so far as it relates to him, to the governor of the State of Jalisco, recommending to him most earnestly that he may be pleased to take the measures which he may deem efficacious for giving those gentlemen the security which the laws guarantee; and that I have addressed an excitative to the supreme court of justice of the nation, that it likewise may take such action with the proper authority in order that this sad business may, as soon as possible, be terminated.

I will also add, that your excellency may, if you think proper, communicate it to whom it may concern, that it is not true that those already declared guilty have not morally suffered the punishment which was imposed upon them, which was death, which proves that the judicial authorities have acted with promptness and severity; that if the case has not afforded the ground for applying capital punishment to the criminals, it is because they have employed in their defense the legitimate means which the laws permit, which it is not possible to deny without violating them; that in relation to the acquittal of those who were charged with being instigators of the crime, it is the result of a judicial act, which has taken place after the due process had been completed for the investigation of the truth, which is not always in accord with the prejudices of the public; and, finally, that for the rest, the government, by all possible means, seeks to give security to foreigners, and that prompt and complete justice may be administered to them.

I renew to your excellency the assurances of my perfect consideration and sincere regard.