J. M. Lafragua to The Citizen, June 29, 1875

Mr. Lafragua to Mr. Mariscal.

The governor of the State of Sonora writes me under date of the 31st of May last as follows:

“By the documents, of which I have the honor to inclose copies to you, you will see that two Americans, named Joseph Phy and Thomas Hayes, having come from Arizona Territory, United States, entered the district called Del Altar, where they arrested by violence one Joseph Holmes, also an American, at a place called Galerita, within the limits of this State.

“The arrest took place on the 17th ultimo, at about 4 o’clock in the afternoon, in presence of an American named James Walters and two Mexicans, with the acquiescence of several other citizens, as appears from the investigation held, the original report of which is retained by this government for the purpose of having it completed for the necessary purposes as regards the guilt attributed to the said Mexicans. And although it thereby appears that Holmes tied before his captors from the Territory of Arizona and returned to the house of Walters, with whom he was serving in that district, the fact is that this arrest is, to all intents and purposes, an offense against our nationality, committed by citizens of the United States; and, in view thereof, I have recourse through you to the citizen President of the Republic for such determination as may be deemed proper for the prevention of similar abuses, and the results which might arise from the non-observance of our treaties.”

Which I transcribe to you, in order that you may be pleased to request the Government of the United States, to ask, in extradition cases, for the extradition of the fugitive, in accordance with the treaty, and to repress those who have violated the national territory.

I renew to you the expression of my sentiments of esteem and consideration.