KELTON, United States Consul to Julius A. Skilton, February 20, 1877

Mr. Kelton to Mr. Skilton.

Sir: I beg herewith to advise you of the occupation of this port by the forces of Porfirio Diaz on the 15th of January, on which day General F. O. Arce, military governor and gefe militar of this State under Lerdo, took refuge in this consulate. On the 18th of January I had an interview with Col. Jesús Ramirez, commanding forces of Porfirio Diaz, and informed him that General Arce was under the protection of this consulate. Colonel Ramirez assured me that the consulate would be respected, and further gave General Arce all personal guarantees. Notwithstanding these assurances, on the evening of the 2d of February a large body of armed men did forcibly enter this consulate in my absence, and without my knowledge and consent, and removed, by force of arms, therefrom the person of General Arce.

I addressed Colonel Ramirez on the 3d instant, copy of which I inclose, advising him that the manner of arresting General Arce indicated an international lack of courtesy toward this consulate. On the 10th instant Colonel Ramirez called at this consulate with two aids and informed me that he was satisfied that an outrage (ultraje) had been committed on this consulate; that he intended to make the fullest reparation by replacing General Arce in this consulate, and to punish the officer making the arrest. I have not received any communication from Colonel Ramirez, nor have any steps been taken which might be construed as making reparation for an acknowledged insult to this consulate up to this moment.

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I remain, &c.,