LUCIUS AVERY, United States Commercial Agent to Edward Hatch, March 6, 1875

Mr. Avery to General Match.

Sir: I respectfully submit to you the following information that I have obtained regarding an expedition that is now on foot in this vicinity. My information is derived from persons whom I consider reliable, residents of the ranches below this place, and who are in position to be well posted in the matter, and in imparting the following facts they could have no motive to deceive me.

From what I am told it appears that, some three weeks ago, Cortina sent confidential letters to his retainers and friends, on whom he can rely, requesting them to be prepared with arms and horses for some expedition, of what nature they would be further informed. I am now told that, acting under these instructions from Cortina, many of the rancheros of Los Cuevas and vicinity have already organized, or are preparing to organize on the Texas side of the river, in considerable force. I am told that the appointed place of rendezvous is in a potrero in a bend of the river near Diaz ranch, between the Salis ranch and the river.

What may be the ulterior motive for this gathering, I am not able to state; it may be for the purpose of joining in some revolutionary movement in the State of Tamaulipas, as partisans of Cortina, or it may be for the purpose of making a formidable raid on some point in Texas; but the fact that they have their place of meeting on the left bank of the Rio Grande I consider of sufficient importance to call your attention to the matter.

A resident of La Grulla ranch called on me to-day to translate for him a communication from your headquarters asking a copy of the declaration he had made respecting an outrage committed at his ranch by a party of soldiers. He told me that he and others had been notified to appear at the juzgado to-morrow to give their information respecting the affray between the citizens and soldiers at Solis ranche in January last. This information is called for by the State government. I will endeavor to obtain a copy of the declarations for you.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,