SUTTER, Jr. , United States Consul to John W. Foster , Envoy Extraordinary and, February 14, 1875

Mr. Sutter to Mr. Foster.

Sir: Confirming to you my report, No. 28, of the 7th instant, I have to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 7th instant. The judicial authorities can do nothing, having no power whatsoever to make arrests; the entire matter must remain as it is until a sufficient force of federal troops are placed at his disposal, the State militia sympathizing overtly with the priest and his party, which in fact comprises the entire population. A petition signed by 400 or 500 persons, demanding the removal of Protestants from the (ayuntamiento) municipal council, and their banishment from the country, and accusing the Protestants of having caused the late disturbances by their alleged insults offered to the Catholics, has been presented to the governor. A gentleman who has read it assures me that this document is ably worded. One of the consequences of these troubles is that the common people believe that the terms “protestant” and “foreigner of Anglo-Saxon or German race” are synonymous, and very likely are confirmed in their belief by the priest. The Protestants, fearing for their lives, applied to the district judge and governor for protection. They were told that it was impossible to afford them any protection in the town, but that the fort, the only place of safety, was open to them. They were also advised to leave the town as quick as possible, which I think is the best they can do, and they have already commenced to scatter and hide from persecution.

Very, respectfully, your obedient servant,