TRACY ROBINSON, Acting Superintendent to George W. Keeler, October 4, 1873

Mr. Robinson to Mr. Keeler.

Dear Sir: I beg to inform you that during the night of September 23 hostilities commenced between the state government of General Neira and the “Outsiders,” as they are called, the latter attacking.

On the morning of September 24 I received a telegram from Captain Dow, as follows:

“One hundred men from United States steamer Pensacola were landed at 6 last evening and quartered at the station. The ball of revolution is fairly opened; communication with town interrupted; fighting now going on between the state and city.”

This announcement was not unexpected. Fortunately for us, we were better prepared than at any recent period, the Pensacola and Benicia, United States Navy, being at Panama, while the Wyoming arrived here during the same night.

On the morning of the 24th instant Commander Cushing, of the United States steamer Wyoming, called; and it was during our first interview that the following telegram came from J. W. Fry, track-master, Rio Grande station, September 24, 12 m.:

“On my way home from Panama this morning I found a red flag displayed near the water-tank, and ascertained on stopping that it was placed to stop the train from Aspinwall. I ordered the flag removed and started again, when two men advanced, pointed a revolver and musket at me, and threatened me with death in case I proceeded. I was permitted to go, on condition I would order the train to stop.”

I then, after consulting with Commander Cushing, addressed a note to the prefect of this place, of which the following is a copy:

“Sir: Information has been received that the morning train of this date from here has been stopped by armed men and the life of an employé of this company has been threatened. Under these circumstances, I have to ask you to send an armed force with each train leaving this terminus for its protection, the first to leave at 1 p.m. to-day.

“Your immediate reply will oblige your obedient servant,

“TRACY ROBINSON, “Acting Superintendent.”

I give you a translation of the repy to this, as follows:

“In this department the government has not the power to protect the interests of the Panama Railroad Company, having only a few policemen to attend to the town duties. This I shall communicate to the government of the state, that it will, no doubt, take it in consideration.

“IGNACIO PEREZ.”

This admission obtained, (an important one,) I at first thought of sending a force from the Wyoming, which Commander Gushing was ready to furnish; but, as this end of the road was still quiet, concluded to let the detachment from Panama come as far as Mamei and then return. Before having the United States troops sent, however, I took the precaution to telegraph to the station-superintendent at Panama as follows:

“Diaz: Are there any national troops at the station? If so, ask for a detachment of them to come to Mamei. If they refuse, send the United States troops.

His reply reads: “No national troops at this station.” I then said: “Then send United States troops; start train.”

You will see from this that I was careful to ask the needed protection before accepting it from the United States forces. All this was done between 12 and 1 o’clock of the 24th.

The officer in charge of the United States forces in Panama promptly sent a detachment of ten men, and also sent a similar guard with the train, leaving Panama at 7 a.m. on the 25th, but as there appeared no sign of further interruption, I then had the guard discontinued, except when passenger trains from connecting steamers have been sent, when it has been sent out as far as Mamei and returned from there to Panama. Toward night on the 24th I received a telegram from Captain Dow, as follows: “I have seen President Neira, who regrets the circumstances related by Mr. Fry.” To which I replied, “I think that the President’s ‘regrets’ hardly atone for the interference of this morning with Mr. Fry and the train.”

Soon after the commencement of hostilities, the force of Colombian national troops, called the battalion “Sapaderes,” sent to and maintained on the Isthmus for the protection of the transit, joined the state forces, and are still in the ranks opposed to the rebels or outsiders. Had it not been for the presence and prompt action of the United States naval forces, under the command of Admiral Almy, the interests of this company and of the transit generally would have been at the mercy of an armed mob of semi-savages, and it is not difficult to predict the result. As it is, our thanks are due to the United States forces.

Since the first day, September 24, we have been able to keep up a show of work at Panama, although under many difficulties and drawbacks.

Refugees from the city and suburbs have crowded into the station for shelter and protection to the number of several hundred, mostly women and children.

The United States military force has contributed to make the station a scene of constant bustle, excitement, and confusion, so far as work has been concerned, and the only wonder is how Mr. Hunt has managed to do so well as he has. It must be remembered that all of this time, since the night of September 23, eleven days to-day, communication with the city by land has been entirely cut off, rendering it necessary for all our officers and clerks to go backward and forward between their homes and the station by water, which could only be done at high tide.

I am, your obedient servant,