No. 473.
Mr. Fish
to Mr. Foster.
Washington, March 25, 1874.
Sir: Your dispatch No. 119, of the 7th instant, relative to the assassination of the Rev. J. L. Stephens, has been received.
This atrocious act appears to have created a marked sensation in this [Page 738] country. A prompt and thorough trial of the case, and the punishment of those found guilty according to law, will be expected. The immediate friends of the victims at least may expect that the Mexican government will indemnify his widow and children, should he have left either, for their loss, especially if any persons in the service of that government should have taken part in the murder, or should have neglected to adopt measures towards preventing it. Upon this point, however, the Department will give further instructions when the result of the judicial proceedings shall be known.
I am, &c.,