Mr. Fish to Mr. Nelson
Sir: I transmit a copy of a letter, and of the accompanying papers, addressed to this Department by Albert Champion, from Brownsville, Texas, complaining of a robbery of nine horses belonging to him, by armed persons from the Mexican side of the Rio Grande. Mr. Champion intimates that some of the stolen horses had been seen on the estate of the Mexican General Cortina, now in command at Matamoras, and some of the testimony tends to show that the robbers were soldiers under him. The frequency of acts of this kind and the virtual impunity of the offenders demand some more efficient check than any which the treaties between the United States and Mexico seem to afford. You will consequently make an earnest representation upon the subject to the government of that republic. You will state that, as it is obviously for the interest of both countries that the government of each should do whatever may be in its power toward restraining and discouraging such lawless proceedings, it is hoped that the Mexican government may take efficient steps for that purpose. If, however, that government should unfortunately be powerless in the matter, or should be backward in exercising such authority as it may have, it may be difficult to prevent retaliation by raids of armed parties from Texas into Mexico, which could not fail to peril the peaceful relations on the border.
I am, &c.,