No. 440.
Mr. Foster
to Mr. Fish.
Mexico, June 8, 1875. (Received June 29.)
Sir: The minister of foreign affairs, under date of the 5th instant, has transmitted to me a copy of the final decision of the federal supreme court in the case of the appeal of five of the criminals sentenced to death for the murder of Rev. John L. Stephens, at Ahualulco, in March, 1874, in which the court decides that it cannot protect them from the penalty of death. The minister also states that he has requested the government of the State of Galisco to give him notice of the final result of the case, which he will promptly communicate to me.
It may, therefore, be anticipated that official notice may be received at no distant day that merited punishment, so long delayed, has been inflicted upon a portion of the assassins of the American citizen, Rev. John L. Stephens.
I am, &c.,