No. 64.
Mr. Williamson to Mr. Evarts .

No. 763.]

Sir: I have the honor to report that General and ex-President Medina, of Honduras, was shot in that State on the 8th instant, under the sentence of a council of war approved by President Soto.

Ex-President Medina was accused of treason. When it is considered that he was more instrumental than any other man in his country in bringing about the overthrow of the government of President Lerva for the purpose of enabling Mr. Soto (the choice of the Dictator of Guatemala) to become President, his unfortunate end might surprise a stranger. [Page 80] At the same time General Medina’s lack of wisdom in yielding to the selection (as President) of a man who from the dictates of a cowardly or cruel policy thought it necessary to select so illustrious a victim as himself, has led to this deplorable event.

Another somewhat distinguished man, Marin of Salvador, was shot at the same time and place with General Medina. It is said neither the victims nor any one else believed the sentence of the council of war would be either approved or executed.

The execution of the sentence was a great surprise to most persons here.

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I have, &c.,

GEO. WILLIAMSON.