No. 429.
Mr. Frelinghuysen to Mr. Romero.
Department of State,
Washington, April 24,
1883.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith, for
your information, the inclosed copies of two letters from the Secretary
of War, of the 20th instant, in relation to the pursuit of hostile
Indians across the border
[Page 691]
by
the troops of either Government, pursuant to the agreement signed by us
July 29, 1882, and to invite attention, particularly, to the statement
in this correspondence that a literal construction of the terms of the
present agreement will result in utter failure in the settlement of
pending Indian hostilities. This fact appears to be recognized by the
officers in command of both armies on the frontier.
In view of this condition of affairs, and not doubting that your
Government has an equal interest with our own in successfully overcoming
those Indians whose predatory raids upon the border have been a constant
source of irritation to both Governments, I have deemed it expedient to
lay the matter before you, and to ask that you telegraph your Government
for its permission to conclude an understanding with me, allowing the
United States and Mexican military commanders, in joint conference, to
depart from the letter of the agreement of July 29, 1882, where it may
be found necessary in case of threatened clanger or actual
hostilities.
The importance of this subject will, it is conceived, commend itself at
once to you and to your Government, as it does to mine and to me.
Urging, therefore, that you will give the matter prompt attention, so
that General Schofield may be advised, if possible, of the result before
April 28th instant, I avail, &c.
[Inclosure.]
Mr. Lincoln to
Mr. Frelinhuysen.
War
Department,
Washington
City, April 20,
1883. (Received April 21.)
Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith
for your information and for such action as may be deemed proper, a
copy of a telegram of the 18th instant from the commanding general
of the Military Division of the Pacific, repeating a dispatch from
the commading general of the Department of Arizona, stating that he
has had consultation with the general officers in command of the
Mexican forces in Sonora and Chihuahua, and that all recognize the
fact that a literal construction of the terms of the present
convention between the United States and Mexico will bring about
failure in the settlement of pending Indian hostilities. He further
urges the great importance of permitting the military authorities
who are on the ground to vary the stipulations to the extent
required by the best interests of the two Governments, and requests
that immediate steps be taken to bring about this desired
result.
I also transmit herewith for your information a copy of a telegram
dated the 19th instant from the General of the Army, stating, in
reply to the telegram of the 18th instant, above referred to, that
it is not possible or practicable to alter or amend the agreement
made with the Mexican Government as to the co-operation of the
troops in pursuit of hostile Apaches depredating on both sides of
the national border.
Very respectfully, &c.,
ROBERT T. LINCOLN,
Secretary of
War.
General Schofield to Adjutant-General.
[Telegram.]
Presidio of San Francisco,
April 18, 1883.
Following dispatch just received from commanding general Department
of Arizona:
“Have had consultation with the general officers in command
of the Mexican forces in Sonora and Chihuahua. We all
recognize the fact that a literal construction of the terms
of the present convention between the United States and
Mexico will bring about failure in the settlement of pending
Indian hostilities. It is all important that
[Page 692]
we on the ground be permitted
to vary these stipulations to the extent required by the
best interests of the two Governments, and I urgently
request that immediate steps be taken to bring about this
desired result. We are likely to have another such
blood-curdling raid as that of last month at any time so
long as any of these hostiles remain out in the mountains,
and all the troops on both sides cannot prevent it. After
the lapse of ten days I expect to be beyond the reach of the
telegraph, hence it is all important I should know before I
start.”
General Sherman
to General Schofield.
[Telegram.]
Headquarters Army of the United States,
Washington, D. C., April 19, 1883.
General Schofield:
It is not possible or practicable to alter or amend the agreement
made with the Mexican Government as to the co-operation of the
troops in pursuit of hostile Apaches depredating on both sides of
the national border. That agreement is all the Mexican laws will
permit, and there is no time for their Congress to modify laws to
suit the private judgment of local commanders. General Crook must do
the best he can under the stipulations of that agreement. There is
no objection to the cordial co-operation of the troops of both
nations. If the troops jointly operate on our side, the senior
officer of our Government present must command the whole. In like
manner, if our troops act in conjunction with Mexican forces on
their side, the Mexican commander must be responsible for all acts
and expenses to his own Government.
Mr. Lincoln to
Mr. Frelinghuysen.
War
Department, Washington
City, April 20,
1883. (Received April 21.)
Sir: Referring to Department letter of this
date upon the subject, I have the honor to transmit herewith, for
your information, a copy of a telegram of the 19th instant from the
commanding general of the Military Division of the Pacific,
requesting favorable consideration of the recommendation of the
commanding general of the Department of Arizona in respect to
construing the terms of the present agreement between the Secretary
of State and the Mexican minister providing for the reciprocal
crossing of the international boundary line.
Very respectfully, &c.,
ROBERT T. LINCOLN,
Secretary of
War.
General Schofield to Adjutant-General.
[Telegram.]
Presidio of San Francisco,
Cal.,
April 19,
1883.
I earnestly request the favorable consideration of the recommendation
of the commanding general Department of Arizona, in respect to
construing the terms of the present agreement between the Secretary
of State and the Mexican minister providing for the reciprocal
crossing of the international boundary line.
