No. 768.
Mr. Bayard
to Mr. Connery.
Department
of State,
Washington
,
February 24,
1888.
No. 269.]
Sir: I transmit for your information a copy of a
communication from Mr. James B. Chess, dated Durango, Mexico, the 12th
instant, concerning the arrest of Oliver Woods.
Upon the receipt of Mr. Chess’ letter I telegraphed you, oh the 21st instant,
as follows:
Oliver Woods, American citizen, arrested at Ventanas on charge of
complicity with Eraclio Bernal. Ask careful inquiry into facts.
Circumstances indicate complete innocence. Particulars by mail. Act
urgently.
Should further information be received here in regard to this matter you will
be duly informed. Meanwhile you will keep this Department fully acquainted
with all that you do touching the case.
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure in No. 269.]
Mr. Chess to Mr.
Bayard.
Duradlngo, Mexico
,
February 12, 1888.
Dear Sir: I have just received notice that one
Oliver Woods, owner of the San Manuel Ranch, near Ventanas, State of
Durango, has been arrested by the Mexican authorities at Ventanas and
taken to Cosalá, in the State of Sinaloa.
Charge against Oliver Woods is that he supplied Eraclio Bernal with corn,
etc., from his ranch. Now the facts are, the hiding-place of Bernal and
his band of robbers was near Woods’ ranch, and when he wanted anything
on that ranch he went there and got it, pay or no pay, and when a call
was made it was death to refuse.
The Government of Mexico furnished no protection to Woods, and for
several months he has been in Ventanas not daring even to go to his
ranch, and was working for William Carroll & Co. as watchman.
I think the safety of this citizen calls for some immediate action, or he
may be shot without a trial, as many men accused of being connected with
Bernal have been. Your advice in this case will receive prompt
attention; or it maybe best to communicate with Mazatlan, as Cosalá is
in the State of Sinaloa.
I inclose a lithograph of this noted bandit, who for twelve years has
defied all the powers of the Mexican Government,
Respectfully, etc.,
