No. 789.
Mr. Bayard
to Mr. Bragg.
Department
of State,
Washington, May 10,
1888.
No. 48.]Sir: I inclose for your information a copy of a
letter from the Acting Secretary of the Interior, of the 7th instant, with
its accompaniments, in regard to the condition of affairs along the Mexican
border in Arizona Territory, which the agent of the Pima Agency apprehends
may possibly lead to open hostilities between the Mexicans and the Papago
Indians. Mr. Howard, the agent at Sacaton, states that living on the border
of Sonora are perhaps two thousand of such Indians under his charge, and
that for years it has been their custom to cross the line into Sonora at
pleasure and unmolested, both for the purpose of watering their stock when
necessary and of visiting Papago and other Indians living there.
On the 6th ultimo a party of six Papago Indians crossed to Sonora to attend a
“fiesta,” given by their friends, when they were halted by seven armed
Mexicans and informed that they were arrested by order of the Mexican
Government. The Indians protested that they were innocent of any crime and
asked an explanation of the cause of their arrest, which was denied them.
The Mexicans sent for re-enforcements, and upon their arrival opened fire
upon the Indians, killing one horse. The fire was returned and kept up for
several miles until the Indians finally escaped.
You will thoroughly familiarize yourself with this correspondence, especially
the letter of Indian Agent Howard, since it may be well for you by discreet
inquiry to endeavor to ascertain what is the status of these Indians under
Mexican law and practice.
I need not enlarge upon the grave importance to both the United States and
Mexico of protecting these people in the quiet enjoyment of their property
and their customary privileges, in order at least to avoid any excuse for
disorders on their part which it might be extremely difficult to repress and
which might lead to serious consequences.
I am, etc.,
[Inclosure 1 in No. 48.]
Mr. Muldrow to Mr.
Bayard.
Department of the Interior,
Washington, May 7,
1888.
Sir: I have the honor to invite your attention
to the accompanying copy of a letter of the 5th instant from the
Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and inclosure therein noted, relative to
the condition, of affairs along the Mexican border in Arizona Territory,
[Page 1198]
which the agent of the
Pima Agency thinks is likely to lead to open hostilities between the
Mexicans and the Papago Indians.
A copy of the papers above referred to has this day been transmitted to
the honorable Secretary of War for his information.
I have, etc.,
H. L. Muldrow,
Acting Secretary.
[Inclosure 2 in No. 48.]
Mr. Atkins to Mr.
Muldrow.
Department of Interior,
Washington, May 5,
1888.
Sir: I have the honor to invite your attention
to the inclosed copy of a letter dated April 16, 1888, from United
States Indian Agent E. A. Howard, of the Pima Agency, Arizona Territory,
reporting a condition of affairs along the Mexican border in Arizona
Territory, which in his judgment is likely to lead to open hostilities
between the Mexicans and the Papago Indians on this side of the line,
and occasion serious complications between the two countries, unless
proper steps are taken to put a stop to the repeated aggressions of the
Mexicans.
I would respectfully recommend that a copy of Agent Howard’s letter be
transmitted to the Secretary of War for his information and such action
as he may think proper to take in the premises, and I also suggest the
propriety of bringing the matter to the attention of the Department of
State. A copy of said report is inclosed for that purpose.
I am, etc.,
J. D. C. Atkins,
Commissioner.
[Inclosure 3 in No. 48.]
Mr. Howard to Mr.
Atkins.
United
States Indian Service,
Pima Agency,
Arizona,
Sacaton,
Arizona, April 16,
1888.
Sir: Living along the border of Sonora, Mexico,
are perhaps two thousand Papago Indians under the charge of this agency.
It has been their custom for years to cross the line into Sonora at
pleasure and unmolested. Those living just this side of the boundary
frequently drive their stock across when water on their ranges becomes
exhausted. They also cross into Sonora for the purpose of visiting
Papago and other Indians living there. On April the 6th six Papago
Indians crossed the line for the purpose of attending a “fiesta” given
by some of their friends, when they were halted by seven armed Mexicans.
They were informed, that they were to be arrested by order of the
Mexican Government, and were to be shot.
The Indians protested that they had committed no crime, and wanted some
explanation as to why they were to be arrested, saying that they were
willing to come here and deliver themselves to me if they were charged
with committing any depredations or crimes. The Mexicans would not yield
nor permit the Indians to return. The leader of the posse dispatched an
assistant for re-enforcements, which was soon answered by twenty more
armed Mexicans. Upon their arrival they opened fire upon the Indians,
killing one horse. The fire was returned by Papagoes, fatally wounding
two. A running fire, resulting in no other casualties, was then kept up
for several miles, until the Indians escaped. Word was received the
following day by the Papagoes that the Mexicans were again arming for a
fight, and runners were dispatched by the Indians to the various
villages, ordering all to report at once; others came to this agency for
advice.
I have advised them all to quietly return to their homes, remaining upon
this side of the line. This they have consented to do, and there is no
immediate danger of trouble, unless the provocation comes from Mexicans.
The status of these Indians should be immediately defined and made clear
to them. If the Mexican Government proposes to enforce the law and
permit no Indians to enter their territory unless duly registered and
duty paid upon their stock, then the Indians should be so advised and
some steps taken by our Government to enforce like restrictions. I
advised you in December last of a raid made by Sonora Indians or
Mexicans, running off sixteen head
[Page 1199]
of horses. This is only one of the many
depredations committed by residents of Sonora against the Papago
Indians. There is absolutely no protection on the border for these
Indians. When the stock is once safely across the line the thief
receives protection, and is at liberty to make another raid.
The Indians advised me that they had stood these outrages long enough,
and now and in the future proposed to fight. In this expression they are
encouraged by the almost unanimous sentiment of the residents of this
portion of the Territory. One prominent newspaper, in commenting upon
this trouble, advises the Indians that the “citizens will be with them
in any trouble with the Mexicans.” You will be able to discern from this
that serious complications may arise at any time unless some steps are
taken to avoid future difficulties of this kind. I have already advised
the Indians against any retaliatory measures, and thus far that advice
has been accepted.
The Papagoes are able to put one thousand warriors in the field and would
be largely re-enforced by other tribes, as the feeling here among all
classes is very bitter against Mexicans. This feeling of hostility
reaches every class, and the Indians will be urged forward and aided and
encouraged by all. I am unable to state whether the armed Mexicans
referred to were regular troops, customs officers, or private citizens.
They were not uniformed, but were all armed with new rifles.
I am, etc.,
Elmer A. Howard,
United States Indian Agent.
