Office of the Historian

No. 791.
Mr. Bragg to Mr. Bayard.

Legation of the United States,
Mexico, May 30, 1888. (Received June 5.)
No. 54.]

Sir: As directed in your No. 48, of 10th instant, I waited upon Mr. Mariscal. and explained to him the condition of affairs on the Sonora [Page 1200] border between the Mexican soldiery and the Papago Indians. He requested me to make it the subject of a dispatch, so that he might more easily make reference of it to the proper parties for investigation; and thereupon I submitted to him a note, and inclose herewith a copy of the same for your information.

Mr. Mariscal fully appreciates the importance of pacific treatment of the Indians, and will aid in effecting a peaceful adjustment of pending danger.

I am, etc.,

Edwd. S. Bragg.
[Inclosure in No. 54.]

Mr. Bragg to Mr. Mariscal.

Legation of the United States,
Mexico, May 29, 1888.

Sir: I have the honor to submit for the consideration of your excellency, as requested by you in your conversation of yesterday, the condition of affairs along the i Mexican border in Arizona Territory, which it is apprehended may possibly lead to open hostilities between the Mexicans and the Papago Indians unless some pacificatory measures are taken promptly by the Mexican Government.

The facts as represented are as follows:

Living on the borders of Sonora, in the Territory of Arizona, are nearly 2,000 Indians of the tribe known as Papagoes, under the charge of an Indian agency of the United States of America, called the Pima Agency.

“For many years it has been the custom of these Indians to cross the line into Sonora at pleasure and unmolested, both for the purposes of watering their stock when necessary and of visiting Papago and other Indians living there. On the 6th of April last six Papago Indians crossed from the agency to Sonora to attend a ‘fiesta’ given by their friends. They were halted by seven armed Mexicans and told they were arrested by order of the Mexican Government. The Indians protested that they were innocent of crime, and asked explanations, which were refused. The Mexicans sent, for re-enforcement and on their arrival opened fire on the Indians, killing one horse. The fire was returned, and a running fight for several miles followed, when the Indians escaped.”

It is quite desirable that there should be no excuse given these Indians, upon either side of the line, for disorder on their part; and I am directed to call your excellency’s attention to the matter, that all causes of disturbance may be speedily removed and the cloud of danger pass away.

I renew, etc.,

Edwd. S. Bragg.