Office of the Historian

File No. 812.00/875.

[Memorandum—Translation.]

The Embassy of Mexico has the honor to forward to the Department of State the facsimile and English translation of a letter written by the rebel P. Orozco to one Francisco D. Salido, so that the Department may be pleased to take note of the revelations therein contained as to the moral character of the persons who form part of the group of insurgents.

Embassy of Mexico,
Washington, March 3, 1911.

[Inclosure.]

Pedernales, Dec. 11, 1910.

Sr. D. Franco D. Salido, Cerro Prieto.

Very Esteemed Friend and Fellow Partisan: I arrived here last night accompanied by 125 companions well armed to lend you our insignificant service. Referring to leaders J. L. Blanco, José Rascón y Tena, and Manuel F. González, I can tell you that Blanco left towards Temosachic unmiridful of my orders. We saw Mr. Tena in Rosario and I had several quite disagreeable discussions; but we should not get demoralized when these friends leave us; there are many more who follow us. I know perfectly well that these poor devils participate only with the object of robbing.

As you state that the Federals will go to Cerro Prieto it would be advantageous to attack them from the rear before they begin work with their machine guns, for which purpose I shall gradually get closer to them without allowing them to see us, in order to get at them when they are unaware. I expect 85 companions from Carichic, and Mr. Villa with 50 more. I take note [Page 413] that you will take the houses of Cerro Prieto. We also will be as well prepared as possible to attack the enemy by way of treachery.1

Free suffrage and no reelection.

First in command,
P. Orozco.

Note.—On March 6, 1911, Henry Lane Wilson, American ambassador to Mexico, orally discussed conditions in Mexico with the Department and with the President. (See Message, p. XI)

  1. “A la moda traicionera” in the original, which is not perfectly translated in the above.↩