Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, With the Address of the President to Congress December 8, 1914

File No. 312.41/107b.

The Secretary of State to Consul Edwards.

[Telegram.]

Department of State,
Washington, February 23, 1914.

Unofficially call upon de facto authorities in Juarez in company with two witnesses whose standing will likely cause you to receive the highest consideration, and if convenient take Zach Cobb with you. Request to see the body of Benton and if granted take accurate note of every detail of its condition.

If previous burial makes granting of request impossible ask to be shown where body is interred, if possible have witnesses accompany you to the spot and take such observations as will enable grave to be unmistakably located.

Secure written statement regarding condition of Benton’s body after death, from undertaker who embalmed it, from those who prepared it for burial or interred it, or from any and all available witnesses.

Department expects your report already mailed will embrace every detail available, wishes telegraphic answer as to the result of above representations and to know just what efforts you have made and are making to get written statements from responsible sources.

Bryan

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