File No. 312.115RS9/55
Consul Simpich to the Secretary of State
Department’s December 8, 5 p.m. Governor Sonora replies to representatives that his forces lost commanding officer and many others in efforts to protect Esperanza. Undoubtedly Mexicans made defense. About one thousand troops now at Esperanza. Main body Indians have withdrawn to north but few bands are still appearing in valley southwest of Esperanza stealing cattle. Department’s December 8, 4 p.m. See my December 8, 1 p.m. [3 p.m.], also my despatch No. 473, February 5, 1916.2 General situation same now as then except that Indians now operating in larger bodies and believed led by Villistas or other renegade Mexicans. Opinion prevails another raid on valley probable. Details by mail.
- Not printed.↩