815.00 Revolutions/59: Telegram
The Minister in Honduras ( Lay ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:44 p.m.]
83. The President informs me that yesterday Ferrera with 350 men attacked Santa Rosa de Copan defended by 100 Government troops. When its ammunition was exhausted the garrison surrendered and those who had been unable to escape, numbering about 50, were massacred. Those thus slaughtered included the Governor of the Department, the Military Commandant, the Chief of Police and a number of civilians who had taken refuge in the barracks. This act of barbarity has evoked great indignation in Honduras among Nationalists as well as Liberals.
Ferrera holds Santa Rosa today but it is expected he will retire with the considerable booty taken there when Government forces numbering 1,000 under General José Maria Reina reach that town tomorrow.
Quiet prevails in all other Departments.
Admirals Smith and Kempff with Flag, Lieutenant Commander, arrived here yesterday morning and made their courtesy calls. I believe their visit here is making an excellent [impression?]. Admiral Smith requests that this be repeated to the Navy Department.