No. 766.
Mr. Connery to Mr. Bayard.

No. 305.]

Sir: I have the honor to report that I received this day from Mr. James B. Chess a letter, dated Durango, February 13, informing me that the life of an American citizen, named Oliver Woods, was in danger, owing to the fact that he had been arrested on the charge of having furnished supplies to the notorious bandit Eraclio Bernal.

I immediately addressed a note to Mr. Mariscal, copy of which is inclosed, asking him to telegraph to the State authorities instructions for the protection of Mr. Woods. I beg to inclose you also a translation of Mr. Mariscal’s reply, by which you will see that he acted with the most commendable promptness, which I hope will be the means of saving the life of Mr. Woods.

I should also state that I telegraphed Mr. Jones, the consular agent at Durango, to forward a report at once to the State Department.

I am, etc.,

Thomas B. Connery.
[Page 1113]
[Inclosure 1 in No. 305.]

Mr. Connery to Mr. Mariscal.

Sir: I would most respectfully call your excellency’s attention to a matter that has to-day come to my attention through an authoritative channel.

About the 8th instant an American, named Oliver Woods, a farmer living in Ventanas, State of Durango, was caught and carried out of the State of Durango to the town of Cosalá, under charge of having furnished corn, etc., to Eraclio Bernal, the bandit. I am informed that it is true that Woods did let Bernal have corn, etc., but that he could not help himself, as the bandits left him no other choice in the course of their raids on his San Manuel ranch.

The almost incredible statement is made that one of the desperadoes captured, who has turned state’s evidence, is denouncing people right and left, and that almost as fast as these are caught they are shot.

It is feared that Woods will be shot, and I would urgently beg that your excellency would take measures, even by telegraph, to stop his summary execution, which is to be feared, at least until a court can pass upon his case.

I beg, etc.,

Thomas B. Connery.
[Inclosure 2 in No. 305.—Translation.]

Mr. Mariscal to Mr. Connery.

Mr. Chargé d’affaires: I have just received your note of this date, touching the notice you give of the arrest in Ventanas and the conduct to Cosalá of the American Oliver Woods, on the charge of having furnished corn to the bandit Eraclio Bernal.

I at once communicated with the governors of the States of Sinaloa and Durango, requesting, by telegraph, that in case the said Woods had been apprehended, they should take care that he be tried under all the guaranties granted to the accused by the constitution and the laws.

I reiterate, etc.,

Igno. Mariscal.