File No. 812.00/6399.
The Secretary of War to the Secretary of State.
Washington, February 27, 1913.
Following telegram of February 26, 1913, from Commanding General, Southern Department, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, repeated for your information:
Following received this date from commanding officer, Eagle Pass:
“Colonel Carranza informed Consul Ellsworth, Piedras Negras, today that he would open customhouse and other Government offices in name of Carranza at once and that he was expecting to defend town against Huerta forces. Guard of Federal soldiers who came in with railway pay car were disarmed today and [Page 743] confined. Rebel authorities closed bridge last night after nine o’clock. Forty mounted men left last night to occupy towns above here in name of Carranza. Conditions quiet on both sides river. Fully two thousand refugees now in Eagle Pass. Have placed guard on both bridges and patrol in town to aid local authorities in case of stampede from Piedras Negras, looked for at any time. Commanding Officer Clark has sent additional troops today. This gives ample force to handle any situation that may arise here. Rudolph and Gabriel Madero, brothers of late President, arrived here today coming overland.”