812.00Sonora/775: Telegram

The Consul at Guaymas (Bursley) to the Secretary of State

Federal gunboat, probably Bravo, shelled rebel trains near Empalme this afternoon without result. As a precaution Commander Comerford recommended bringing Americans to Guaymas from Empalme and with a naval force I have just brought practically all of them to Guaymas. One shell dropped within three hundred yards of Empalme. Approximately one thousand rebel troops southbound are now between Nogales and Hermosillo, destination not known. Federals may cut railway line just south of Empalme. Please announce publicly all Americans entirely safe. Earlier military information in destroyer’s message to the Navy Department.

Bursley