On Christmas Eve 1914, Felix Sommerfeld and General Hugh Lenox Scott did what they could to prevent a clash between American army and Mexican revolutionary forces at the little border hamlet of Naco, Arizona. One year later, Felix Sommerfeld wished his old friend a Merry Christmas:
From left Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Lee Mitchie, General Hugh Lenox Scott, General Francisco “Pancho” Villa. Second from right in the back row is Felix A. Sommerfeld
New York, December 24, 1914
My dear General:
About a year ago or better just a year ago (Dec. 24) we were trying to keep warm under an army tent somewhere near Osborne, Arizona, making strenuous efforts to convince Governor Maytorena that it was necessary for him to sign a peace agreement. In those trying days I learned to admire your wonderful patience, tact and ability to deal with men and your determination to stand for the “square deal” idea. I deem it my greatest pleasure and honor to have been with you at that time and to have been able to be of some assistance to you and the cause you represented. You spent Xmas eve under a water coated tent somewhere in an army camp in Arizona and I had to listen to the wonderful music of the shrieking wheels of a railroad coach between Naco and El Paso. But I know that you did not mind those inconveniences [,] neither did I. We were on a mission to preserve peace and we accomplished something worthwhile…
I hope that this Christmas will be a very pleasant and merry one for you, Mrs. Scott and your family.
With kindest regards,
I beg to remain
Most sincerely and gratefully
Yours,
Felix A. Sommerfeld”