F 1233 .U575 Copy 1 I ••'.•>•■ Wm 39th Congress, \ HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. ( Ex. Doc. 2d Session. J \ No. 76. MESSAGE PRESIDENT OF THE UMTED . STATES, JANUARY 29, 1867, RELATING TO THE PRESENT CONDITION OF MEXICO, IN ANSWER TO Pfc< A RESOLUTION OF THE HOUSE OF DECEMBER 4, 1866. / *.:' . WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1867. F ia33 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF TEE UNITED STATES, IN ANSWER TO A resolution of the House of December 4, last, relative to the present condition of Mexico. February 1, 1867. — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed. To the House of Representatives : In compliance with the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 4th of December last, requesting information upon the present condition of affairs in the republic of Mexico, and with one of the 18th of the same month, desiring me to communicate to the House of Representatives copies of all cor- respondence on the subject of the evacuation of Mexico by the French troops, not before officially published, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State, and the papers accompanying it. ANDREW JOHNSON. "Washington, January 29, 1867. Department of State, Washington, January 29, 1867. The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 4th of December, 1866, requesting the President, " if in his opinion not incompatible with the public interest, to communicate to this House any correspondence or other information in possession of the government relative to the present condition of affairs in our sister republic of Mexico, and especially any letters of the minister at Washington from said republic, and the French minister relating thereto;" also the resolution of the 18th of December, 1866, requesting the President "to communicate to this house copies of all correspondence on the subject of the evacuation of Mexico by the French troops which has not heretofore been officially published," has the honor to lay before the President the papers mentioned in the subjoined list. Respectfully submitted : WILLIAM H. SEWARD. The President. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. LIST OF PAPERS No. L— Condition of Affairs en M 1. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Mar. 20 2. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero fitly 5, 3. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward April 2, 4. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 5 5. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward \pril 1 1 6". Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 5 7. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward April 15, 8. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 5. 9. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Mny 9. 10. Same to aame May 18 11. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 6 12. Mr. Romero to Mr, Seward May 13. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 7, 14. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward June 10 15. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 7 16. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward June 14 17. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 7 18. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward June 19 19. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 7 20. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward July 4 21. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 12, 22. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward July 8, 2:j. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 16. 24. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward July 10 25. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 23 2G. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward July 21 27. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 31 28. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward July 21 29. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 25. 30. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward July 24 31. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 30 32. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward July 31 33. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Aug. 5 34. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Aug. 35. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Aug. 10. 36. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Aug. 15, 37. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Aug. 23, 38. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Aug. 26. 39. Mr. Hunter to Mr. Romero Aug. 30. 40. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Aug. 27, 41. Mr. Hunter to Mr. Romero Aug. 30. 42. Mr. F. W. Seward to Mr. Romero.. Sept. 20 43. Mr. Romero to Mr. F. W. Seward. -Sept. 2() : 44. Mr. F."VV. Seward to Mr. Romero.. Sept. 21 45. Mr. Romero to Mr. F. W. Seward. .Sept. 21 46. Mr. Romero to Mr. F. "W. Seward -Sept. 23 47. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Sept. 24 48. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Oct. 2 49. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Sept. 30 50. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Oct. 51. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Oct. L866 i.-i,,, L866 1866 1866 L866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1806 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1S66 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 1866 lb66 1866 1866 52. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Oct IS 5:1. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward on. 10,1866 51. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Ocl L5 55. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Oct 12,1866 56. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Nov. 15,1866 57. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Nov. 5,1866 58. Mr. Seward to Mr, Romero Nov. 13,1860 59. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Nov. . 9, 1866 60. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Nov. ] 61. Mr. KomerotoMr. F. W. SVward. .Nov. 16,1866 62. 3Ir. Seward to Mr. Romero Nov. 20, 1866 63. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Nov. 20, 1866 6-1. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Nov. 29,1866 65. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Nov. -. 66. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Nov. 29, 1866 67. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Dec. 14,1866 68. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Dec. 17, 1866 69. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Deo. 21 70. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Jan. 71. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Dec. 22,1860 72. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Jan. 73. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward I). . 74. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Jan. 2, 1867 No. 2.— Military Operations of the North- ern Division. 75. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward April 8,1866 76. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 19,1866 77. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward April 25,1866 78. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 6, 1866 79. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward A pril 2G, 1 866 80. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Aug. 1 81. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Aug. - 82. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Nov. 2 i 83. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero 1 >■ ,-. .-. !-- No. 3.— Military Operations or the "Western Division. 84. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward April 8, 1806 85. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 5, 1866 SC>. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward June J I b7. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 7, 1866 88. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Inly 6, 1866 89. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 12, 1866 90. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Nov. 25,1866 91. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Dec. 8, 1866 No. 4.— Military Operations of the Central Division. 92. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward April 21. 1866 93. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 7, 1866 94. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Aug. 22, 1866 95. Mr. Hunter to Mr. Romero Aug. 28, 1866 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 96. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Sept. 21,1866 97. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Sept. 24, 1866 Ho. 5.— Military Operations of the Eastern- DIVISION. 98. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward June 10, 1866 99. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 7, 1866 100. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward July 13, 1866 101. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 19, 1866 102. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Oct. 6, 1866 103. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Oct. 12, 1866 104. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Oct. 21, 1866 105. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Dec 21,1866 106. Mr.' Romero to Mr. Seward Nov. 20,1866 107. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Nov. 30, 1866 No. 6.— The Presidential Term of President Juarez. 108. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward June 13, 1866 109. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 7, 1866 110. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Nov. 1, 1866 111. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Nov. 9, 1866 112. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Nov. 21, 1866 113. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero ...... Nov. 28, 1866 No. 7. — Concerning de Santa Anna. 114. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward May 26, 1866 115. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 6, 1866 116. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Aug. 12, 1866 117. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Aug. 20, 1866 118. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Sept. 29, 1866 11 9. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Oct. 9, 1866 120. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Nov. 16, 1866 121. Senor de Santa Anna to Mr. Se- ward Dec. 12, 1865 122. Sameto same May 21,1866 123. Senor Maguera to Mr. F. W. Se- ward May 26, 1866 124. Senor de Santa Anna to Mr. Se- ward June 26, 1866 125. Sameto same Aug. 10, 1866 126. Mr. Seward to Senor de Santa Anna Aug. 16, 1866 127. Don Antonio Lopez de Santa An- na, jr., to Mr. Seward Nov. 7, 1866 128. Mr. Seward to Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, jr Nov. 8, 1866 129. Mr. Seward to Mr. Courtney Nov. 8, 1866 130. Mr. Courtney to Mr. Seward Nov. 14, 1866 131. Mr. Seward to Senor de Santa Anna Dec. 8, 1866 No. 8.— Concerning General Ortega. 132. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Oct, 31, 1866 133. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Nov. 13, i860 134. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Dec. 8, 1866 135. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Dec. 17, 1866 136. Mr. Stanton to Mr. Seward Dec. 8, 1866 No. 9.— Custom-house Duties at Acapulco. 137. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward May 3, 1866 138. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 6, 1866 139. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Oct. 8, 1866 140. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Oct. 12, 1866 No. 10.— Case of Schooner " Solid ad Cos." 141. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero April 17, 1866 142. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward April 17, 1866 No. 11.— Seat of the Mexican Government. 143. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Aug. 6, 1866 144. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Aug. 16, 1866 No. 12. —Exportation of Arms. 145. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Mar. 24, 1866 146. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Mar. 24, 1866 147. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Mar. 25, 1866 148. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero April 18, 1866 No. 13.— Southern Immigration to Mexico. 149. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Aug. 3, 1866 150. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Aug. 16, 1866 151. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Dec. 12, 1866 152. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Dec. 20, 1806 No. 14.— Affairs at Bagdad. 153. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Mar. 30,1866 154. Same to same Mar. 30,1866 155. Same to same Mar. 31, 1866 156. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero April 22, 1866 157. Same to same June 2, 1866 158. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward June 4, 1866 159. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 7, 1866 160. Sameto same Aug. 8,1866 161. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Aug. 9, 1866 No. 15.— Forced Loans at Matamoras. 162. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Oct. 20, 1866 163. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Oct, 22, 1866 No. 16.— Occupation of Mexican Territory by United States Troops. 164. Major General Sheridan to General Grant Nov. 27, 1866 165. Mr. Stanton to Major General Sheridan Nov. 30, 1866 166. Major General Sheridan to General Grant Nov. 30, 1866 167. Sametosame Dec. 1,1866 168. Same to same Dec. 10, 1866 169. Sametosame Dec. 11,1866 170. Major General Sheridan to Bvt. Major General Rawlings Dec. 11, 1866 171. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Dec. 13, 1866 172. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Dec. 17, 1866 No. 17.— Evacuation of Mexico by the French. 173. Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward May 16, 1866 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 174. Mr. Blgelow to Mr. Seward May :n,186C it:.. Mr. Hay to Mr. Seward Aug. 10,1866 176. Mr. Seward to the Marquis do Montholon Aug. It:, 1866 177. Mr. Hay to Mr. Seward Aug. 17, 1866 178. Mr. Seward to Mr. Blgelow Aug. 24,1866 179. Same to same Oct. 8,1866 180. Same to same Nov. 9,1866 181. Mr. Seward to Mr. Stanton Nov. 23, 1866 182. Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell Nov. 23,1866 183. Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward Nov. 30, 1866 No. 18.— Correspondence with the United States Legation to Mexico. 184. Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell Oct. 2, 1866 185. Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell . . ..Oct. 20, 1866 186. The President to Mr. Stanton Oct. 26, 1866 187. Same to same Oct. 30,1866 188. Maj. Gen. Sheridan to Gen. Grant. Nov. 8,1866 189. Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward Nov. 9, 1866 190. Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell Nov. 9, 1866 191. Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward Nov. 21,1866 192. Same to same Nov. 23,1866 193. Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell Nov. 30,1866 194. Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward Dec. 1, 1866 195. Same to same Dec. 1,1866 196. Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell Dec. 15, 1866 197. Same to same Dec. 6, 1866 198. Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward Dec. 13, 1866 199. Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell Dec. 27,1866 200. Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward Dec. 24, 1866 201. Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell Dec. 29, 1866 202. Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward Dec. 24, 1866 203. Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell Dec. 25, 1866 204. Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward Dec. 31, 1866 205. Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell Jan. 14, 1867 No. 19.— Correspondence on the Mexican- question with Legations of the United States in Europe. England. 206. Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams Dec. 21,1864 207. Same to same Feb. 7,1865 208. Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward Feb. 9,1865 209. Sametosame Feb. 17,1865 210. Sametosame Feb- 23,1865 211. Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams Mar. 25, 1865 212. Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward June 2,1865 France. 213. Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward Mar. 25,1864 214. Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton April 7, 1864 215. Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow Feb. 13, 1865 216. Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward Mar. 10,1865 217. Sametosame Mar. 17,1865 218. Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow Mar. 27,1865 219. Same to same Mar. 30, 1865 220. Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward April 17, 1865 221. Mr. Hunter to Mr. Bigelow Oct. 19,186.5 222. Mr. Si war d to .Mr. Blgelow Oct. 30,1865 Austria. :. Motley to Mr. Seward Feb. 13,1865 ■jui. Same to Bame Feb. 26,1865 225. Mr. Motley to Mr. Hunter Juno 5,1865 Prussia. 226. Mr. Wright to Mr. Seward Nov. 15,1865 Belgium. 227. Mr. Sanford to Mr. Seward Feb. 1, If'", 228. Mr. Sanford to Mr. Seward Mar. 13, 1865 229. Sametosame April 12, 1865 230. Sametosame May 29,1865 231. Sametosame May 31,1865 Italy. 232. Mr. Marsh to Mr. Hunter May 15, 1865 233. Same to same June 5, 1865 234. Sametosame June 29, 1865 Rome. 235. Mr. King to Mr. Seward Mar. 4, 1865 236. Sametosame April 22, 1865 237. Sametosame May 24,1865 238. Mr. King to Mr. Hunter June 2, 1865 Netherlands. 239. Mr. P.ke to Mr. Hunter May 17,1865 240. Mr. Pike to Mr. Seward Oct. 18, 1865 Sweden and Norway. 241. Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward ....Sept. 27,1864 242. Sametosame Nov. 5,1864 243. Sametosame Dee. 13,1864 244. Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell Jan. 10, 1865 245. Mr. Morris to Mr. Seward Mar. 29, 1865 246. Mr. Morris to Mr. Hunter May 18, 1865 247. Same to same May 25, 1865 248. Mr. Seward to Mr. Mon-i* Sept. 21,1865 249. Mr. Morris to Mr. Seward Oct. 29, 1865 Egypt. 250. Mr. Hale to Mr. Seward Aug. 26, 1865 251. Mr. Seward to Mr. Hale Sept. 21, 1865 252. Mr. Hale to Mr. Seward Oct, 27, 1865 253. Same to same Nov. 13, 1865 254. Sametosame Nov. 18,1865 255. Mr. Seward to Mr. Hale Nov. 27, 1865 256. Mr. Hale to Mr. Seward Nov. 27, 1865 Morocco. 257. Mr. Perry to Mr. Seward Dec. 17, 1864 No. 20.— TEHUANTErr.c Transit Company. 258. Mr. Seward to Mr. Roberts Dec. 13, 1866 259. Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell Dec. 15, 1866 260. Mr. Roberts to Mr. Seward Dec. 21,1866 261. Mr. Seward to Mr. Roberts Dec. 26, 1866 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 5 No. 1. CONDITION OF AFFAIES IN MEXICO. List of papers. No. 1. Mr. Eomero to Mr. Seward March 20, 1866. 2. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 5, 1S66. 3. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward April 2, 1866. 4. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 5, 1866. 5. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward April 14, 1866. 6. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 5, 1866. 7. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward .'. - . April 15, 1866. 8. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero , July 5, 1866. 9. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward May 9, 1S66. 10. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward May 18, 1866. 11. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 6, 1866. 12. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward. May 28, 1866. 13. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 7, 1866. 14. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward June 10, 1866. 15. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero JitIv 7, 1866. 16. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward June 14, 1866. 17. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 7, 1866. 18. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward June 19, 1866. 19. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 7, 1866. 20. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward July 4, 1866. 21. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero. July 12, 1866. 22. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward July 8, 1866. 23. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 16, 1866. 24. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward July 10, 1866. 25. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 23, 1S66. 26. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward July 21, 1 866. 27. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 31, 1866. 28. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward July 21, 1866. 29. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 25, 1866. 30. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward July 24, 1S66. 31. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 30, 1866. 32. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward July 31, 1866. 33. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero , Aug. 5, 1866. 34. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Aug. 9, 1866. 35. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Aug. 16, 1866. 36. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Aug. 15, 1866. 37. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Aug. 23, 1866. 38. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Aug. 26, 1866. 39. Mr. Hunter to Mr. Romero Aug. 30, 1866. 40. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Aug. 27, 1866. 41. Mr. Hunter to Mr. Romero Aug. 30, 1866. 42. Mr. F. W. Seward to Mr. Romero Sept. 20, 1866. 43. Mr. Romero to Mr. F. W. Seward , Sept. 20, 1866. 44. Mr. F. W. Seward to Mr. Romero Sept. 21, 1866. 45. Mr. Romero to Mr. F. W. Seward . . . Sept. 21, 1866. 46. Mr. Romero to Mr. F. W. Seward Sept. 23, 1S66. 47. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Sept. 24, 1866. 48. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Oct. 2, 1866. 49. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Sept. 30, 1866. 50. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Oct. 9, 1S66. G CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 51. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Oct. 5, 1866. 52. Mr. Seward to Mr.. Romero Oct. 12,1866. 53. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Oct. 10, 1866. 54. .Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Oct. 1-5, 1866. 55. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Oct. 12,1866. 50. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Nov. 15, 1866, 57. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Nov. 5, 18G6. 58. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Nov. 13,1866. 59. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Nov. 9, 1866. 00. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Nov. 15, 1866. 61. Mr. Romero to Mr. F. W. Seward Nov. 16,1866. 62. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero « Nov. 20, 1S66. 63. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Nov. 20, 1866. 64. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Nov. 29, 1SG6. Gf>. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Nov. 22, 1866. 66. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Nov. 29,1866. 67. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Dec. 14,1866. 68. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Dec. 17, 1866. 69. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Dec. 21, 1866. 70. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Jan. 9, 1 867. 71. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Dec. 22, 1867. 72. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Jan. 2, 1867. 73. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward Dec. 27, 1S66. 74. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Jan. 2, 1867. No. 1. Se/tor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation. ] Mexican Legation to the United States of America, Washington, March 20, 18G6. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to enclose you some extracts from the Moniteur Universe], of Paris, containing that portion of deputy Glais-Bizoin's speech in the French legislature on the 27th of February last, during the de- hate on the discourse from the throne in relation to Mexican affairs. I also enclose with this note the brief discussion of tlie same subject in the house, on the 2d instant, when Mr. Rouher's (the minister of state) proposal in regard to the Mexican expedition was adopted, and the debate upon it reserved for a future occasion, against the protests of the opposition. The pretext alleged by Mr. Rouher to avoid debate on Mexican affairs was, that certain communications to the so-called government of Maximilian had not been answered yet, and, of course, no report could be made to the house concerning them. Thus, instead of postpon- ing the discussion of the paragraph, the controling influence of the imperial govern- ment caused the vote to be taken, and the proposal was adopted. I refrain from comment on- this strange proceeding, because I think it unne- cessary. I profit by the opportunity to repeat to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc, 8pc., 8fc. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 7 [From the Moniteur Universel, the official paper of the French empire— Paris, Wednesday, January 28, 1866, No. 59, page 222.] Mr. Glais-Bizoin, having secured the floor, rises and says : Gentlemen : The decree of the 24th of November has granted us the right — for we are now living in the reign of grants, like the Restoration, a reign very unlike the noble and generous American system, that leaves the peo- ple to enjoy their rights and the President to do good or evil for four years — I say this decree has granted us the right to express our sentiments concerning the management of affairs to the chief power, to show him our wishes and the necessities of the country; audit is now our duty to speak truth where flattery has prevailed. To accomplish this — and here I agree with Mr. Pamard, and it is perhaps the only thing in which we agree, [laughter,] — eloquence is not necessary; but we must have that holy love of liberty, dearer to us than life itself, and without which we would consent to that moral decay in which our country is kept, when it should be the leader in progress [Murmurs and exclamations in different directions.] Granier de Oassagnac. This is too bad ! We will not stand such abuse! President Walewski. Mr. Glais-Bizoin, I shall have to call you to order if you go on so. I hope you will consider my advice. [Good! good!] Glais-Bizoin. Much obliged to you, Mr. President. I was going to say, when it should be the leader in progress and emancipation. Whatever strength this sentiment gives me, I am embarrassed by the multi- plicity of questions suggested by the discourse from the Crown. These ques- tions are confused by a fault in the constitution that denies us the right of in- troducing a bill, and the power of distributing the business equally through the session, and discussing the plans and projects, as was formerly done, and- is still practiced in all representative parliamentary governments. But we are compelled to accept the situation, whatever it maybe, and to make the best of it or the worst of it. [Smiles in parts of the house.] These questions may be ranged into two categories : accidental questions, such as of finances and foreign affairs, and questions of a permanent interest, touching our liberties, which cannot be solved without implicating the constitution. Let us consider the first. The author of the Crown speech glances over the political globe, wherever French arms are engaged, and with the satisfaction of the God that speaks in the book of Genesis, says : " Behold, my work is very good !" Belmontet. He is right. Glais-Bizoin. What does Mr. Belmontet say ? Belmontet. I say he is right, the Emperor Napoleon, [Approving laugh.] Glais-Bizoin. But he turns away from Poland, once the object of his solici- tude, where a death-like silence reigns. On beholding our former friend and ally in the north devoured by the double- headed eagles of Prussia and Austria, he is pleased and grieved. Can the min- ister of state explain these contradictory emotions 1 At Rome, in Italy, the work is good. ' The convention of the fifteenth of Sep- tember will be enforced. Gentlemen, we are about to quit Rome, where we went to save the Pope, and robbed him of two-thirds of his domain, just lessening his wordly cares by two- thirds. [Laughter and applause. J We quit Rome with the hate of the ultra-clerical party that called us, and the- hate of Romans who never saw armed foreigners before within their walls, and I thank them for it. We quit Rome, hated by the republican party, because France put it down. And, finally, we quit Rome after spending more than four hundred, millions there, the abundant fruits of that expedition. 8 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. We went to Cochin China to please the ultra-clerical party, and now we are obliged to slay there. Algeria is the only place where we are not progressing. The author of the Crown Bpeech [interrupted by several members : Why don't yon say the emperor ?] glancing towards Mexico, .-ays again : " Behold, my work is very good ! there is a government made by the will of the people," and let me add, by -10,000 French bayonets. [Sundry exclamations] Gentlemen, that is so. President WALEWSKI. Mr. Glais-Bizoin, I call you to order; not by 40,000 bayonets, but by the will of all the French people. GuEROULT. Hoes the gentleman mean Mexico? JULES Favre. He is called to order on the ernporor Maximilian's account. Glais-Bizoin. I think there is a mistake, Mr. President, a misunderstanding on your part, and I would like, to proceed with my speech. President WALEWSKI. We do not hear you; speak louder, and there will be no mistake. Glais-Bizoin. I thought so, Mr. President. What I stated was a fact. I was saying that the Emperor, in speaking of the government founded by the people M.\<; my. In Mexico? Glais-Bizoin. Yes, in Mexico. Several Voices. Why didn't you say so, then ? Glais-Bizoin. I began the sentence by saying: Glancing towards Mexico Several Members. We did not hear that part. Piccioni. As there was a mistake, I hope the call to order will not appear in the report. Glais-Bizoin. They say that order reigns in Mexico. Yes, order is main- tained by Belgian and Austrian troops, paid with money taken from the purses of our tax-payers; maintained by Turcos, who give no quarter; so the Moni- teur says — horrid thought ! — [murmurs;] maintained by our brave soldiers, that an abominable decree has converted into butchers for Maximilian. Ah, I thank Marshal Bazaine for refusing to execute the decree, and thus saving our flag from a stain that could never have been washed out. They say the Mexican government is becoming strong. That expression may quiet the official world, but it will not satisfy the anxiety of the business world and those sound minds who compare this expedition with the Spanish war, one of the causes of the fall of the first empire. [Oh ! oh !] Gentlemen, you all know the history of the first empire. The war with Spain was called memorable by a senate that did not bury all cowardice. [Noise.] History will have a hard page for this expedition. It will tell how foolish it was, and show the diplomatic duplicity that caused it. To see this we have only to refer to the diplomatic correspondence of 1859 between the French and Spanish governments, and more particularly to the despatch of the minister of foreign affairs in 1S61 to Count Flahaut, our ambassador to England, in which the Maximilian affair is discussed. You must next read the tripartite conven- tion to satisfy claims on Mexico See Article 2, where it says the high con- tracting parties bind themselves not to exert any influence upon the internal affairs of the Mexican government. The allies had no sooner appeared at Vera Cruz than the Mexican govern- ment called for quarter, and the treaty of Soledad was concluded, Mexico granting all claims demanded. But the French government refused to honor the signature of her representative, one of the most noted personages in our country. [Interruptions.] Do you deny it ? He was made senator. Minister of State. You are mistaken ; you are not acquainted with the facts. Glais-Bizoin. Our allies left us, because they did not wish to destroy a gov- ernment after they had promised to respect it, and place an Austrian prince upon the throne. CONDITION OF AFFAIKS IN MEXICO. 9 General Prim's remarkable letter foretold what has happened. [Ironical ex- clamations. I Your disturbance shows you have not read that letter, for it pre- dicted our present difficulties. A Member. We are in no present difficulties. Glais-Bizoin. Our allies, I say, left us, because they would not violate a solemn promise not to interfere with the internal government of Mexico, and would not join France in exacting reimbursement of worthless credits of a banker whose name has become famous. A Member. They did not want to share in our glory. Blais-Bizoin. General Lorencez was ordered to advance, and the army was constantly increased by the accession of those Almonte and Ramirez traitors. Baron Benoist. You are aiding our enemies ; you are firing upon our flag. Glais-Bizoin. Those traitors who are not ashamed of the infamy that hangs to those who turn against their country or join its enemies. When we are stopped at Puebla, the cry is : " The honor of France is at stake !" Then Gen- eral Bazaine, now marshal, with 40,000 men, invades Mexico ; a few towns are taken, and a vote is polled, when, lo! the name of Maximilian comes out of the urn ; and against this unrighteous election the Mexicans have been protesting, with arms in their hands, for three long years, and with an earnestness I should like to have seen in those men who were called the brigands of the Loire in 1814. Yes, the Mexicans are protesting against that sham election, and they are joined in their protest by that great nation called the United States. While acknowledging our right to make war to obtain due satisfaction, the govern ment at Washington reminds us of the convention, and says, " We allow that [loud exclamations.] Baron Benoist. We don't want the consent of the United States. We don't intend to cringe to them. Glais-Bizoin. The United States say to us, "We confess your right to de- mand satisfaction ; but, as you would not be pleased to see us set up a republic on your borders, we are not pleased to see you set up a monarchy on ours, and compel us to keep a standing army, contrary to the spirit of our institutions." Nothing is more sorrowful than the last despatches of the minister of foreign affairs, who tries to destroy the effect of the imperial letter by resorting to all the cunning of diplomatic language, and to prove that we have not violated article two of the London convention, and that it is not the intention of France to keep Maximilian on his throne by force. But how are we to get out of the scrape 1 If we had a parliamentary government the issue would be very easy [disturbance in different places.] Baron Benoist. In that case we would make peace at all cost! Glais-Bizoin. If a ministry had advised that expedition, it would have been put down long ago by the indignation of the house and the people. [Pshaw ! hush up!] They would have said to the government, "You have engaged France in the affair; now withdraw her and substitute your false pride andyourfalse honor." [Noisy exclamations.] But how are you to get out of it now 1 It is not my business ; it is yours. [Ah ! ah ! ] But I am willing to acknowledge the expedition as a blessing of Providence, whatever may be its consequences — war or peace — provided it serves as a warning lesson to my country, that has so soon forgotten the causes of ruin to the first empire — the result of a personal government ; and if it will only remember in future that the greatest danger to a nation is to trust its des- tiny to the will of a single individual. [Exclamations.] BtiLMONTEL. All France protests ! President Walewski. You must perceive, Mr. Glais-Bizoin, that you wound the feelings of the house. Many Voices. You are right ; that is so. Jules Favre. We did not meet here to compliment each other. 10 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [From tlic Moniteur Universal, the oflBcial paper of the French empire — Pari.--, Saturday March 3, 1866, No. 62, page 241.] Legislative chambers, session of Friday, March 2, 1S66, Count Walewski presiding. Presidenl Walewski. T will read paragraph 3 of the address: " Our Mexican expedition is drawing to a close, and the country is pleased with the prospect. Forced to undertake the expedition for the protection of our citizens against violence, and to demand satisfaction for real injuries, our soldiers and sailors have gallantly achieved the task. Your Majesty trusted to their devotion. This expedition is another proof of the power of France in dis- tant countries. The people of the United States who have long known the loyalty of our policy, and have always had our sympathy, ought not to be offended at the appearance of our troops on Mexican soil. To recall them at the instance of the United States would be to yield our rights and tarnish our honor. You, sire, have the care of them, and the legislative assembly knows you will preserve them with a solicitude worthy of France and of your name." The minister of state takes the floor: ROUHEB. The Mexican question is seen from two points of vieAV — from France and the United States, and from France and Mexico, and they cannot be separated ; if they could, then the Mexico-United States question could be easily discussed. All the despatches relating to it have been published, and everything is known ; the house can soon form its opinion. As regards Mexico especially, the French government has sent communications to the government of Maximilian ; but the great distance has not yet permitted a reply. For that reason I mentioned in the pamphlet of diplomatic despatches dis- tributed to the assembly that the Mexican correspondence would be published hereafter. It is not necessary for me then to dwell on the impossibility of pub- lishing despatches that' have not yet been received. [Good.] It is the wish of the government then that the house do not take up the Mexican question at present; it will naturally come up in the course of the session. The government is as anxious as the house or the people are to take it up, but it wishes it to be done thoroughly and at a proper time. That time has not yet come, and I think the house will agree with me when 1 ask that the paragraph be adopted without debate. Many Voices. Yes, yes! Put it to the vote. Picard. I ask permission to make a few remarks. President Walewski. Mr. Picard has the floor. Ernest Picard. As the interest of the country is concerned in this question I will consent to the postponement of its discussion, and I hope the house will approve of it. Perhaps the minister of state will think proper to fix a day for the discussion of the question as soon as the Mexican correspondence shall be received, before the debate on the appropriations. [Noise in several parts of the house.] Bblmontet. The question may come up when the contingent expenses are discussed. Ernest Picard. We presented an amendment; another was offered by the majority. President Walewski. It has been withdrawn. Ernest Picard. Our amendment is in order ; we maintain it, but are willing to defer the discussion. Several Members. It cannot be ! The address must be put to the vote. President Walewski. I do not understand Mr. Picard. The amendment is either maintained or withdrawn ; if it is maintained, it must be discussed and put to vote. Several Members. This is right and logical. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 11 President Walewski. You cannot defer an amendment to the address, when it is to be voted on finally. [That is evident.] You must do one of two things ; either withdraw the amendment or let it be discussed ; take your choice. Ernest Picard. The president will permit me to say that he has not properly stated the question. I do not think it becomes the dignity of the house to settle the great Mexican question definitely, as the president proposes, without dis- cussing it. The paragraph of the address therefore ought to be expunged. [No, no !] I insist that it be expunged, as it does not express the voice of the house; and T cannot believe it will retain an opinion on the most serious of all the questions in the address, without a profound discussion of its merits. President Walewski. You mean then that you want your amendment de- bated. Ernest Picard. Allow me to explain. It is evident that both the house and the government wish the address to express the truth of facts, and as this cannot be reached, the discussion should be deferred ; and if we retained the paragraph in the address, without its discussion, we would not be understood abroad. President Walewski. Then you will vote against the paragraph. Ernest Picard. Certainly we will vote against the paragraph ; but we can- not withdraw our amendment. And, as I said at first, we will not insist on its discussion now if it is against the interest of the country, as they tell us. President Walewski. You do not withdraw your amendment, therefore I must propose its discussion. Ernest Picard. It must be referred to the committee. Segris. I ask to be heard on the question. President Walewski. You may speak. Segris. I have but a single remark to make. This question, gentlemen, seems to me of the greatest moment. Our discussions are heard by all of Europe. Well, what is the present situation 1 We have just been told that " the Mexi- can question is in such a condition that its discussion at this time would be se- riously improper ; that despatches have been sent, but it is not known if they reached their destination. To discuss that question now would only cause con- fusion and perhaps render its solution more difficult. We request, therefore, that the discussion be deferred, to be taken up at a later day, either before the discussion of the budget or at that time." That is what the minister of state said in the name of the government. Now I ask him how he can reconcile a proposal so just and reasonable with an immediate vote upon a paragraph to which two amendments have been proposed, and which is of such great import- ance. If all wish the discussion to be deferred [Interposition.] President Walewski. You don't wish the paragraph to be voted on then 1 Segris. Excuse me, Mr. President. I would like an explanation from the orators of the government. I believe the minister of state intended simply to say : As this question cannot be properly discussed at present, it had better be postponed, and I therefore propose its postponement. Now I ask you, is voting on the paragraph equivalent to postponing it ? Many voices. Refer it to the committee. Eouher, minister of state. Gentlemen, I do not deny the impropriety of voting upon a question without previous discussion. It is the usual custom in legisla- tive assemblies to discuss every question thoroughly before it is put to the vote ; but this is no common question, and a vote on the address will not prevent a full discussion, at a proper time, of all questions relating to Mexico. A Member. We must have an opinion, or we cannot vote. President Walewski. No interruption ! The Minister of State. In questions of this kind explanations interchanged between the government and the house are the safeguard and dignity of each. Now, what do we say to the house 1 A debate on the policy of the government 12 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. towards Mexico, and on its recent proposals to the government of the emperor Maximilian, not yet heard from, seems to me to be entirely premature. We ask the bouse to postpone it ; and, to facilitate its complete development, the government will submit the despatches since the last session, not in the Yel- low Book, to the consideration of the legislative assembly. But the discourse of the Throne has expressed a thought that the expedition was drawing to a close ; and that thought is common to the government and the legislative assembly. In fact, it is the thought of public opinion, and so it is expressed in the address. Under these circumstance, where is the inexpediency of the expression of opinion by the legislative assembly? As to its result, and its connection with affairs of the United States, let those questions be discussed hereafter. Leave no blank at present in the address that you are going to present to the Crown ; but let it be understood by everybody interested in our debates that our respect- ive sentiments are reserved, and that the dignity of no person is compromised. [Good ! Let the vote be taken. J Ernest Picard. One word, if you please, Mr. President. [The vote! the vote ! ] Buffet. I would like to ask the minister of state a simple question. He has just told you that it is improper to discuss the Mexican question at this time, be- cause all the documents are not yet on hand. Noav, I wish to ask him if a col- lective opinion can be formed upon it in the house when it does come up, so as to incorporate it with the address. If there is any likelihood of that, then I have no objection to vote on it now. Kouher, minister of state. The answer to the gentleman's question is easy. The Mexican question will be thoroughly discussed in due time; that is, when the budget for 1S66 is brought up. It can then be analyzed and presented to the house; and, as acts of the government are more properly investigated at that time, the house can then give a final opinion. What we most need is information, truth, and harmony between the great powers, and the government will do all it can to attain this, and thereby promote public interest and prosperity. [Good! good! Let us take the vote.] Ernest Picard. I hope a proposition will not be voted on till it is maturely considered. This resolution is twofold. First. How is it to be considered here- after 1 Second. It is a question that belongs solely to the house, and not to the minister of state and his colleagues. According to the constitution and the rules of the house there is but one time when we can discuss it, and that is during the debate on the address, and there will be no time when we can discuss it as fully as now. If the house wishes to put the question to a vote, it has only to say so. [Vote! vote!] President Walewski. Do you withdraw your amendment ? Ernest Picard and other members. No, no ! President Walewski. I will now put to the vote the amendment proposed by Bethmont, Garnier-Pages, Jules Favre, Pelletan, Duke Marmier, Picard, Glais-Bizoin, JavaL and others. Here is the amendment : " We condemned the Mexican expedition from its beginning on account of the difficulties and sacrifices it would cause France. " Tbe return of our soldiers was solemnly announced last year, and we re- gret it has been delayed to the detriment of French interests. " The country has not forgotten the first declarations of the government con- cerning the causes of the expedition, and it wonders to see our army still sacri- ficed to the defence of a foreign throne." The amendment was put to the vote and rejected by a large majority. The President. I will now put paragraph 3, which has been read, to the vote. [Vote ! vote ! J CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 13 Paragraph 3 is put to vote and adopted. President Walewski. I now propose to the house that the remainder of the discussion be postponed till to-morrow. [Yes, Yes !] At ten o'clock to-morrow the discussion of the address will be resumed. House adjourned at quarter past five. OELESTIN LACACHE, Stenographic Revisor and Director of Short-hand Corps. No. 2. Mr. Seward to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, July 5, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 20th of March last, containing some extracts from the " Moniteur Universel," and to thank you for the information conveyed by them. I embrace this opportunity to renew to you the assurance of my distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don M. Romero, Sfc., Sfc, fyc. No. 3. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation. ] Washington, April 2, 1866. My dear Sir : I have the honor to enclose you an extract, in English, from a letter which I received from Paris to-day, dated the 19th of March last, in which I am informed that three thousand two hundred men, and among them four hun- dred hussars, left Algiers, Brest, and Cherbourg, recently for Mexico. I am, sir, very respectfully, your very obedient servant, M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, Sfc., fyc , fyc. Paris, March 19, 1866. My Dear Friend : ****** * * # * ******* The principal object of these lines is to let you know that three thousand two hundred men left here a week ago for Vera Cruz with the greatest secrecy. Among them are four hundred hussars of Algiers, Brest, and Cherbourg. The press has not mentioned anything about it, nor do they dare to speak at all about the Mexican question, because they have been warned not to do so. The disagreement between Congress and President Johnson is regarded here with almost open joy, and it is very likely strong efforts will be made to in- crease the same if it can be done by any act of Prance. * * * # * * % * * A telegraphic despatch from Vienna published here day before yesterday in- 14 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. forms up that an agreement has been concluded with Maximilian for the pur- pose of sending him two thousand Austrians to till up the losses of the Austrian contingeni in Mexico. The necessary expenses will of course be defrayed by the French government. ***** * * * * Senor Don Matias Romero. A true copy. Washington, Abril 2, de 1S66. IGNO. MAEISCAL. No. 4. Mr. Seward to Sefior Romero.. Department of State, Washington, July 5, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 2d of April last, enclosing a letter addressed to you from Paris, which con- tains information of the recent departure from Algiers, Brest, and Cherbourg of certain troops for Mexico. Please accept my thanks for your information. I embrace this opportunity to renew to you the assurance of my distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Sefior Don M. Romero, Sfc, Sfc, Sfc. No. 5. Sefior Romero to Mr. Seward [Translation.] Mexican Legation to the United States of America, • Washington, April 14, 1866. Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to transmit you a copy of a letter of the 5th of March last, from the city of Mexico, lately received in this country, giving an impartial account of recent events in that city. I also enclose an article, in English, from La Sombra, a paper published in the city of Mexico, show- ing, from data published in the interventionist papers, that there has been almost a battle between the Mexicans and French who are trying to conquer the coun- try almost every day since the arrival of the usurper, Ferdinand Maximilian of Hapsburg, in Mexico. Together with the above I send an extraordinary document, just published in the city of Mexico, showing that the usurper has made an agreement with the family of Augustin Iturbide that they shall leave Mexico forever, for pecuniary considerations ; and that a son of Don Angel de Iturbide shall be separated from his parents, and Ferdinand Maximilian shall be his curator. All the efforts of the distressed mother to regain her child have hitherto been fruitless. I embrace the occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, Sfc., fyc, Sfo. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 15 [Enclosure No. 1.] Mexico, March 5, 1866. I have waited till the last hour, so as to give you the true situation of this empire and its future prospects. I will be as brief as possible, but I will not confine myself to the doubts and conjectures in regard to the absolute and relative position of Maximilian, the French, and the Mexicans implicated in the intervention, for opinions were di- vided here as soon as Napoleon's speech on the Mexican question was known. Some said the speech of the Crown, in regard to this country, was a repetition of the vague promises with which the Emperor had entertained his people, who were anxious for the return of the expeditionary army ; while others interpreted its words to signify a speedy withdrawal. Some thought Maximilian would retire from the country with the baggage of the French army ; others believed he would stay in Mexico, supported by the faction that put him into power, and virtually sustained by France, and both cited authorities to sustain their opinions. Some referred to the activity of the invading army that seemed to be making no prepara- tions to retire, but was daily receiving reinforcements to fill vacancies in differ- ent corps ; others noticed the concentration of the interventionists and the in- discretion of some chiefs, who said they were to return to France before long. As to Maximilian, what is said about his going or remaining is to depend on his visit to Cuernavaca, or his confidence in continuing the works at Chepultepec and Palacio, and the various preparations that are made for the industrial expe- dition which is to take place in a few months. The pendulum has not ceased to vibrate, but yesterday something happened to give a new phase to the empire created by intervention. It was said that Baron Saillard was sent here by Na- poleon t) make preparatory arrangements for the speedy withdrawal of the French troops from Mexico. He remained but a few days, and after his return to France certain events transpired here, inducing us to believe that such was his business here. Ever since Maximilian arrived in Mexico, the little rest that adulators at Chepultepec have given him, and the small time he has had to spare from the devotions of lent, very pompous at the palace, he has employed in re- organizing the cabinet and in making many personal changes in his administra- tion, denoting a formal change of policy. This change is hardly to be seen in the character of officials appointed, for in selecting them he has chosen men submissive to foreign policy. But that is not all, and here are echoes of in- discreet whispers from the palace : The French will leave sooner or later, but France will not give up the firm hold she has of Mexico at such a sacrifice. Maxirmlian will remain, protected by Napoleon and the great interventionist party that will be organized and armed before the French leave. It is evident the pure liberals will not easily assimilate with the empire. The seducing re- cruiting policy has shown this. It will then be necessary to face about until the refractory are conciliated. The policy of toleration yields no fruit ; some other must be substituted. Maximilian must bring about a reaction more powerful than the one Avhich sustained Santa Anna and Miramon, and he must have the moral support of France, and perhaps of all Europe. The tariff must be re- formed, and his revenue schemes must be more strictly enforced. In fact, this policy has already been commenced by the following measures : A censor of the press has been appointed, with instructions to suppress the scandal caused by the liberal papers in discussing the present order of things. This office is given to Licenciado Hidalgo y Teran, an individual who made his fortune, as you know, under the patronage of Sagaceta, and nursed by the ecclesiastical court. The independent press will receive some hard blows before this week is gone. The departments have been reduced to four ; and when Ramirez, Peza, and Esteva go put, Salazar Ilarregui will come in as minister of government, and 16 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Somera as minister of the interior. Those going out will be paid with crosses or foreign missions. Escudero is watching his famous Law of public administra- tion, and Castillo, who Btooped to be the agent of Napoleon, continues in the department of foreign relations. Other changes in the administration amount to nineteen op to this time. < S-eneral Mendoza has resigned his place as political prefect of the valley of Mexico. To tell the truth, Maximilian makes these changes reluctantly, and only docs so to oblige his patrons who forced him into the way ; they now force him to quit. Maximilian has French agents in his household who are also partizans of this reaction. They try to frighten him with resolutions passed in the Congress of the United States, and Mr. Seward's notes. Such are the facts ; now we must discover their origin and their import- ance. Does Napoleon really believe that the interventionist party can sustain the throne it has set up in Mexico ? or is he only keeping it up till he can get his forces out of the country? If the reactionary elements be organized and sup- ported hy aid from France, can they prevent the restoration of national power? These are questions that you can answer, perhaps, better than us. As you are better acquainted with the acts of diplomacy you may be able to interpret Napoleon's speech, and tell us whether the intervention will be sustained or not, openly or covertly, by European powers. Fortune continues adverse to inter- vention, and has lately increased the embarrassment of the empire by two very important events. Mr. Langlais, the financial savior of the empire, suddenly died. His great plans for collecting the revenue from the sea-ports had just begun to be put into operation. For all they say that Mr. Maintenon, the present secretary of the treasury, has carried out his predecessor's plans, no one denies that his death is very embarrassing to the government. He had com- plete knowledge of affairs, and full power to act in every emergency. His labor was to solve the question of resources, which you know is the critical question for intervention. In this particular things have come to such a pass that they say the confiscated property, not yet secured to the state, is to be made use of; and they say the desperate idea has been postponed from Maxi- milian's repugnance to make use of it. The other event I alluded to is the defeat of Mendez, the imperial chief in Michoacaa. The malcontents, so often scattered and annihilated, collected four thousand men, and made a stand in the plain of Uruapan. Mendez, the assassin of Arteaga and Salazar, tried to avoid battle, but was surrounded by two columns of cavalry, and, to save his life, had to leave his soldiers, his artillery, and even his baggage on the field. The moral effect of this occurrence was terrible in Mexico and in Morelia. All the forces remaining in Michoacan were concentrated in the latter city for fear of an attack, and the Mexican press, after a timid silence, published the news with the customary palliations. But as the imperialist chief permitted himself to get whipped just as the English packet was going out, it was necessary to invent a falsehood, and it was accordingly reported there had been no disaster; only a scare had been felt in Michoacan, and Mendez had gained a victory and taken many prisoners. Some of the papers, however, added that the victory had been purchased very dearly, the imperial forces were much weakened, and re- enforcements were immediately needed in Michoacan. Re enforcements were actually sent, but Mendez was recalled on account of the untruthfulness of his reports to Marshal Bazaine. It seems he had captured three hundred patriots after his defeat, and called it a victory. Recent news from New Leon and Coahuila say the insurrection is entirely suppressed in those States. The situation of the imperial troops in Tamau- lipas is very critical. Tampico is in continual alarm. The small garrison of that port is acting on the defensive. The liberals are organizing and increasing under General Garza, who has his headquarters in Victoria. Mazatlan is in a more desperate situation than Tampico. Coronas's forces have lately been very near the town, contemplating an assault. The State of Tlascala is already within the insurrectionary zone. A force of three hundred men lately surprised the small garrison of the capital and took Ormachea, the CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 17 military commander, prisoner. The alarm consequent upon this event reached Puebla, only seven leagues from Tlascala. If the pacification of the country goes on in that manner, how long will it be before a few traitors and a handful of mercenary Austrians will be enough to defend the empire ? [Enclosure No. 2. ] Secret treaty made between his majesty and the son of the liberator, D. Augustin lturbide. His majesty, the emperor, wishing to honor the memory of the liberator, D. Augustin lturbide, in consequence of the first right he had to the gratitude of the nation, and his sons desiring to further the noble object of his majesty, by the order of the emperor, the minister of foreign affairs, M. F. Ramirez, and charged with the ministry uf state, and Mr. Augustin, Mr. Angel, and Mr. Oosme, and Miss Josephina lturbide, arranged together the following : 1. His majesty will give a high position to the two grandsons of the emperor, D. Augustin y D. Salvador, as well as to his daughter, Dona Josephine lturbide. 2. Their majesties will provide the means for the education of the grandsons of the emperor Augustin, suited to their rank, as well as also their maintenance and that of Dona Josephine lturbide. 3. As a mark of special protection, his majesty wishes to constitute himself their tutor and guardian, and to name Dona Josephine co-tutrix. 4. D. Augustin, Angel, and Augustin Cosme lturbide promise in their names, as well as in the name of Dona Sabina and their legitimate descendants, never to return to the empire, without previous authorization from the sovereign or the regency. 5. The government of his majesty would pay from the treasury of the state to D. Augustin, Angel, Augustin Cosme, Dona Josephine, and Dona Sabina lturbide, the sum of $30,000 down, and $120,000 in drafts on Paris, payable, $60,000 the 15th of December, of the present year, and $60,000 the loth of February, 1866 — making a total of $150,000 on account of what is due them by the nation. 6. The government assures and it is responsible for the accounts of the family of the liberator, lturbide. 7. The government of his majesty will give proper orders to secure all pen- sions to D. Augustin, Angel, Augustin Cosme, Dona Josephine, and Dona Sa- bina lturbide which they now enjoy. These pensions will be paid punctually and without discount at their place of residence, or the nearest place to it having commercial relations with Mexico. 8. The government of his majesty concedes toD. Augustin, Angel, Augustin Cosme, and Dona Sabina lturbide an income of $6,000 to the first, $5,100 to the second — that income going to the wife of D. Angel in case of his death — and $1,524 to the two others. Orders will be given for the prompt payment of these sums, and in accordance with the preceding article fixing the pensions. In faith of which the present treaty has been signed in duplicate at the im- perial residence of Chepultepec, the 9th of September, 1865. By order of his imperial majesty : JOSE F. RAMIREZ, Minister of Foreign Affairs, charged with the Ministry of State. ANGEL DE ITUBIDE, JOSEF A DE ITURBIDE, A. DE ITURBIDE, AUGUS. C. DE ITURBIDE ALICIA G DE ITURBIDE. 2 ME > 18 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. No. 6. Mr. Seward to Scnor Romero, Department oe State, Washington, July 5, 1866. Sin : I have to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 14th of April last, containing copy of a letter addressed to you from the city of .Mexico, with reference to the recent events in that city; also some other interesting in- formation, for which he pleased to accept my thanks. I embrace this opportunity to renew to you the assurance of my distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don M. Romero, fyc, fyc., Sfc: No. 7. Scnor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation. ] Washington, April 15, 1866. My dear Sir : I have the honor to send you a copy, in English, of a letter from one of the principal commercial houses in Vera Cruz, dated the 31st of May last, showing how arbitrarily the French intervention treat the mer- chants of good faith in that port, imposing unjust taxes upon them, which will certainly ruin many of them. This is only one of the examples of the pretended blessings brought on Mexico by French intervention, blessings that weigh heavily upon those who have the misfortune to live in a country with such a government. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc, fyc, fyc. [Enclosure.] Vera Cruz, March 31, 1S66. For some time a very serious question has been pending between the com- mercial houses of this city engaged in the foreign trade and the government of Maximilian. By the decree of the latter of the 10th of February ultimo, an additional duty of thirty per cent, was added to the tariff then in force. The commerce of this port claimed, and with reason, that this could not apply to merchandise in store which had been imported months, and some of it even years, before the publication of the decree. That the very fact that such merchandise was on hand and had been kept so long was a proof that it was in little de- mand, and would probably have to be sold at a loss, and that now to force it to pay an additional duty, not contemplated or known at the time of its importa- tion, would be to involve in ruin many of the merchants, and to expose them to losses as unjust as injurious. CONDITION OF AFFAIKS IN MEXICO. 19 It was also urged that such a measure was in violation of the organic law of the empire, which established the principle that no law ever should have retro- active force. For these reasons the question has been a very grave one between the com- mercial houses and M. Rollau, (a French subject,) the director of the custom- house of the Gulf. But Maximilian, at the petition of the latter, and overriding the express provisions of the organic law, has ordered not only that the merchants must pay this additional percentage of duty upon their effects now on hand and previously imported, but that if they do not deliver a full account of all mer- chandise on hand within the term of three days, they shall be obliged to pay sixty per cent, additional duty in place of the thirty per cent, fixed by the decree of the 10 th of February. It therefore follows that not only are dispositions established that are con- trary to all the principles of justice recognized throughout the world, but suddenly and on the moment there are established, and, even in cases of doubtful interpretation, new systems of penalties, under an arbitrary legislation heretofore unknown. These are entirely new occurrences for this country, and have caused a pro- found sensation throughout the commercial community. The tariff has been suddenly raised or lowered before, and merchants have been exposed sometimes to serious losses, and at other times have gained upon their stocks on hand. They have never been before exposed, in addition, to retroactive laws and the imposition of penalties as new and unexampled as they are arbitrary and unjust. What, however, makes this case more remarkable is, that it is a matter of public notoriety that not only the minister of treasury, but Maximilian also, recognize and admit the justice of the position taken by the commercial houses of this port, the principal of this country, aud pronounce the measure an iniqui- tous one ; but their fear of Napoleon is such that they are unwilling to go con- trary to any measure decided upon by M. Langlais, the financial agent whom he sent here, and who has proceeded as if he were directing a department in France. The principle, however, that this action has established is a most dangerous one, and has thrown commercial affairs here into the greatest uncertainty. No merchant now knows what to calculate upon or what to expect, and the belief is that this measure is only the beginning of a course of similar exactions de- signed to meet the extraordinary necessities caused by the pecuniary embairass- ments of Maximilian's government. The ordinary revenue from all sources is not sufficient to meet even the half the present expenditures, and the fear is that, as a matter of necessity, resort will be had to every possible means of extorting funds wherever they can be found. As the only class that has available means is the commercial community, it follows that upon this class these exactions are likely almost exclusively to fall. How it will be possible to continue importa- tions under these circumstances it is not easy to see. The English minister, it is said, has already interfered in the matter, but there is little hope of anything being done so long as the pecuniary necessities of the situation are so great and the French continue to treat this country as the Spaniards did, only as a place to take dollars from, and at the cost of whatever sacrifice of its present commerce or future interest. Washington, Ahril 15, A. D. 1S66. A true copy. IGNO. MARISCAL. 20 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. No. 8. Mr. Seward to Seflor Romero. Department of State, Washington, July 5, 1866. Sir : I have to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 15th of April last, containing a copy of a letter from a commercial house iu Vera Cruz on the subject of taxes, for which please accept my thanks. I embrace tins opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my distinguished consideration. Sefior Don M. Romero, §c, Sp., Sft: WILLIAM H. SEWABD. No. 9. Se7wr Romero to Mr. Seivard. Washington, May 9, 1866. My Dear Sir: The documents accompanying your report to the President of the 21st ultimo, submitted by him to Congress, in regard to the promised evacuation of Mexico by the French forces, and specially your very able letter to M. Moutholon. dated February 12, 1S66, in answer to the arguments and assertions of M. Drouyn de Lhuys, seemed to me so important that I caused great many of those papers to be carefully translated into Spanish in my lega- tion, (your letter of February 12 being translated in full,) and a large edition of them printed for the purpose of circulating them widely at home, where they will produce, I have no doubt, great deal of good. I take now the liberty of sending to you five hundred copies of the Spanish edition of said papers, which number, I suppose, will be sufficient should you be willing to circulate them among the legations, consulates, and consular offices of the United States in the Spanish American republics, where, I am sure, they will be read with the greatest interest. The papers are headed by a circular of mine, addressed to the Mexicans, giving them my views on the correspondence. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, Sfc, 4c, §c. [Translation. — Circular No. 7.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, April 26, 1S66. I have the honor to transmit to you, for your information, a Spanish transla- tion of the principal documents sent to the 39th Congress by the President of the United States with his message of the 23d instant, at the request of the House of Representatives, relative to the withdrawal of the French soldiers from the territory of the republic. The importance of these documents cannot but be evident to every citizen who is defending the independence of his country. While the Mexican people were struggling heroically against the colossal power of the first military nation of Europe, our sister republic of the United States ended its civil war, the cause of our invasion, and was free to use its good offices, or force if necessary, in putting a stop to the arbitrary conduct of the Emperor Napoleon, who has undertaken the impossible task of overturning CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 21 the government that the nation elected freely, and establishing a European monarchy in its place, with an Austrian prince at its head. Without soliciting directly or indirectly the good offices or mediation of the United States with France, and without entering into any engagement with either nation, the North American government has succeeded in persuading the Emperor Napoleon to promise to withdraw his forces from our territory, and to fix a time for the fulfilment of that promise. This is equivalent to persuading the French Emperor to give up the pretended government he has established in the ancient capital of the republic, for every one knows that if the Emperor Napoleon could not consolidate his pretended government with four years of savage war, when he could send what forces he pleased to the republic without fear of the United States, and keep them there forever, he certainly cannot do it now, when he has bound himself not to send any more troops, but take away those he has there now, particularly when the civil war in the United States is over, and that nation is restored as a first- class power, capable of frustrating the plans that the ignorance and ambition of European despots conceived for the oppression of this continent. The government of the United States has moreover assumed a position to- wards Austria, as may be seen in the correspondence, preventing that country from sending out mercenaries to support the cause of despotism and European usurpation on Mexican soil. Though the time fixed by the Emperor Napoleon for withdrawing his soldiers from Mexico seems long, if he acts on this occasion in good faith, I have no doubt he will shorten it, as this will be greatly to his interest. If, on the con- trary, he does not keep his word with the United States, his situation will only become more dangerous. The government of the United States has clearly shown, in its correspondence with France, that it is not so much dissatisfied with the conduct of France in Mexico, making war on the republic and keeping an army there, as it is with the fact that France is trying to overthrow the present nitional government, and establish a European monarchy by force of arms. For this reason, the United States will not be satisfied with the withdrawal of the French army from Mexico, if it does not carry away with it the pretended monarchy it attempted to establish in that country. The publication of this correspondence shows the end of French intervention, and its infamous acts in the republic. This result is chiefly due to the noble and persistent stand of the Mexican people for four years, enduring every hard- ship, sacrifice and privation in defence of the nation's honor and independence. I communicate these important events to you, because they mark a new era in the history of our country, and I congratulate you on the prospect of a speedy termination of a wicked war waged upon us by the tyrant of France. 1 repeat to you the assurance of my distinguished consideration, M. ROMERO. To the citizen . No. 10. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation to the United States of America, Washington, May 18, 1866. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, some extracts from a pamphlet entitled " The Foreign Question," which was published on the 31st of December last, 22 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. in the town of Paso del Norte, the present seat of the national government of Mexico. It contains a short and correct account of political occurrences in the Mexican republic during the months of October, November, and December, 1865. I am pleased with this opportunity to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the as- surances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William II. Seward, tfc., Sfc., tyc. THE FOREIGN QUESTION. New changes brought about by the removal of the national government to Chihuahua, and its subsequent return to this city, have disturbed the regular order of our reviews, and compel us to condense the events of the last three months, ending this day, into one single article. * * * We will begin with a notice of the imprisonments by the empire in August last, on account of a suspected conspiracy in the capital, garrisoned by a con- siderable French force. The persons arrested were liberals residing in the city, who were soon released without an explanation of the arbitrary acts committed against them. If there had been the slightest proof of conspiracy, the captives would have been executed immediately, as clemency is not one of the virtues of the present ruler of Mexico. Supposing it only a scare, we cannot conceive why the invaders were so frightened, or why persons were arrested, unless it were a causeless act of tyranny so common to our present civilizers. It seems the order was issued by Marshal Bazaine, without the assent of Maximilian, who was on a visit to the mines of Pachuca at the time ; for he always leaves the capital for a short time whenever he has a disagreement with the French general ; and the visit like to have cost him very dearly, for he was near being caught by a guerilla band, and had to retreat to the city in the greatest haste. Now, as we are on the subject of despotism, we will give the case of Manuel Lozano, of Aguas Calientes, who was assassinated upon the report of a bandit, who swore he was in league with the republicans. There was no evidence to condemn the unfortu- nate man, but be was murdered in cold blood by officers of the intervention. This horrid crime remained unrevenged, though it was denounced by the news- papers of the imperial capital, and chastisement of the guilty was demanded. Besides a speech, Maximilian celebrated the anniversary of national independ- ence by a decree, declaring the grandsons of Iturbide, children of his son An- gel and a North American woman, princes of the empire. It was also said he intended to make them his successors, but he did not do it. We can't imagine why he skipped the living children of the unfortunate hero of Iguala, and passed to the grandchildren, when the former had the greatest right to titles. This fact is very insignificant in itself. The usurper may make as many princes, dukes, counts, and marquises as he pleases, as all these high sounding titles -will only serve for ridicule, as he will never be able to establish a real aristocracy for his imperial farce. ###### General Porfirio Diaz managed to escape from his prison, in Puebla, on the 22d of September. The event gave great alarm to the imperialists, as they knew the harm he could do them if he could raise another army for the republican cause. \Ve will see how he served his country as soon as he was at liberty. He went immediately into the State of Guerrero, put himself at the head of a republican force, and attacked a band of traitors, which was completely routed, with considerable loss. After this, he consulted with General Alvarez about a new campaign in Guerrero and Oaxaca, which was subsequently carried out. Events will soon realize the hopes entertained of the patriotism of General Diaz. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 23 A proclamation and a decree were issued in October, in the capital of the Mex- ican empire, destined to occupy a prominent place in the history of the interven- tion struggle. The proclamation of the usurper says that the cause defended with so much valor and constancy by Benito Juarez has lost all political char- acter, because the ex-President of the republic has quit the national territory, and his robber bands must be treated with the greatest severity. This assertion was preceded by a note from General Brincourt, stating it as a fact that President Juarez had actually left the Mexican territory, and with- out waiting to investigate the case, Maximilian proclaimed it as true, and made it the foundation of his tyrannical decrees. Logically speaking, when the false- hood of Brincourt's assertion was ascertained, the cause for the decree was re- moved and it fell to the ground. But logic is sacrificed in this case, and Maxi- milian is held up to ridicule. So much importance was given to the supposed desertion of the republic by President Juarez, that the imperial organs gave it over as the end of the con- test. As soon as Brincourt's occupation of Chihuahua was known in the capi- tal, Marshal Bazaine hastened to telegraph the news to Vera Cruz, where a vessel was prepared to convey it without delay to Napoleon, as if it were a decided fact. They did not consider that it was only the abandonment of a single city, whose possession by the French would be of very little importance ; but, in accordance with their system of exaggeration, a second-rate affair was made a first-rate success, and to give it greater interest, they told of the capture of some pieces of artillery, not taken in battle, but left for want of transporta- tion, after having been spiked. In the same strain they called the orderly re- treat of the republican government, a hasty flight, and concluded by saying the President had left the country, and thus the troubles were over. This is a case of very great importance, and the mistake was serious, even allowing the allegations to have been true. However injurious the exit of the supreme magistrate to the national cause, it could not be ruinous ; were he even to die, though the nation would miss him much, the national cause would not be irretrievably injured, because it was formed to outlive the most eminent men who die in its defence. The argument, therefore, employed by the usurper in his celebrated proclamation, taken in the most favorable sense, amounts to an absurdity. If its reasoning can thus be so easily refuted, the decree is still subject to greater blame for its infraction of every principle of humanity ; and the inter- ventionists have reached the highest grade of eternal infamy in adopting its principles. As early as the 20th of June, 1863, General Forey created the execrable French courts -martial, whose records are now saturated with the nation's blood. After Maximilian's return from his journey into the country, he issued a circular ordering all captured guerrilleros to be hanged, and not sat- isfied with the many sanguinary executions already consumated, he perfected his infernal work by issuing the decree of the 3d of October, and in this his ministers have become his accomplices, for their signatures are appended to the document, ordering the most horrid crime against humanity, a crime that Draco himself would not have dared to sanction. Its articles are marked with the seal of genuine ferocity ; every one belonging to an armed force of any number, kind, order, or organization, character or denomination, shall be condemned to death by a court-martial and executed within twenty -four hours, without appeal or recourse of any kind ; and every one who shall aid or abet the republicans in any manner whatever, give them notice or warning, furnish them with any munitions of war, have any intercourse with them, or conceal them, or propa- gate false or alarming rumors, or reports, shall be subject to the penalties of imprisonment, banishment, or fine, according to the gravity of the offence. All owners or managers of plantations are required to notify the imperial authori- ties of the enemies' movements, under the penalty of a heavy fine in case of 24 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. neglect to do so. This order is extended to town authorities ; and all male citizens between eighteen and fifty-five, who do not take op arms in defence of the empire are Buhject to similar penalties. All the other dispositions of the said decree are of the same tenor, thus placing the whole community in a state of seige, declaring all criminals who are not zealous partisans of the new order of things. To show the determination to enforce this decree with the greatest possible rigor, I will cite a recent occurrence of the greatest importance. On the 13th of October a division, commanded by Jose Maria Arteaga, was defeated at Santa Ana Amatlan, and he was taken prisoner, with General Carlos Salazar and several other chiefs and officers. Don Ramon Mendez, the imperial conqueror, who was made brigadier general for that feat, did not dare to enforce tin 1 pre- cepts of the sanguinary law upon his distinguished prisoners, and sent to Mexico to know wdiat was to be done with them. lie was answered by the usurper's minister of war, as well ashy Marshal Bazaine, that the decree should be strictly enforced. So Generals Arteaga and Salazar, Colonels Diaz Paracho and Villa Gomez, Padre Mina, and we know not how many more, were shot in Uruapam according to supreme orders. We presume these atrocious assassinations have been continued, as we have recently heard of the pietition of the ladies of'Pazcuaro to spare the lives of one hundred and fifty prisoners. Everything has conspired to render this barbarous act most conspicuous in its hideous deformity. Mendez's prisoners belonged to no guerilla band ; they were not obscure individuals ; they had been guilty of no misdemeanors, and were blameless in their conduct; but they belonged to the regular army, organized in due form; they occupied high positions in military rank; one Avas commanding general of the division; all were known as gentlemen; their officers had been lenient with French, Aus- trian, and Belgian prisoners ; and even the Express newspaper, on hearing of Arteaga's capture, pronounced a merited eulogy on his conduct. But all that did not save them from the gallows ; they were led out and shot like mal- efactors. Acts of this kind — an eternal stigma of infamy upon its authors — far from doing honor to their cause, will ruin it and cover it with disgrace. These ex- treme measures prove the desperation of their cause, and it certainly cannot succeed by these means. The wanton shedding of blood, even in wars, in all ages and in every part of the world, has only served for the destruction of the sanguinary cause. The execution of those meritorious patriots in Uruapam will serve as a stimulus to the nation to arouse itself against its butchers and avenge the memory of its worthy children. Soon after the promulgation of the decree to which Ave have alluded, there was a misunderstanding among the ministers who had signed it. Fernando Ramirez was transferred from the department of foreign relations to the department of state, and Velazquez de Leon, its incumbent, was left without a portfolio. Martin del Castillo Avas put into Ramirez's place, to the great surprise of every- body, as he was only under secretary of the treasury and manager of the impe- rial household. Manuel Siliceo was dismissed from the department of public instruction and worship, and Francisco Artigas, a young lawyer of no note, was put in his place. The mystery of these changes remains unrevealed. Why did Ramirez leave his position and not quit the cabinet 1 Why was Siliceo dismissed from the cabinet when he had just deeply compromised himself by signing the sanguinary decree of the 3d of October ? If this ministerial modification means a change of policy, it is very hard to comprehend it. The truth is, Maximilian must be much in want of capable men for his cabinet, when he has to fill it Avith persons un- known or entirely disqualified for such distinguished positions. * * ****** CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 25 Interested persons have represented Maximilian as a great reformer on account of the enactment of some organic laws promulgated last November. Those I have seen are very far from deserving praise. One relates to the departments and the duties of their heads, but it is common. Another concerns the modification of a former decree, fixing the order of precedence among the imperial dignitaries, and it is simply ridiculous. The organization of the judiciary department is merely a copy of the law signed by Teodosio Lares at the time Santa Anna entitled himself serene highness, and inaugurated the absured system of a monarchical farce in Mexico. If there are other laws worthy of eulogy in any way we have not heard of them, and even if they do exist they are not national, because they do not proceed from the proper authority. But the most important part of the administrative functions is the direction of the treasury department. This has been organized by Francisco P. de Cesar, the present under secretary. According to his report the sum and substance of his efforts, in a financial way, consist in doubling the present taxation. It certainly requires no fiseal genius to do this. If this system can be carried out, the direct- ors of the Mexican imperial treasury may boast of having solved all pecuniary difficulties. If doubling the rates of taxation will not do, they can triple or quadruple them, going on in geometrical progression until there be no deficit in government expenses. The calculation of this estimate is very easy on paper; but in practice, we judge there will be inseparable difficulties. War is a great obstacle to the col- lection of taxes at present ; but when all private fortunes are exhausted by its continuation, how is any government to subsist 1 It will require long years of peace to enable the country to support a monarchy, such as the present one. The financial situation is becoming so complicated, that it can never be un- tangled. The yearly estimate amounts to fifty-seven millions of dollars, eighteen millions of which go to the support of the army, and the thirty-nine remaining to the civil government. Our reasoning becomes more forcible as these expenses increase ; and this is the government that was to be as panacea to all our ills ! Any one acquainted with our country can see how absurd it is to think that such a sum can be collected. We laugh at the new financier sent to Mexico by Napoleon to make these ridiculous calculations. Mr. Langlais has asserted that it is very easy to make Mexico yield two hundred millions of dollars ! When we see foreign financiers, entirely ignorant of our country, solve compli- cated questions in four words, we are tempted to exclaim : " Pardon them, O Lord, for they know not what they say !" The present condition of the finances is gloomy : rentes and foreign loans have already been absorbed by the government expenses. The revenues of the States have also been used up, since the central system was substituted for the federative. The funds have been used to support a court of foreigners, that squanders money in great profusion. Horses, balls, excursions, shows, banquets, alms, servants and dress cost millions. Four millions' pay to the Austrian sol- diers is aside from all this. Such extravagance will certainly bankrupt the country and put an end to the imperial farce. * * * In fact, everything conspires to make the situation more grievous, the few victories of the imperial arms not excepted. The advantage has mostly been on our side, even when the imperialists triumphed, for nobody can believe in its ultimate success in this prolonged struggle. For military operations in this vast country the imperial government depends upon the French expeditionary corps, the foreign legion and Mexican soldiers armed by the invaders. A rapid view of these three elements will demonstrate the impossibility of executing the work proposed. We cannot say exactly what is the number of men in the French expedi- tionary corps; but at the time the question was debated in the legislative assembly, it consisted of 28,000 men. According to another report, it consisted 26 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. of twenty-one battalions of infantry, thirteen squadrons of cavalry, eight batte- ries of artillery, and a company of sappers. Although recruits have continued to eonie from France for the last l\'\v months for the army in Mexico, the force has not been increased, as they had to take the place of discharged soldiers. One of the ways Napoleon thought of to increase his Mexican troops, was to hire 1,00() soldiers from the viceroy of Egypt to serve in portions of the coun- try unhealthy to Europeans. One of the dangers of employing these troops is, they may bring the cholera into the country. This plan was protested against by Mr. Seward, in a note to the French government, and it was discontinued, and the idea abandoned. From the most reliable information, the foreign legion consists of 12,900 men. Its losses are greater than those of the French troops, because it has taken part in almost all the important combats, with disastrous results, and has been sent to sickly regions where many died. Many of the Austrians sent to pacify Yucatan, perished there of yellow fever; and many Belgians died of fever in Michoacan. Typhus fever broke out recently in San Luis Potosi and destroyed many of the French garrison stationed there. The auxiliary corps of Mexican traitors is the smallest body of troops fighting for intervention, and they are kept so purposely on account of the mistrust with which they are regarded. Desertion from the imperial to the republican ranks is another cause of diminution in the former. We know of none other of the Mexican auxiliaries but those of Mejia's division in Matamoras, Oronoz's brigade in Colima, a few of them in Acapulco, and those with Mendez in Michoacan. As a summary of Napoleon's working forces in the field, we reckon 40,000 foreign troops and 6,000 or 8,000 Mexican imperialists. As the insurrection has now become general all over the couutry, this force is entirely insufficient for the proposed pacification of Mexico. Unless supplied Avith constant re-en- forcements it will continue to diminish till it is useless ; and even with those it has had, it has done nothing to end its mission. In fact, the military operation of the last months of this year clearly demon- strate that the small fire is not so easily quenched, although the defenders of national independence were called bandits and were treated as such. Small as they may be and meanly as they are treated, their feeble efforts will soon put an end to monarchy and intervention. The republican cause is still sustained in Tabasco and Chiapas, and the national government kept up. As their peculiar position exempts them from frequent molestation, they employ their leisure time in preparing for new strug- gles, or in lending aid to the national forces in their vicinity. In the State of Vera Cruz General Garcia is attracting the enemy's attention, molesting him continually, and often doing considerable damage. "We occupy important places for a time, and then are compelled to abandon them to the imperialists. This was the case in Zongolica, Huatasco, and various other towns, which were alternately taken by both parties. The republicans have recently taken possession of Tlapacoyan. The traius on the railway between Cordova and Orizava are frequently fired into. One train was stopped ; the French were taken from it and executed. Colonels Figueroa and Diaz have continued fighting in Oaxaca with varied success. After taking Tehuacan, Figueroa gained another important victory in Trapichito, routing an Austrian column, and taking the money it was escorting. The newspapers of the capital reported that the republican forces were over- taken and punished ; but this could not have been true, as they soon returned to the field better equipped than they were before. The good sense of the people of Oaxaca will keep them steadfast in the good cause, particularly as they may expect aid from their neighbors, and can take advantage of the dis- sensions among the imperialist and Austrian authorities in the capital of the State. CONDITION OF AFFAIES IN MEXICO. 27 Michoacan has been the theatre of events of much interest. The army of the centre has been reorganized, and has acquired such strength that its head- quarters are now only twelve leagues from Morelia. The commander-in-chief has divided his forces into three sections : one under Riva Palacio, another under Zepeda, and taking charge of the third himself. The first advanced upon Morelia on the 12th of October, and would have taken the town if the cavalry had not wasted time in pursuing some flying Belgians outside, which gave the besieged time to strengthen their fortifications within the city. Our forces thus frustrated retired, with considerable loss to the Belgians. The imperial newspapers also reported the defeat of Zepeda by Oarriedo, a lieutenant colonel in the employ of the interventionists. As we bave heard nothing of this from any other source we are inclined to doubt its truth. As to the third section, we mentioned it when speaking of General Arteaga's assassination. Mendez says his victory at Santa Ana Amatlan was owing to his hurried march of twelve leagues through the hot region ; but we think it more attributable to chance. The lamentable events mentioned have not put an end to the war in Michoa- can, a State that has distinguished itself in this war, for the chiefs there have given varied proofs of valor and constancy. General Regules has been put in command of the army of the centre, in place of General Arteaga. This distin- guished leader, assisted by Bonda, Garcia, and many others, will preserve the good name of the State, and may add new honors to its renown by future deeds of glory. The partisan leader, Ugalde, already so famous, has not failed to act in his line of business. He routed a force that was sent out after him from Mexico in San Felipe, and after a hard day's march had another encounter with the enemy, with the loss of a few of his men. As is usual, when republican news is reported in imperialist papers, Ugalde was said to be cut to pieces, and his force entirely destroyed. This was not true, for the formidable partisan made his appearance in a few days with a better force than before. The republican Escamilla routed the imperialists under Llorente, at Huasteca, and both leaders were killed in the action. It would be a tedious task to mention all the encounters of our partisans with the enemy ; suffice it to say, the republicans mostly get the advantage, and their number in the good cause increases, often swelled by those who had formerly figured in the intervention ranks when they had been forced to fight. General Juan Vicario belongs to this number ; he pronounced against the imperial gov- ernment in Matamoras. Fermin Valdes, lately killed in an encounter, was another of these. If a few of these partisans surrender, as Fragosa did, a sec- ond time, many others rise up to take his place, thus demonstrating that the contest will be interminable. In the State of Guerrero, where the public spirit has not been disturbed, the republican forces are increasing, and many of them joined General Diaz after his escape from prison. The brave sons of this State will soon have occasion to lend important aid to the national cause, as the port of Acapulco has been held since September by 500 men, under Montenegro, protected by the French fleet. When our garrison evacuated the town, most of the inhabitants left with them, and remained in the neighborhood, to prevent the entry of provisions for the enemy's use, as well as to harass them if they ventured outside. They can only get provisions now by sea. Many of the garrison are sick, and not a man can venture beyond the town without running the risk of capture. They would have been attacked and destroyed long ago but for the French vessels which protect them. They have lately received re-enforcements under a certain Torres, and, it is said, 500 more are coming from Mazatlan. For all this their position is not much better ; for, if they confine themselves to the port, disease and 28 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. hunger will destroy them; and if they venture into the interior, the obstacles and difficulties they meet with will he insuperable in a defensive warfare. General Escobedo having determined upon a new campaign in the frontier States, marched upon Matamoras with all the troops he could raise in Tamau- lipas, Nuevo Leon, and Coahuila. The first cavalry brigade was left to guard Monterey. On the r22d of October the northern army corps camped at Alvino Peiia, within cannon-shot of the town. General Escobedo sent Colonel Sostenes Rocha to demand a surrender of the place. As it was refused, trenches were made by the republicans and batteries erected preparatory to an assault. Tomas Mejia finding some confederate officers among Maximilian's troops had them shot, because he had been informed that they intended to surrender the place to Escobedo, if they found an opportunity. On the 24th orders were issued for the attack next day. General Hinojosa was placed on the right, General Cortinas on the left, and a feint was to be made in the centre to divert attention. At 2 o'clock on the morning of the 25th a north wind and hard rain came on and continued till 5. As the weather pre- vented an attack, the troops stationed on the flanks fell back. At half past four the signal for attack was given, but, as it could not be simultaneous, it failed, though commenced with vigor. Hinojosa advanced first and penetrated the city to Independence square. The enemy was repulsed ; but, being reinforced from the forts, and supported by the steamer Antonia that came up the river and took our forces in the rear, we had to retreat to our original position. General Hinojosa and Colonel Adolfo Garza were badly wounded in the engagement. At that moment the left wing came in with boldness. General Cortinas took one fort and disabled another; but the enemy's reserve being free, fell upon their new assailants and drove them back. They withdrew in good order. Thus an affair that would have been of signal importance was frustrated by accident. If the attack had been simultaneous instead of partial, the repub- licans would have been victorious. Mejia then sent out his cavalry three consecutive times to attack our centre, and was driven back each time. There was no formal attack made afterwards. Rain and wind continued without. interruption. Skirmishes were lively every day. On the 7th Canales attacked a steamer bringing some French marines to aid, wounded a few men, but the steamer passed. Hard weather, want of munitions, and the news of the evacuation of Monterey by the French caused, us to raise the siege of Matamoras, after vainly endea- voring to provoke Mejia to battle in the open field. Cortinas remained guard- ing the post while Escobedo marched towards Monterey, on the 14th of No- vember, with the Naranjo brigade ; the rest of the troops went into quarters. The reason why Matamoras was not taken having been explained, it is evi- dent that natural forces, over which we had no control, prevented its fall. The imperialists, with their usual mendacity, misrepresented this attack ; they called it a defeat ; did not give the correct list of losses, and represented the republicans as annihilated. If that had been the case, why did not Mejia come out and give chase to the fugitives ? Even after Cortinas was left alone in front of the town, the interventionists did not dare to attack him. During the siege, the American soldiers in Brownsville continued to applaud the besiegers. The traitors and French asserted that they furnished ammunition to the Mexicans. This was the cause of a warm correspondence between the French marine Clouet, Thomas Mejia, and the American General Weitzel, in which the last completely disproves his infraction of neutrality, but does not conceal his sympathy, and that of his men, for the cause of the Mexican republic. Weitzel sent Clouet an insolent note, and would have nothing more to do with the presumptuous marine. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 29 The evident preference of the American army, and all the people, for our cause, makes it hard for them to conceal their expressions ; and if the French troops do not withdraw from our soil this feeling will certainly bring about a conflict between France and the United States. General Escobedo, still design- ing to occupy Monterey, left Cadereyta Jimenez, the 22d of November, with the first and second New Leon brigades and two squadrons of Coahuila rifles, and stopped for the night at Guadalupe, one league from the said capital. It was known to Tinajero and Quiroga, in defence of the capital, that Kuperto Martinez had three hundred men for the republicans ; so they determined to attack us before that aid could come up. The attack was made on the 23d, and we stood it bravely. Then we attacked them, with Colonel Trevinos's cavalry in the flank and rear and the rest of our forces in front, and routed them com- pletely, taking many prisoners, and arms and ammunition of all sorts. The expected re-enforcements arriving the next day, the 24th, it was decided to storm the town. Three columns were arranged under Colonels Rocha and Naranjo, with commander Martinez. The attack was made so boldly the single forts soon fell into our hands, the garrison was dispersed, and the fugitives took refuge in the citadel and Obispo fort. The enemy's loss was great. As soon as our movements were known, Commander La Hayrie of Saltillo, and Jeanningros, just made general, who was going to Monclova, offered assist- ance to the besieged. La Hayrie, being the nearest, arrived first, reaching Mon- terey by forced marches on the morning of the 25th. He marched straight into the city and attacked us boldly ; but the republican infantry compelled him to retreat. Colonel Roca charged them with his cavalry, and drove them quite out of the city, with the loss of many killed and wounded. When General Escobedo was about to attack the French and traitors that had hid in the citadel and Obispo fort, he heard that Jeanningros was at San Francisco, only a league and a half from Monterey. As he had not enough forces to hold the place, he left it, in good order, at two o'clock in the afternoon of the same day, the 25th. We had gone but four leagues when the French cavaly overtook us, harass- ing our rear ; but we soon turned and drove them back. They returned to Monterey that night. Our troops continued their march unmolested to Camargo, where they intended to rest for a new campaign. Jeanningros's sudden arrival at Monterey annulled the good effect of our three successive victories on the 23d, 24th, and 25th November. Our repulse of Quiroga and Tinajero, in their first attack, was very commend- able ; and our subsequent assault and temporary capture of the city was a still more deserving feat. The commander said in his report of the affair : " With plenty of such soldiers, we would soon see the independence and liberty of our dear country secured." The interventionists distorted the events of Monterey as much as possible, according to their inveterate custom ; and the defeat of Tinajero and Quiroga at Guadalupe was changed into an imperial victory. The rout of La Hayrie was passed over in utter silence. They proclaimed a victory over the republi- can forces when they attacked our rear guard ; when we had only three wounded and eight scattered. The only thing they did not deny was the capture of Monterey, in which prevarication was impossible ; and that is the way im- perialists write history ! In order to concentrate the army, Marshal Bazaine ordered the withdrawal of the French that had invaded the States of New Leon, Coahuila, Chihuahua, Sinaloa, and Sonora in the months of September and October. This move- ment was made simultaneously, and was soon known by us. Jeanningros left Monterey and Saltillo for San Luis ; General Brincourt abandoned the State of Chihuahua, followed by all the traitors that had joined his party. This was a good lesson to those who had changed their principles so suddenly; they were 30 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. suddenly abandoned by tbeir new friends, the invaders. The French lift every part of Sinaloa, except the port of Mazatlan, and the garrison Boon began to desert that place too. And finally, all the foreign troops in Sonora left Ures and Hermosillo and concentrated in Gruaymas, which place Colonel Gamier Boon left for Mazatlan. Before the evacuation of Sonora a very lamentable accident occurred. Gen- eral Rosale8, who was compelled to quit Alamos, returned in AugU8f to attack the imperialists garrisoned there. This he did with his accustomed courage, but was beaten back with considerable loss, and perished in the fight. Such was the lamentable but glorious end of the victor at San Pedro. Long will the country remember his deeds. After the evacuation of Chihuahua, the President determined to return to the capital of that State. Before he left El Paso he ordered a town to be laid out at Presidio del Norte, and named it Ojinaga, after the gallant general of that name who perished in defence of the national cause. He issued a circular, or- dering all generals, chiefs, and officers who had left the republic without ex- press leave from the government, or those who had overstaid their leave, to be imprisoned as soon as they returned and tried for the offence. * * Two days before the government left this place it was honored by a ball given by the American officers in Fort Bliss, as a testimonial of their sympathy and esteem, which had been shown before on several occasions. When the government returned to Chihuahua the new governor and military commander was in power. When the French left, they appointed Felix Macey- ra as governor, upon the recommendation of the principal citizens. Then Colonel Jose Merino, political chief and military commander of the eastern frontier of the State, making use of the power conferred upon him by the government, made Luis Terrazas political chief and military commander of the capital, and he immediately assumed the position, and he was soon confirmed in it by the State government. There was this singular coincidence with Ter- razas : he had been made political prefect of the department by General Brin- court, when the French had possession, and confirmed by Maximilian. Both appointments were undoubtedly made on account of his popularity. Maximi- lian did not know him, but presumed he would lend himself to the cause of in- tervention. He was much mistaken. Mr. Terrazas's loyal and patriotic con- duct will be honored in all time to come. The President left El Paso on the 1 3th of November, and arrived in Chihua- hua on the 20th. An account of his reception there was published in a supple- ment to the official paper on the 21st. It is a faithful and exact report of the memorable celebration. * * * * * * The government had hardly got to Chihuahua when it w T as rumored that the French had returned to the State. At first the strange report was hard to be- lieve, for it could not be imagined why the enemy should come back and re- possess the same places they had just left. But it was a serious fact, and the invading forces rapidly approached the capital. They were not far off, when the government resolved to return to El Paso a second time. To judge from reports, the advance movement of the enemy was general, just as the retreat had been a few months before. In fact, Jeanningi-os came back from San Luis to Monclova about that time, driving out Andres S. Vi- ezca, governor and military commander of the State of Coahuila de Zaragoza, and following him almost to Piedras Negras. We do not know if the same happened in Sinaloa and Sonora, but we presume it did, as that was Marshal Bazaine's general plan. Generals Itubi and Corona have their forces united in Sinaloa to oppose the enemy. They have possession of the entire State, except the port of Mazat- lan, and they were approaching to take that. They are prepared for every emergency. As to Sonora, although Gandara had induced many of the semi- CONDITION OF AFFAIES IN MEXICO. 31 savages of the State to adhere to intervention, it is most probable he has been whipped by General Martinez and Colonel Correa, who went with a republican force to meet him. These chiefs, in union with General Garcia Morales, at any rate, will keep alive the flames of insurrection. The President of the republic reached this city on the 18th instant. At the distance of two leagues from town he was received by the local authorities, the principal citizens, and many country people. A band of music met him at the entrance of the. town, and accompanied him with crowds to the house prepared for his place of residence. The people applauded him as he advanced, and the firing of guns, the ringing of bells, and salvos of artillery expressed the public rejoicing. The houses of the principal streets were hung with curtains and flags. There was a banquet spread in the building prepared for the President, and it was attended by the local functionaries and many distinguished persons, some of whom carried their amiability so far as to wait on the table themselves. Many ladies called on the chief of the nation the next day, and he seemed de- lighted with the demonstration of preference thus displayed. General Ignacio Mejia was appointed minister of war on the 25th. The good services he has rendered his country on various occasions makes him worthy of the position. He was one of the chief defenders of the national cause on the memorable 5th of May, 1S62, and at the siege of Puebla, in the following year, where he was taken prisoner and sent to Prance. He has remained steadfast in his cause, and rejected indignantly all proposals of submission to the interven- tionist government. Now he has returned home, he will have an opportunity to devote himself anew to the service of his country, as he is now doing in the hio-h position to which he has been deservedly called by the confidence of the Presi- dent of the republic. A few days after the establishment of the government in this city, a report was circulated that the enemy from Chihuahua intended to attack us. This seemed very probable, as the invaders are doing all they can to drive the Chief Magistrate of the nation from Mexican territory. But it seems they are not in a condition to undertake new excursions, as the troops at the capital are not suf- ficient to garrison that place, and furnish an expedition against this, at the same time. It is even reported they are so weak, they are afraid of an attack from us, and are digging trenches and erecting fortifications for defence. _ In case of an attack upon us, we will be well prepared for it. Due prepara- tions for defence are making around us, and both the State and general govern- ments are collecting all the elements of war for the occasion. In case of the enemy's advance he will most probably meet with an unexpected resistance, ca- pable of frustrating his plans ; and even if it should not be so, he will scarcely succeed in driving the President from the national territory. All this will not put an end to the war that has already lasted four years ; nothing less than an abandonment of invasion will do it. The national cause is certainly in a better condition to-day than it was at the close of 1864. Great advances have been made against intervention in Europe, in the United States, and in our own republic, of late years, and we have taken care to note them down in the series of our reviews. The very probable withdrawal of the French troops ; the end of the civil war in the neighboring nation, and its firm position on the Monroe doctrine ; Maximilian's want of pecuniary means, and the im- possibility of obtaining them by loans ; the disorder of everything in the em- pire, and the determination in the country to resist foreign dominion— these are the marked advantages that have been gained within the last twelve months. Many anticipated advantages have been realized in 1865. We have good reason now to hope that French intervention will soon come to a close, and leave the Mexican republic to re-establish its former independence, and restore its liberal institutions before the end of the year of 1S66. Paso del Norte, December 31, 1865. ANTONIO DE CASTRO Y CARRILLO. 32 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. No. 11. Mr. Seward to Scnor Romero. Department op State, Washington, .hilij 6, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of jour communication of the lSth of May last, containing some extracts from a pamphlet entitled "The Foreign Question/' published at Paso del Norte, for the information contained in which be pleased to accept my thanks. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. Seiior Don Matias Romero, §t., fyc, fc. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. No. 12. Sen~or Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, May 28, 1866. Mr. Secretary : As one of the many proofs of barbarity perpetrated by the French troops now desolating Mexico with the pretext of restoring peace, I have the honor to send you, for the information of the government of the United States, a copy of No. 14 of the official paper of the government of the Mexican republic, of the 26th of April last, and desire to call your attention to the cor- respondence therein published by the department of war and marine, consisting of the following documents : 1. A communication from General A. S. Viezca, governor and military com- mander of the State of Coahuila, dated the 29th of January last, and addressed to the department mentioned, giving a report of his expeditions and stating that the French forces and interventionists had burnt the towns of Matamoras and Soledad and many houses in Viezca, all in that State, murdering fifty harmless and unarmed persons, two men over eighty years of age and a boy of twelve. 2. Two orders signed by Maximo Campos, chief of a column of intervention troops under the command of the French General Brincourt, dated the 9th and 10th of February last, and addressed to the associate judge of the town of San Lorenzo, commanding him to burn the houses of eleven persons who had de- serted his ranks, in which they had been forced, and to turn their families from their homes on account of the supposed crime ot their relatives. 3. The reply of General Ignacio Mejia, minister of war, to the note of Gov- ernor Viezca, before referred to. 4. A communication from General Luis Terrazas, governor of the State of Chihuahua, enclosing a note from the civil and military chief of the canton of Camargo, informing him that three hundred French had burnt the town of Atotonilco and several estates, one of them the Rancho de Palomas. 5. Another communication from the same Governor Terrazas, containing the report ot the mayor of Atotonilco, on the 13th of April, giving details of the destruction of that place by the French, who turned the inhabitants out of their houses, and burned everyone of them, thus leaving a number of innocent families without shelter. The mayor added that the French soon left to destroy the town of Rio Florido in the same manner, and on quitting the ruins of Atotonilco they said nobody should live there again, and they would return in a week and shoot any one who had come back to live there. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 33 6. And lastly, the minister of war's reply to the preceding communication. It seems to me unnecessary to comment upon these atrocities reported in the official documents I have the honor to enclose, as they plainly show the de- signs of the French in Mexico, and I have no doubt the government of the United States will coincide in the general opinion that is entertained. I embrace the occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurance of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc, fyc, fyc. [Translation from the official paper of the constitutional government of the Mexican repub- lic, No. 14.— Paso del Norte, April 22, 1866.] [Enclosure No. 1.] DEPARTMENT OF WAR AND MARINE. — GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COM- MANDANCY OP THE STATE OF COAHUILA DE ZARAGOZA. The result of our victories in San Carlos and San Juan de Guadalupe de- termined us to march against Parras. It was thought expedient to draw the attention of the enemy in another direction, and with this intent, Colonel Geronimo Trevino, who was near Monterey with all his forces, was ordered to harass the enemy in the State of New Leon until we could unite and attack Saltillo or Monterey. He thought it a good idea, and prepared to start for Saltillo on the 15th of last month. Two hundred men were ready when news came from Cuatro Cienagas that Colonel Jesus Gonzales Herrera had to quit Parras with three hundred men, as General Brincourt was marching upon that place with a division, and was soon to unite with the forces of Francisco Trevino and Maximo Campos. So our proposed expedition upon Saltillo had to be postponed. Not many days had passed when we heard the French had burned Mata- moras and Soledad, and all the houses of loyal citizens in the town of Viezca. We also heard they had murdered fifty unarmed and innocent people, among them two men eighty years of age, and a boy of twelve. After that Brincourt returned to Durango, leaving only three hundred men to garrison Viezca. Now, as Jeanningros's forces were scattered, and as there were only three hun- dred men in Monterey, we determined to take that place with Trevino and Naranjo to assist us. I cannot here omit a respectful mention of the people of this frontier. In spite of their destitution they furnished ammunition, clothes, and provisions to the troops raised in their region, and contributed nine thousand dollars to equip Colonel Naranjo's forces ; they also gave aid to Colonel Zepeda's regiment, and even went to manufacturing powder for the brave patriots that needed it so much. The best soldiers in our army come from that region, and the best of it is, they are all volunteers ! I cannot close this despatch without informing you that when Commander Victor Berlanga was returning from Guadalupe, he was surprised by a large troop of French, but escaped with the loss of a few provisions. I will communicate the detail of recent events to the department as soon as received. You will please bring this to the knowledge of the supreme chief of the republic. Independence and liberty ! The Minister op War, Paso del Norte. San Buenaventura, January 29, 1866. 3 mex. A. S. VIEZCA. EDUARDO MUZQUEZ, Secretary. 34 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 2.] government and commandancy of the state of coahuila de zaragoza. San Jose del Barrio, February 9, 1S66. As soon as you receive this order you will drive the families named in the margin out of their houses, as their fathers are deserters, and have them burnt, and if the inhabitants are refractory I will destroy the whole place. If any of the men make their appearance you will arrest them instantly and send them to me. MAXIMO CAMPOS, Commander-in- Chief. The Associate Judge of San Lorenzo. The names written in the margin are, Felix Rivera, Julian Rivera, Juan Car rillo, Encarnacion Mata, Maximo Agiiero, Isac Barrientos, Cruz Garcia, Eulogio Mesa, Pedro Anguiano, Bicardo Madril, and Bruno Mendez. [Enclosure No. 3.] Expeditionary column at Laguna, San Jose de los Alamos, February 10, 1S66. I have received your communication, and I am by no means pleased with your reply to rny orders to burn the houses of the deserters. What you say is only an evasion, an excuse for disobedience to superior orders, and it therefore becomes necessary to punish a judge severely as a warning to others. If my order to burn the houses, whether rented or owned, is not obeyed by the time my forces reach the place, the whole town shall be destroyed. MAXIMO CAMPOS, Commander-in- Chief. The Associate Judge of San Lorenzo. The two notes above are true copies of the originals, as certified by me, at San Jose del Burro, on the 19th of February, 1866. EDUARDO MUZQUIZ, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 4.] department of state, office of war and marine, section first. Paso del Norte, March 6, 1866. The President of the republic has received your communication of the 29th of January last, relating to the organization of a new company, and the oppor- tune aid of the citizens of the State. He is much pleased with this proof of their patriotism, and instructs me to thank you and them for signal services. He is indignant at the barbarous conduct of the French troops that came from Durango, under Brincourt, to burn the houses in Laguna, and murder many persons, among them two old men and a boy, in revenge for their defeat at San Carlos and San Juan de Guadalupe. Such acts are additional proofs of the negative CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 35 blessings of intervention, and of the inhuman and sanguinary method the French leader are adopting to terrify the people of the country since it is impossible to conquer them. Independence and liberty ! MEJIA. The Governor and Military Commander of the State of Coahuila de Zaragoza. [Enclosure No. 5.] GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE OF CHIHUAHUA. WAR SECTION NO. 39. In a communication of the 11th instant, the civil and military chief of the canton of Camargo writes to this department as follows : "Persons from Atotonilco report that three hundred French burnt that place yesterday, allowing families to leave. They say other places have been burned, Rancho de Palomas for instance, and it is not known whether the enemy will come on this way or go back." I send this for your information and consequent action. Independence and liberty ! Chihuahua, April 14, 1866. LUIS TERRAZxYS. The Minister of War and Marine, Paso del Norte. [Enclosure No. 6. ] GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE OF CHIHUAHUA. — -- WAR SECTION NO. 42. In a communication of the 13th instant, the civil chief of the canton of Ca- margo writes to this department as follows : " The mayor of Atotonilco reported to this office yesterday as follows : " The French, to the number of two hundred and fifty infantry and fifty cav- alry, reached this place at two o'clock day before yesterday, and having taken possession, ordered all the houses to be vacated, with three days' provisions, as it would be burned next morning, every house except the church and parsonage. At sunset a general pillage began and continued to a late hour of the night. The pillage was resumed next morning, and the houses were burned. The enemy left the town in ruins this morning, and marched towards Rio Florido, to serve that place in the same way. The only kindness to us was sparing our lives ; nobody was killed ; but they threaten to return in a week and shoot any one who dares to come back. " I beg you to publish this notice, and put it in the hands of the commander of the line. Communicate it also to the governor." I send you the above for the information of the President of the republic. Independence and liberty ! Chihuahua, April 17, 1866. LUIS TERRAZAS. The Minister of War, fyc, El Paso del Norte. [Enclosure No. 7.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, OFFICE OF WAR AND MARINE. — SECTION FIRST. The President of the republic has received your communication of the 17th instant, enclosing that of the civil prefect of Camargo, giving the particulars of 36 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. the burning and sacking of Atotonilco by three hundred French of the invading army. This shows their spite against patriots who will not give up their coun- try'.-; cause. The justice of our cause will finally punish these criminals for their inhuman acts at Atotonilco and elsewhere; and those who have suffered from their cruelty shall receive due reward and compensation for the destruc- tion of their property. Independence and liberty ! Paso del Norte, April 23, 1866. MEJIA. The Governor and Military Commander of the State, of Chihuahua. No. 13. Mr. Seward to SeTwr Romero. Department of State, Washington, July 7, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 28th of May last, containing No. 14 of the official paper of your govern- ment, which you transmit for the information of the government of the United States. Be pleased to accept my thanks for the same. I avail myself of the opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my ;jnost distinguished consideration. Senor Don Matias Romero, Sjv., fyc, Sfc. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. No. 14. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation. ] Washington, June 10, 1866. My Dear Sir: I deem proper to communicate to you a copy of a letter which I received to-day from the Hon. Robert 0. Schenck, member of Congress from the State of Ohio, dated the day before yesterday in this city, making some inquiries in relation to a bill which had been introduced in the House of Representatives of the United States Congress, to guarantee certain bonds of the Mexican government. I also enclose a copy of my answer which I give on this date, to General Schenck. I am, Mr. Secretary, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, 8/v., Sfc., Sfc. House of Representatives, Washington City, D. C, June S, 1866. Sir : You are doubtless aware that, as usually happens when any important measure is brought up as a subject of legislation, certain rumors have been set afloat to the prejudice of Mexican interests and of the efforts which the friends of the re- publican cause in your country have been making among us for its aid; namely, doubts to the effect that the proposed loan to Mexico may not be duly author- ized by your government ; and that, if guaranteed, the proceeds may in part fall CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 37 into the hands of speculators, instead of being wholly placed at the disposal of the republican government of Mexico. As I feel a deep solicitude for the cause which your government is struggling to maintain, will you, in order that I may be able, if necessary, to afford the proper explanations, have the goodness to inform me — 1. Is it under the direct auspices of the republic of Mexico that the proposal to guarantee such loan or loans is made ? 2. Will the entire proceeds of such loan or loans, if guaranteed, be placed at the uncontrolled disposal of your government, passing into the custody of its duly authorized agents and officials, and will the money thus realized be paid out duly in conformity with the orders or contracts of the said government ; in a word, solely for the benefit of the republic of Mexico ? 3. Will the bonds comprising said loan or loans be sold at the highest mar- ket price 1 4. And finally, are the proposed proceedings in the premises and the arrange- ments for the sale of any loan or loans that may be guaranteed by the United States satisfactory to yourself and to your government ? I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT 0. SCHENCK. His Excellency M. Romero, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Mexico, Washington, D. G. t Washington, Junio 10 de 1866. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. Washington, June 10, 1866. Dear Sir : I have had to-day the honor of receiving your letter of the 8th instant, informing me that, " as usually happens when any important measure is brought up as a subject of legislation, certain rumors have been set afloat to the prejudice of Mexican interests and of the efforts which the friends of the repub- lican cause in my country have been making for its aid ; namely, doubts to the effect that the proposed loan to Mexico may not be duly authorized by my gov- ernment ; and that, if guaranteed, the proceeds may in part fall into the hands of speculators instead of being wholly placed at the disposal of the republican gov- ernment of Mexico." You are kind enough to add that "you feel a deep solicitude for the cause which my government is struggling to maintain," and that, "in order to be able, if necessary, to afford the proper explanations," you ask me for information on four different points. It is very gratifying for me, sir, to see that men of your character and stand- ing take so deep an interest in the cause of my country as to make you disposed not only to render her material aid, but to collect the necessary information which may enable you to answer the objections which might be raised to the disadvantage of Mexico. I have noticed that the friends of Mexico, among- whom I am glad to say you occupy a prominent place, have introduced a resolution in the House of Repre- sentatives of the United States with a view to give the guarantee of the United States to some amount of Mexican bonds. Although we have not proposed such plan, it would be entirely satisfactory to us if approved by Congress and the Executive of the United States, as it would meet, in my opinion, all the 38 CONDITION OP AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. exigencies of the situation. Whatever may be the result of it, it will always be a source of great gratification to us to see that such an idea was conceived, and tried to be carried out, for the purpose of affording national aid to a neighboring people struggling for the cause of American nationality, self-government, and republican institutions. In what I have already written, I think I have answered your first question. My answer to your second question is as follows: Should the Mexican loan be guaranteed, I know of no reason why the proceeds of it should not be placed at the uncontrolled disposal of my government, passing into the custody of its duly authorized agents and officials. The money thus realized would be duly paid out in conformity with the orders or contracts of my said government, and only for the benefit of the republic of Mexico. In answer to your third question I have to state that the bonds comprising the loan so guaranteed would, of course, be sold at the highest market price that could be realized. In what I have written will be found, I believe, my answer to your fourth question. I will only add that my views and the views of my government in regard to the convenience and even necessity of obtaining means in this country to defend the independence and institutions of Mexico are fully expressed in a letter that I had the honor to address to the Secretary of State on the 23d of July, 1865, and which was sent by the President to Congress with his message of March 20, 1S66. (House Ex. Doc. No. 73, 39th Congress, 1st session, page 176.) As for the arrangements made for the sale of any loan that may be guaran- teed by the United States, I will state that we have made very equitable arrangements with a New York house which brought to market the Mexican bonds offered for sale in October last, and signed by General Carvajal as agent of the Mexican government. These arrangements are satisfactory to myself and to my government. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, M. ROMERO. Hon. Robert C. Schenck, 8fc., fyc., fyc, Washington, D. C. Washington, Junto 10, de 1S66. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. No. 15. Mr. Seward to Senor Romero. Department of State, WasJiington, July 7, 1S66. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 10th ultimo, containing a copy of a letter addressed to you by the honorable Robert C. Schenck in relation to a project to guarantee certain bonds of your government, and to thank you for the information. I embrace this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most dis- tinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don Matias Romero, Sp., fyc., fyc. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 39 No. 16. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation. J Washington, June 14, 1866. My dear Sir : I have the honor to transmit to you the copy of a letter I received yesterday from a reliable person in Bordeaux, dated the 31st of May last, giving me some important information relative to the intentions and plans of the French government in regard to Mexico. You are a better judge than I am of the im- portance to be attached to the information 1 deem it my duty to communicate to your department. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, 8fc, 8fc, fyc. [Enclosure. ] Bordeaux, May 31, 1856. Much Esteemed Friend : An ex-minister of Maximilian writes from Paris to an acquaintance here, that since the Austrian volunteers that were about to embark for Vera Cruz were disbanded at Mr. Seward's request, an effort is being made to retain most of the French soldiers in Mexico under Mexican colors. I heard another person assure that a loan of six millions of dollars a year for four years was negotiating in France, to be secured by the pledge of mineral lands to be worked by a French company, with the privilege of shipping the ore to Europe to be reduced. Don Manuel Larrainzar, who went to St. Petersburg as agent for Maximilian, to solicit the recognition of the Emperor of Russia, writes to an acquaintance on the 25th instant as follows : " On passing through Paris I had a conversation with Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys ; and, in spite of the opposition of a certain party and the embarrassing position in which the Emperor will be placed, I think the French government will ex- amine Mexican affairs in all particulars, and will endeavor to solve them so as to leave the government of our august sovereign free and unembarrassed." Senor Don Matias Romero, Washington. Washington, June 14, 1866. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. No. 17. Mr. Seward to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, July 7, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 14th ultimo, transmitting copy of a letter addressed to you by a gentleman of Bordeaux intending to show the intentions of the French government with regard to Mexico, and to thank you for the information. ' I embrace this opportunity to renew to you the assurance of my distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Senor Don Matias Romero, Sfc, fyc., fyc. _; 40 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. No. 18. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation to the United States of America, Washington, June 19, 1866. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, a lithograph copy in German, which I received by the last mail from Vera Cruz, of the proclamation dated the 19th of May last, addressed by the usurper Maximilian'to the Austrian and Belgian troops in his service, informing them that they would hereafter be paid by the French treas- ury, thus removing the obstacles of pay caused by the financial crisis in the so- called empire. I accept this occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. "William H. Seward, Sfc., Sfc, Sfc. [Enclosure.] To the officers, under-officers and soldiers of my Austrio- Belgian volunteer corps : Always mindful of the welfare and careful of the rights of my subjects, and remembering your oft-proved devotion and self-denial for my good during the present financial crisis, I have determined to accept the generous offer of mate- rial aid from France. From this time forward you will form part of one and the same division, you and your companions-in-arms, who are called to share your hardships and dangers. One administration will have the care of your gen- eral welfare ; but you will retain your excellent organization and your officers, whose capability and courage has served so often as a good example on the bat- tle-field and in the hour of victory. Thus are your rights and your interests secured, and now trust your emperor, who will always confide in your courage and good discipline. MAXIMILIAN", Emperor. A certified copy Mexico, May 19, 1866. THUN, General. No. 19. Mr. Seward to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, July 7, 1S66. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 19th ultimo, transmitting, for the information of the government of the United States, a lithograph copy, in German, of the proclamation addressed by the Prince Maximilian to the Austrian and Belgian troops in his service, informing them that they would henceforth be paid out of the French treasury. Be pleased to accept my thanks for the information. I embrace this opportunity to renew to you the assurance of my distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don M. Romero, Sfc., fyc, fye. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 41 No. 20. Sefior Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Washington, July 4, 1866. My dear Sir : Believing you will be interested in the reception of reliable information concerning the transport of foreign troops to Mexico, to sustain the usurpation of the ex- Archduke Maximilian, I take the liberty of enclosing to you, with this letter, No. 1870 of Le Temps, a French paper published the ISth of June last, in Paris, on the third page of which is an extract from the Phare de la Loire, of the 16th, reporting the departure of a detachment of the so-called Foreign Legion, composed of four officers and 190 subalterns and soldiers from Aix to Saint Nazaire, to embark on the steamer Emperatriz Eugenie for Vera Cruz ; and a number of Austrian officers, who were to have gone in the steamer Tampico, went to Saint Nazaire to take the steamer for the same destination. An English translation of the article from the Phare de la Loire is also enclosed. Your most attentive and obedient servant, M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, Sfc., Sfc., Sfc. [Enclosure. ] [Translation from Le Temps, Paris, June 18, 1866.] We read in the Phare de la Loire of the 16th of June : " A detachment of the Foreign Legion, consisting of four officers, 190 sub- officers and soldiers, coming from Aix, arrived to-day, at 1.40 p. m., at Mauves station, and started from there this evening by the 4.30 train, going to Saint Nazaire to take their passage on board the transatlantic steamer Imperatrice Eugenie for Vera (Jruz. "A number of the officers of the corps of Austrian volunteers, who were to have left for Mexico by the Tampico, but were forced to remain in Austria, have also reached Saint Nazaire, for the purpose of embarking for Mexico." No. 21. Mr. Sezvard to Sefior Romero. Department of State, Washington, July 12, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 4th instant, containing a copy of a paper called Le Temps, and to thank you for its contents. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Sefior Don Matias Romero, fyc., fyc, 8fc. 42 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. No. 22. ScTwr Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, Jul y 8, 1866. Mr. SECRETARY: Although I presume that you have received through the United States legation in Paris the series of documents on the Mexican ques- tion presented in June last by the French government to its legislative body, and published in the Moniteur of the 10th and 11th of June, I take the liberty of sending you an English translation of them with this note. I enclose to you also the debate of the 13th in the legislative body on Mexican affairs, published in the Moniteur of the 14th. These documents give a new proof of the little sincerity of the French gov- ernment in its pretexts for making war on Mexico. In the ultimatum of the French commissioners, De Saligny and Rear-Admiral Jurien de la Graviere, made in January, 1862, at Vera Cruz, it was required (article 1) that Mexico should pay France twelve millions of dollars in cash and without examination, as indemnity for all claims caused by injuries to French subjects up to the 31st of July, 1861. This was done at the same time that the French minister of foreign affairs acknowledged officially that Mexico could make no cash payment. Now — that is, after five years' war — when the damages to French subjects on account of it must be much greater than in times of peace, when the Emperor of the French is not treating with the national government of Mexico, which it songht to destroy and establish a monarchy upon its ruins, but with its mannikin, the so-called chief of the monarchical farce established by French bayonets and supported by French gold, the Emperor Napoleon consents to receive forty millions of francs, or eight millions of dollars, as indemnity for all damages up to September, 1865, and to take that sum in paper issued by fraud, pretend- ing it is an obligation of the nation, when he who issued it has no right to do it, or to burden the nation in any way, and which paper, despite the efforts of the French government to give it value, is so worthless that nobody would buy it in France, according to late dates, unless they got five hundred franc bonds for one hundred and seventy francs. We cannot find out by this computation what it has cost the French govern- ment to effect the arrangement, but it must be at least four times the sum it now agrees to accept as indemnity to French subjects. This alone shows that the object of the war made by the Emperor Napoleon on Mexico is not to obtain reparation for supposed grievances, as was pretended, but to overturn a republican government and commence a monarchical propa- ganda in this hemisphere. I also take the liberty respectfully to call your attention to Mr. Jules Favre's speech, and that part relating to the United States, of Mr. Jerome David, who was the spokesman of the French government. I embrace the occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc., Sp., Sfc. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 43 [Enclosure.] r Frorn the "Moniteur Universel,' 1 the official paper of the French government, Nos. 161 and 162, of the 10th and 11th of June, 1866, pages 723 and 730.] DIPLOMATIC DOCUMENTS, 1866-UNITED STATES-CONTINUATION OF THE CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE AFFAIRS OF MEXICO. The Secretary of State of the United States to Marquis de Montholon, French Minister at Washington. Washington, February 12, 1866. Sir: On the 6th of December I bad tbe honor to submit to you in writing, for the information of the Emperor, a communication upon the subject of affairs in Mexico, as affected by the presence of French armed forces in that country. On the 29th of January thereafter you favored me witb a reply to that com- munication, which reply had been transmitted to you by Mr. Drouyn de Lbuys, under tbe date of tbe 9th of the same month. I bave submitted it to the Pres- ident of the United States. It is now made my duty to revert to the interesting question which bas thus been brought under discussion. In tbe first place I take notice of the points which are made by Mr. Drouyn de Lbuys. He declares that the French expedition into Mexico had in it nothing hostile to the institutions of the New World, and still less of anything hostile to the United States. As proofs of this friendly statement, he refers to the aid in blood and treasure which France contributed in our ^evolutionary war to the cause of our national independence ; to the preliminary proposition that France made to us that we should join her in her expedition to Mexico ; and, finally, to the neutrality which France has practiced in the painful civil war through which we have just successfully passed. It gives me pleasure to acknowledge that the assurances thus given on the present occasion that the French expedi- tion, in its original design, had no political objects or motives, harmonize entirely with expressions which abound in tbe earlier correspondence of the minister of foreign affairs, which arose out of tbe war between France and Mexico. We accept with especial pleasure the reminiscences of our traditional friendship. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys next assures us that the French government is dis- posed to hasten, as much as possible, the recall of its troops from Mexico. We hail the announcement as being a virtual promise of relief to this government from the apprehensions and anxieties which were the burden of that communi- cation of mine which Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys has had under consideration. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys proceeds to declare that the only aim of France, in pursuing her enterprise in Mexico, bas been to follow up the satisfaction to which she had a right after having resorted to coercive measures, when measures of every other form had been exhausted. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys says that it is known how many and legitimate were the claims of French subjects which caused the resort to arms. He then reminds us how, on a former occasion, the United States had waged war on "Mexico. On this point it seems equally necessary and proper to say, that the war thus referred to was not made nor sought by the United States, but was accepted by them under provocations of a very grave character. The transaction is past and the necessity and justice of tbe proceedings of tbe United States are questions which now rest only within the province of history. France, I think, will acknowledge, that neither in the beginning of our Mexican war nor in its prosecution, nor in the terms on which we retired from that successful contest, did the United States assume any posi- tion inconsistent with the principles which are now maintained by us in regard to the French expedition in Mexico. We are, as we have been, in relations of amity and friendship equally with France and with Mexico, and therefore we cannot, consistently with those 44 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. relations, constitute ourselves a judge of the original merits of the war which is waged between them. We can speak concerning that war only so far as we are affected by its bearing upon ourselves and upon republican and American institutions on this continent. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys declares that the French army, in entering Mexico, did not carry monarchical traditions in the folds of its flag. In this connection he refers to the fact that there were at the time of the expedition anumber of influential men in Mexico who despaired of obtaining order out of the conditions of the republican rule then existing there, and who, therefore, cherished the idea of falling back upon monarchy. In this connection we are further reminded that one of the later presidents of Mexico offered to use his power for the i-e-establishment of royalty. We are further informed that at the time of the French invasion the persons before referred to deemed the moment to have arrived for making an appeal to the people of Mexico in favor of monarchy. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys remarks that the French government did not deem it a duty to discourage that supreme effort of a powerful party, which had its origin long anterior to the French expedition. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys observes that the Emperor, faithful to maxims of public right which he holds in common with the United States, declared on that occasion that the question of change of institutions rested solely on the suffrages of the Mexican people. In support of this statement, Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys gives us a copy of a letter which the Emperor addressed to the com- mander-in-chief of the French expedition on the capture of Pueblo, which letter contained the following words: "Our object, you know, is not to impose on the Mexicans a government against their will, nor to make our success aid the tri- umph of any party whatsoever. I desire that Mexico may rise to a new life, and that soon, regenerated by a government founded on the national will, on principles of order and of progress, and of respect for the laws of nations, she may acknowledge by her friendly relations that she owes to France her repose and her prosperity." Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys pursues his argument by saying that the Mexican people have spoken ; that the Emperor Maximilian has been called by the voice of the country ; that his government has appeared to the Emperor of the French to be of a nature adequate to restore peace to the nation, and, on its part, peace to international relations, and that he has therefore given it his support. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys thereupon presents the following as a true statement of the present case: France went to Mexico to exercise the right of war, which is exercised by the United States, and not in virtue of any purpose of intervention, concerning which she recognizes the same doctrine with the United States. France went there not to bring about a monarchical proselytism, but to obtain reparations and guarantees which she ought to claim ; and, being there, she now sustains the government which is founded on the consent of the people, because she expects from that government the just satisfaction of her wrongs, as well as the securities indispensable to the future. As she does not seek the satisfaction of an exclusive interest, nor the realization of any ambitious schemes, so she now wishes to recall what remains in Mexico of the army corps which France has sent (here, at the moment when she will be able to do so Avith safety to French citizens and with due respect for herself. I am aware how delicate the discussion is to which Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys thus invites me. France is entitled, by every consideration of respect aud friendship, to interpret for herself the objects of the expedition, and of the whole of her proceedings in Mexico. Her explanation of those motives and objects is, therefore, accepted on our part with the consideration and confidence which we expect for explanations of our own when assigned to France or any other friendly power. Nevertheless, it is my duty to insist that, whatever were the intentions, purposes, and objects of France, the proceedings which were CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 45 adopted by a class of Mexicans for subverting tbe republican government there, and for availing themselves of French intervention to establish on its ruins an imperial monarchy, are regarded by the United States as having been taken without the authority, and prosecuted against the will and opinions, of the Mexican people. For these reasons it seems to this government that, in sup- porting institutions thus established in derogation of the inalienable rights of the people of Mexico, the original purposes and objects of the French expedi- tion, though they have not been, as a military demand of satisfaction, aban- doned, nor lost out of view by the Emperor of the French, were, nevertheless, left to fall into a condition in which they seem to have become subordinate to a political revolution, which certainly would have not occurred if France had not forcibly intervened, and which, judging from the genius and character of the Mexican people, would not now be maintained by them if that armed interven- tion should cease. The United States have not seen any satisfactory evidence that the people of Mexico have spoken, and have called into being or accepted the so-called empire which it is insisted has been set up in their capital. The United States, as I have remarked on other occasions, are of opinion that such an acceptance could not have been freely procured or lawfully taken at any time in the presence of the French army of invasion. The withdrawal of the French forces is deemed necessary to allow such a proceeding to be taken by Mexico. Of course the Emperor of France is entitled to determine the aspect in which the Mexican situation ought to be regarded by him. Nevertheless, the view which I have thus presented is the one which this nation has accepted. It therefore recognizes, and must continue to recognize, in Mexico only the ancient republic, and it can in no case consent to involve itself, either directly or indirectly, in relations with or recognition of the institution of the Prince Maximilian in Mexico. This position is held, I believe, without one dissenting voice by our country- men. I do not presume to say that this opinion of the American people is accepted or will be adopted generally by other foreign powers, or by the public opinion of mankind. The Emperor is quite competent to form a judgment upon this important point for himself. I cannot, however, properly exclude the observation that, while this question affects by its bearings, incidentally, every republican state in the American hemisphere, every one of those states has adopted the judgment which, on the behalf of the United States, is herein expressed. Under these circumstances it has happened, either rightfully or wrongfully, that the presence of European armies in Mexico, maintaining a European prince with imperial attributes, without her consent and against her will, is deemed a source of apprehension and danger, not alone to the United States, but also to all the independent and sovereign republican states founded on the American continent and its adjacent islands. France is acquainted with the relations of the United States towards the other American states to which I have referred, and is aware of the sense that the American people entertain in regard to the obligations and duties due from them to those other states. We are thus brought back to the single question which formed the subject of my communication of the 6th of December last, namely, the desirableness of an adjustment of a question the continuance of which must be necessarily preju- dicial to the harmony and friendship which have hitherto always existed be- tween the United States and France. This government does not undertake to say how the claims of indemnity and satisfaction, for which the war which France is waging in Mexico was originally instituted, shall now be adjusted, in discontinuing what, in its progress, has become a war of political intervention dangerous to the United States and to republican institutions in the American hemisphere. Recognizing France and the republic of Mexico as belligerents engaged in war, we leave all questions concerning those claims and indemnities to them. The United States rest con- 46 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. tent with submitting to France the exigencies of an embarrassing situation in Mexico, and expressing the hope that France may find some manner which shall at once be consistent with her interest and honor, and with the principles and interest of the United States, to relieve that situation without injurious delay. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys repeats on this occasion what he has heretofore writ- ten, namely, that it depends much upon the federal government to facilitate their desire of the withdrawal of tlie French forces from Mexico. He argues that the position which the United States have assumed has nothing incom- patible with the existence of monarchical institutions in Mexico. He draws to his support on this point the fact that the President of the United States, as well as the Secretary of State, in official papers, disclaim all thought of propa- gandism on the American continent in favor of republican institutions. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys draws in, also, the fact that the United States hold friendly relations with the Emperor of Brazil, as they held similar relations with Itur- bide, the Mexican Emperor, in 1822. From these positions Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys makes the deduction that neither any fundamental maxim, nor any prece- dent in the diplomatic history of this country, creates any necessary antagonism between the United States and the form of government over which the Prince Maximilian presides in the ancient capital of Mexico. I do not think it would be profitable, and therefore I am not desirous to engage in the discussions which Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys has thus raised. It will be sufficient for my purpose, on the present occasion, to assert and to give reassurance of our desire to facilitate the withdrawal of the French troops from Mexico, and, for that purpose, to do whatsoever shall be compatible with the positions we have heretofore taken upon that subject, and with our just regard to the sovereign rights of the republic of Mexico. Further or otherwise than this France could not expect us to go. Having thus reassured France, it seems necessary to state anew the position of this government, as it was set forth in my letter of the 6th of December, as follows : Republican and domestic institu- tions on this continent are deemed most congenial with and most beneficial to the United States. Where the people of any country, like Brazil now, or Mex- ico in 1S22, have voluntarily established and acquiesced in monarchical institu- tions of their own choice, free from all foreign control or intervention, the United States do not refuse to maintain relations with such governments, or seek through propaganclism, by force or intrigue, to overthrow those institutions. On the contrary, where a nation has established institutions republican and domestic, similar to our own, the United States assert in their behalf that no foreign nation can rightfully intervene by force to subvert republican institu- tions and establish those of an antagonistic character. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys seems to think that I have made a double reproach against the Prince Maximilian's alleged government, of the difficulty it en- counters and of the assistance it borrows from foreign powers. In that respect Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys contends that the obstacles and the resistance which Maximilian has been obliged to wrestle with have in themselves nothing es- pecial against the form of the institutions which he is supposed by Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys to have established. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys maintains that Maxi- milian's government is undergoing the lot quite common to new powers, while, above all, it has the misfortune to have to bear the consequences of discords which have been produced under a previous government. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys represents this misfortune and this lot to be in effect the misfortune and lot of governments which have not found armed competitors, and which have enjoyed in peace an uncontrolled authority. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys alleges that revolts and intestine wars are the normal condition of Mexico, and he fur- ther insists that the opposition made by some military chiefs to the establish- ment of an empire under Maximilian is only the natural sequence of the same CONDITION OF AFFAIES IN MEXICO. 47 want of discipline, and the same prevalence of anarchy, of which his predeces- sors of power in Mexico have been victims. It is not the purpose, nor would it be consistent with the character of the United States, to deny that Mexico has been for a long time the theatre of faction and intestine war. The United States confess this fact with regret, all the more sincere, because the experience of Mexico has been not only painful for her own people, but has been also of unfortunate evil influence on other nations. On the other hand, it is neither a right of the United States, nor consistent with their friendly disposition towards Mexico, to reproach the people of that country with her past calamities, much less to invoke or approve of the inflic- tion of punishment upon them by strangers for their political errors. The Mex- ican population have, and their situation has, some peculiarities which are doubt- less well understood by France. Early in the present century they were forced, by convictions which mankind cannot but respect, to cast off a foreign monarch- ical rule which they deemed incompatible with their welfare and aggrandize- ment. They were forced, at the same time, by convictions which the world must respect, to attempt the establishment of republican institutions, without the full experience and practical education and habits which would render those in- stitutions all at once firm and satisfactory. Mexico was a theatre of conflict between European commercial, ecclesiastical, and political institutions and dog- mas, and novel American institutions and ideas. She had African slavery, colonial restrictions, and ecclesiastical monopolies. In the chief one of these particulars she had a misfortune which was shared by the United States, while the latter were happily exempted from the other misfortunes. We cannot forget that Mexico, sooner and more readily than the United States, abolished slavery. We cannot deny that all the anarchy in Mexico, of which Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys complains, was necessarily, and even wisely, endured in the attempt to lay sure foundations of broad republican liberty. I do not know whether France can rightfully be expected to concur in this view, which alleviates, in our mind, the errors, misfortunes, and calamities of Mexico. However this may be, we fall back upon the principle that no foreign state can rightly intervene in such trials as those of Mexico, and, on the ground of a desire to correct those errors, deprive the people there of their natural right of domestic and republican freedom. All the injuries and wrongs which Mexico can have committed against any other state have found a severe punishment in consequences which legitimately followed their commission. Nations are not authorized to correct each other's errors except so far as is necessary to prevent or redress injuries affecting themselves. If one state has a right to intervene in any other state to establish discipline, constituting itself a judge of the occasion, then every state has the same right to intervene in the affairs of every other na- tion, being itself alone the arbiter, both in regard to the time and the occasion. The principle of intervention, thus practically carried out, would seem to render all sovereignty and independence, and even all international peace and amity, uncertain and fallacious. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys proceeds to remark that as for the support which Maximilian receives from the French army, as well also as for the support which has been lent to him by Belgian and Austrian volunteers, those supports cause no hindrance- to the freedom of his resolutions in the affairs of his govern- ment. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys asks what state is there that does not need allies, either to form or to defend. As to the great powers, such as France and England, do they not constantly maintain foreign troops in their armies 1 When the United States fought for their independence, did the aid given by France cause that movement to cease to be truly national? Shall it be said that the contest between the United States and the recent insurgents was not in a like manner a national war, because thousands of Irishmen and Germans were found fighting under the flag of the Union? Arguing from anticipated answers to these ques- 48 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. tions, Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys reaches a conclusion that the character of Maxi- milian'^ government cannot be contested, nor can its efforts to consolidate itself he contested, on the ground of the employment of foreign troops. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, in this argument, seems to us to have overlooked two important tacts, namely: first, tliat the United States, in this correspondence, have assigned definite limits to the right of alliance incompatible with our assent to his argument ; and secondly, the fact that the United States have not at any time accepted the supposed government of the Prince Maximilian as a constitu- tional or legitimate form of government in Mexico, capable or entitled to form alliances. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys then arranges, in a graphic manner, the advantages that have arisen, or are to arise, to the United States, from the successful estab- lishment of the supposed empire in Mexico. Instead of a country unceasingly in trouble, and which has given us so many subjects of complaint, and against which we ourselves have been obliged to make war, he shows us in Mexico a pacific country, under a beneficent imperial sway, offering henceforth measures of security and vast openings to our commerce, a country far from injuring our rights and hurting our influences. And he assures us that, above all other na- tions, the United States are most likely to profit by the work which is being accomplished by Prince Maximilian in Mexico. These suggestions are as nat- ural on the part of Prance as they are friendly to the United States. The United States are not insensible to the desirableness of political and commercial reform in the adjoining country ; but their settled principles, habits, and con- victions forbid them to look for such changes in this hemisphere to foreign, royal, or imperial institutions, founded upon a forcible subversion of republican institutions. The United States, in their customary sobriety, regard no bene- ficial results which could come from such a change in Mexico as sufficient to overbalance the injury which they must directly suffer by the overthrow of the republican government in Mexico. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, at the end of his very elaborate and able review, re- capitulates his exposition in the following words : "The United States acknowl- edge the right we had to make war in Mexico. On the other part, we admit, as they do, the principle of non-intervention. This double postulate includes, as it seems to me, the elements of an agreement. The right to make war, which belongs, as Mr. Seward declares, to every sovereign nation, implies the right to secure the results of war. We have not gone across the ocean merely for the purpose of showing our power, and of inflicting chastisement on the Mexican government. After a train of fruitless remonstrances, it was our duty to demand guarantees against the recurrence of violence from which our country had suf- fered so cruelly, and those guarantees we could not look for from a government whose bad faith we had proved on so many occasions. We find them now en- gaged in the establishment of a regular government which shows itself disposed to honestly keep its engagements. In this relation we hope that the legitimate object of our expedition will soon be reached, and we are striving to make with the emperor Maximilian arrangements which, by satisfying our interests and our honor, will permit us to consider at an end the service of the army upon Mexican soil. The Emperor has given an order to write in this same sense to our minister at Mexico. We fall back at that moment on the principle of non- intervention, and from that moment accept it as the rule of our conduct. Our interest, no less than our honor, commands us to claim from all the uniform ap- plication of it. Trusting the spirit of equity which animates the cabinet of Washington, we expect from it the assurance that the American people will themselves conform to the law which they invoke, by observing, in regard to Mexico, a strict neutrality. When you [meaning the Marquis de Montholon] shall have informed me of the resolution of the federal government, I shall be CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 49 able to indicate to you the nature of the results of our negotiation with the em- peror Maximilian for the return of our troops." I bave already, and not without much reluctance, made the comments upon the arguments of Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys which seem to be necessary to guard against the inference of concurrence in questionable positions which might be drawn from our entire silence. I think that I can, therefore, afford to leave his recapitulation of those arguments without such an especial review as would necessarily be prolix, and perhaps hypercritical. The United States have not claimed, and they do .not claim, to know what arrangements the Emperor may make for the adjustment of claims for indemnity and redress in Mexico. It would be, on our part, an act of intervention to take cognizuice of them. We adhere to our position that the war in question has become a political war be- tween France and the republic of Mexico, injurious and dangerous to the United States and to the republican cause, and we ask only that in that aspect and character it may be brought to an end. It would be illiberal on the part of the United States to suppose that, in desiring or pursuing preliminary arrangements, the Emperor contemplates the estahlishment in Mexico, before withdrawing his forces, of the very institutions which constitute the material ground of the ex- ceptions taken against his intervention by the United States. It would be still more illiberal to suppose for a moment that he expects the United States to bind themselves indirectly to acquiesce in or support the obnoxious institutions. On the contrary, we understaud him as announc'ng to us his immediate pur- pose to bring to an end the service of his armies in Mexico, to withdraw them, and in good faith to fall back, without stipulation or condition on our part, upon the principle of non-intervention upon which he is henceforth agreed with the United States. We cannot understand his appeal to us for an assurance that we ourselves will abide by our own principles of non-intervention in any other sense than as the expression, in a friendly way, of his expectation that when the people of Mexico shall have been left absolutely free from the operation, effects, and con- sequences of his own political and military intervention, we will ourselves respect their self-established sovereign' y and independence. In this view of the subject only can we consider his appeal pertinent to the case. Regarding it in only this aspect, we must meet the Emperor frankly. He knows the form and char- acter of this government. The nation can be bound only by treaties which have the concurrence of the President and two-thirds of the Senate. A formal treaty would be objectionable as unnecessary, except as a disavowal of bad faith on our part, to disarm suspicion in regard to a matter concerning which we have given no cause for questioning our loyalty, or else such a treaty would be refused upon the ground that the application for it by the Emperor of France was un- happily a suggestion of some sinister or unfriendly reservation or purpose on his part in withdrawing from Mexico. Diplomatic assurances given by the President in behalf of the nation can at best be but tiie expressions of confident expecta- tion on his part that the personal administration, ever changing in conformity and adaptation to the national will, does not misunderstand the settled principles and policy of the American people. Explanations cannot properly be made by the President in any case wherein it would be deemed, for any reason, objec- tionable on grounds of public policy by the treaty-making power of the govern- ment to introduce or entertain negotiations. With these explanations I proceed to say that, in the opinion of the President, France need not for a moment delay her proposed withdrawal of military forces from Mexico, and her putting the principle of non-intervention into fall and complete practice in regard to Mexico, through any apprehension that the United States will prove unfaithful to the principles and policy in that respect whi h, on their behalf, it has been, my duty to maintain in this now very lengthened correspondence. The practice of this government, from its beginning, is a guarantee to all nations of the respect of the American people for the free sover- 4 MBX. 50 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. eignty of the people in every other Btate. We received the instruction from \\ ashington. We applied it Bternly in our early intercourse even wiih France. The game principle and practice have been uniformly inculcated by all our statesmen, interpreted by all our jurists, maintained by all our Congresses, and acquiesced in without practical dissent on all occasions by the American people. It is in reality the chief element of foreign intercourse iii our history. Looking Biff) ply toward the point to which our attention has been steadily confined, the re- lief of the Mexican embarrassments without disturbing our relation with France, we shall be gratified when the Emperor shall give to us, either through the channel of your esteemed correspondence or otherwise', definitive information <.f the time when French military operations may be expected to cease in .Mexico. Here I might perhaps properly conclude this note. Some i.bscmity, however, might be Buppostd to rest upon the character of. the principle of non-intervention, which avc are authorized to suppose is now agreed upon between the United ►States and France as a rule for their future government in regard to Mexico. 1 shall, therefore, reproduce on this occasion, by way of illustration, some of the forms in which that principle has been maintained by us in our previous inter- course with France. In 1861, when alluding to the possibility that the Em- peror might be invoked by rebel emissaries from the United States to intervene in our civil war, I observed : " The Emperor of France has given abundant proofs that he considers the people in every country the rightful source of authority, and that its only legitimate objects are their safety, freedom, and welfare." I wrote, also, on the same occasion, these words to Mr. Da\tou : "I have thus, under the President's direction, placed before you a simple, unexaggerated, and dispassionate statement of the origin, nature, and purpose of the contest in which the United States are now involved. I have done so only for the pur- pose of deducing from it the arguments you will find it necessary to employ in opposing the application of the so-called Confederate States to the government of his Majesty the Emperor for a recognition of their independence and sover- eignty. The President neither expects nor desires any intervention, or even any favor, from the government of France, or any other, in this emergency. Whatever else he may consent to do, he will never invoke or even admit foreign interference or influence in this'or any other controversy in which the government of the United States may be engaged with any portion of the American people. ******* * " Foreign intervention would oblige us to treat those who should yield it as allies of the insurrectionary party, and to carry on the war against them as en- emies. " However other European powers may mistake, his Majesty is the last one of those sovereigns to misapprehend the nature of this controversy. He knows that the revolution of 177G, in this country, was a successful contest of the great American idea of free, popular government against resisting prejudices and errors. He knows that the conflict awakened the sympathies of mankind, and that ulti- mately the triumph of that idea has been hailed by all European nations. He knows at what cost European nations for a time resisted the progress of that idea, and, perhaps, is not unwilling to confess how much France, especially, has profited by it. He will not fail to recognize the presence of that one great idea in the present conllict, nor will he mistake the side on which it will be found. It is, in short, the very principle of universal suffrage, Avith its claim of obedi- ence to its decrees, on which the government of France is built, that is put in issue by the insurrection here, and is in this emergency to be vindicated and more effectually than ever established by the government of the United States." In writing upon the same subject to Mr. Dayton, on the 30th of May, 1861, I said : " Nothing is wanting to that success except that foreign nations shall leave us, as is our right, to manage our own affairs in our own way. They, as well as we, can only suffer by their intervention. No one, we are sure, can judge CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 51 better than the Emperor of France how dangerous and deplorable would be the emergency that should intrude Europeans into the political contests of the Amer- ican people." In declining- the offer of French mediation, on the 8th of June, 1861, I wrote to Mr. Dayton : " The present paramount duty of the government is to save the integrity of the American Union. Absolute, self sustaining independence is the first and most indispensable element of national existence. This is a repub- lican nation; all its domestic affairs must be conducted and even adjusted in constitutional forms, and upon constitutional, republican principles. This is an American nation, and its internal affairs must not only be conducted with refer- ence to its peculiar continental position, but by and through American agencies alone." On the 1st of August, 1862, Mr. Adams was instructed by this government in the following words : " Did the European states which found and occupied this continent almost without effort then understand its real destiny and pur- poses ? Have they ever yet fully understood and accepted them 1 Has any- thing but disappointment upon disappointment and disaster upon disaster re- sulted from their misapprehensions ? After near four hundred years of such disappointments and disasters, is the way of Providence in regard to America still so mysterious that it cannot be understood and confessed ? Columbus, it was said, had given a new world to the kingdoms of Castile and Leon. What has become of the sovereignty of Spain in America ? Kichelieu occupied and fortified a large portion of the continent, extending from the Gulf of Mexico to the straits of Belle Isle. Does France yet retain that important appendage to the crown of her sovereign 1 Great Britain acquired a dominion here surpass- ing by a hundred-fold in length and breadth the native realm. Has not a large portion of it been already formally resigned 1 To whom have those vast do- minions, with those founded by the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the Swedes, been resigned but to American nations, the growth of European colonists and exiles, who have come hither, bringing with them the arts, the civilization, and the virtues of Europe 1 Has not the change been beneficial to society on this continent 1 Has it not been more beneficial even to Europe itself than continued European domination, if it had been possible, could have been 1 The American nations which have grown up here are free and self-governing. They have made themselves so from inherent vigor and obedience to absolute necessity. Is it possible for European states to plunge them again into a colonial state and hold them there ? Would it be desirable for them and for Europe, if it were possible ? The balance of power among the nations of Europe is maintained not without numerous strong armies and frequent conflicts, while the sphere of political ambition there is bounded by the ocean which surrounds that continent. Would it be possible to maintain it at all, if this vast continent, with all its populations, their resources, and their forces, should once again be brought within that sphere ? " On the contrary of all these suppositions, is it not manifest that these American nations were called into existence to be the home of freemen ; that the states of Europe have been intrusted by Providence with their tutelage, but that tutelage and all its responsibilities and powers are necessarily with- drawn to the relief and benefit of the parties and of mankind, when these par- ties become able to choose their own system of government, and to make and administer their own laws % If they err in this choice, or in the conduct of their affairs, it will be found wise to leave them, like all other states, the privilege and responsibility of detecting and correcting the error, by which . they are, of course, the principal sufferers." On the 8th of May, 1S62, Mr. Dayton was instructed to express to Mr. Thouvenel " the desire of the United States that peaceful relations may soon 52 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. be restored between France and Mexico upon a basis just to both parties and favorable to the independence and sovereignty of the people of Mexico, which is equally the interest of France and all other enlightened nations." On ihe 21st of dune, 1862, Mr, Dayton was authorized to speak on behalf of tin- United Slates concerning the condition of Mexico in these words: "France has a right to make war against Mexico, and to determine for herself the cause. We have a right to insist that France sliali not improve the war she makes to raise up in Mexico an anti-republican or anti-American government, or to maintain such a government there." Accept, sir, a renewed assurance of my high consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. The minister of foreign affairs to tlie French minister in Washington. Paris, April 5, 1SG6. Si a : I have read, with all the attention which it deserves, the answer of the Secretary of State to my despatch of the 9th of January last. The scrupulous care with which Mr. Seward lias pleased to analyze that despatch, and the ex- tended considerations upon which he has entered to define, in regard to the expose which 1 have made of the conduct of France in the affairs of Mexico, the doc- trines wh ch are the basis of the international policy of the United States, bear witness in our eyes of the interest which the cabinet of Washington attaches to putting aside all misapprehension. We find therein the evidence of its desire to cause the sentiments of amity which the traditions of a long alliance have cemented between our two conn- tries to prevail over the accidental divergencies, often inevitable, in the move- ment of affairs and the relations of governments. It is in this disposition that we have appreciated the communication which the Secretary of State has ad- dressed to you, the 12th of January last. I will not follow Mr. Seward in the developments he has given to the exposition of the principles which direct the policy of the American Union. It does not appear to me opportune or profita- ble to prolong, on points of doctrine or of history, a discussion, where we may differ in opinion from the government of the United States, without danger to the interests of the two countries. I think it better to serve those interests by abstaining from discussing assertions — in my opinion very contestable — in order to take action on assurances which may contribute to facilitate our understanding. We never hesitate to offer to our friends the explanations they ask from us, and we hasten to give to the cabinet of Washington all those which may en- lighten it on the purpose we are pursuing in Mexico, and on the loyalty of our intentions. We have said to it, at the same time, that the certainty we should acquire of its resolution to observe in regard to that country, after our departure, a policy of non-intervention, would hasten the moment when it would be possible for us, without compromising the interests which led us there, to withdraw our troops, and put an end to an occupation, the duration of which we are sincerely desirous to abridge. In his despatch of the 12th February last Mr. Seward calls to mind, on his part, that the government of the United States has con- formed during the whole course of its history to the rule of conduct which it received from Washington, by practicing invariably the principle of non-inter- vention, and adds that nothing justifies the apprehension that it should show itself unfaithful in what may concern Mexico. We receive this assurance with entire confidence, and we find therein a sufficient gui rantee not any longer to delay the adoption of measures intended to prepare for the return of our army. The Emperor has decided that the French troops shall evacuate Mexico in CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 53 three detachments : the first being intended to depart in the month of Novem- ber, 1866 ; the second in March, 1867 ; and the third in the month of November of the same year. You will please to communicate this decision officially to the Secretary of State. Keceive, marquis, the assurance of my high consideration. DROUYN DE LHUYS. Drouyn de Lhuys to M. Dano, French minister in Mexico. Paris, August 14, 1S65. Sir : I am in receipt of your despatches up to the 10th of July. What you write concerning our claims attracted my attention in a most particular manner. You were right in judging that the necessity which existed for a speedy settle- ment with our countrymen would prompt us to abate in some measure our legitimate demands. I am of opinion myself that the settlement in round figures, which you have proposed for adoption to the government of Maximilian, would be on the whole advantageous to our citizens, and, of course, acceptable to us. For this reason I would request you to insist in the most urgent manner in order to obtain, without delay, the adherence of the Mexican government to the plan of settle- ment which you have arranged. Keceive, &c. DROUYN DE LHUYS. The French minister in Mexico to the minister of foreign affairs. Mexico, September 28, 1865. Excellency : I have received the despatch which you did me the honor to address me on the 14th of August last. Your excellency having thought fit to approve the settlement in a lump which I proposed for adoption to the government of the emperor Maximilian, in order to arrive at a speedy conclusion of this business relating to French claims, I have resumed, with renewed activity, this important negotiation, which, however, I had not for one moment let out of sight. I have this day the satisfaction of being able to announce that my efforts have not been altogether fruitless, and that I signed yesterday an agreement which, if I mistake not, will satisfy every interest at stake in this matter. Be pleased to accept, &c. DANO. Certain modifications in form having become necessary, the ratification of the above mentioned agreement was delayed some time. The principal points in it, however, are set forth below. According to this plan the total indemnity due to Franee for injuries done to the persons aud property of her citizens by Mexican governments or agents is fixed in bulk at the sum of forty millions of francs. This amount is to be paid in Mexican bonds, at par, and the French government is to divide these among its citizens who have claims, according to its own judg- ment of what is proper and convenient. The French government has already in hand, as trustee, a payment on account amounting to twelve millions of francs in bonds of the first Mexican loan, which was negotiated in Paris at sixty-three. These twelve millions should represent, at par, the sum of sixteen millions four 54 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. hundred and forty thousand francs. The remaining twenty-three millions five hundred and sixty thousand francs Bhall be paid in bonds of the .-Mine issue, at par, through the Mexican financial commission established al Paris. After having delivered the bonds for this amount of forty millions of francs, the Mexi- can governmenl is to be considered as free from all liability as regards the claims of Frenchmen that shall have been presented up to that date; and the French government binds itself not to intervene in la\ or of any claims that may be pre- sented therea ter for past damages. As a consequence of this settlement article twelve of the agreement signed at Miramar on the ISth of April, 1864, is abro- gated in so far as it relates to French claims. The minister of foreign affairs to the French minister in Mexico. Paris, November 14, 1S65. Sir: I have laid before the council of ministers the plan of settlement which you transmitted in your despatch of September 28, and it was made the subject of special deliberation. Two questions were raised and discussed in succession, namely : the amount of our indemnity, and the manner of payment requisite. When the government of the Emperor decided upon accepting a settlement in the lump of French claims, Marshal Bazaine was instructed to demand for that object of the Mexican government the remittance of fifty millions of francs in bonds of the second Mexican loan. These were to be added to the twelve mil- lions of bonds (loan of 1864) already in our hands, under the terms of the Miramar agreement. The sum required by us at this time is about the amount which the French commission, appointed afterwards by yourself to examine the question, pointed out as required to indemnify our countrymen in an equitable manner, say $12,754,366. The plan of settlement which you have signed with M. Cesar fixes the total amount of indemnity allowed our countrymen at only forty mil- lions of francs, payable in Mexican bonds at par; and in these forty millions are included the twelve millions already in our hands. There is, then, a wide difference between the figure which you have accepted and what we considered ourselves justifiable in claiming. After having, however, weighed carefully the motives that have prompted you to make this amount the basis of a settlement, the government of the Emperor has approved your determination. His majesty the emperor Maximilian, having shown his readiness, on his side, to agree to the figure of forty millions of francs, and your private information warranting you in the belief that that amount might, in the last resort, suffice for the indemnification of our countrymen, it has appeared more conformable to French interests that a solution should be hastened by even abating, in some measure, our legitimate demands, rather than by maintaining them, and thus de- lay still longer the settlement for which our citizens have waited so long. In accepting the amount of indemnity set down in your plan of settlement, we could not, however, agree to the manner of payment stipulated therein. In- deed, there would be a difficulty for the Mexican government to fulfil the agree- ment in the manner prescribed. According to the terms proposed, the twenty- three millions five hundred and sixty thousand francs, which would have to be liquidated in order to complete the forty millions of indemnification, are to be remitted in bonds of the first loan, at par, by the Mexican commission of finances in Paris. Now the following circumstances render the literal execution of this clause impracticable at present; for while the French treasury, making use of the privilege granted to it at the time the second loan was negotiated, converted the bonds that had been delivered in pursuance of the Miramar treaty into se- CONDITION OP AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 55 curities similar to those that had been emitted in 1863, and afterwards negotiated them, the Mexican commission likewise took advantage of the same occasion to act in like manner with the bonds of the 1864 loan that remained in its hands. At the present time, then, that commission has not a single bond of the first loan in its possession to use in fulfilment of the plan now under consideration. The Mexican government should already be aware of this fact, because, at the time, it was notified of the transaction. Hence a new combination must be sub- stituted for the one contemplated in the present plan of settlement. As the conversion of bonds of the first loan was optional, it is more than probable that the five hundred thousand bonds of the second issue will not be all used, because a number of the holders of the 1864 six- per cents will fail to take ad- vantage of the privilege granted them. Hence the minister of fina nces thinks that there will remain a sufficient quantity of unemployed bonds of the new issue to meet the engagements entered into by the Mexican government in this plan of settlement with us. It is, consequently, in bonds of this second issue, and not in those of the first loan (as prescribed by the terms of the plan) that the 23,560,000 francs specified in article four can be remitted; and. in this state of the case, I pray you to request that the necessary orders be forwarded to the Mexican commission of finances in Paris, so that it may hand over to us so much of the remainder of these new bonds as may be necessary to cover the amount above stated. Receive, &c. DROUYN DE LHUYS. The French minister in Mexico to the minister of foreign affairs. Mexico, December 28, 1865. Excellency : The despatch which you did me the honor of writing to me on the 14th of last November came to hand on the 13th instant. On the same day I took active measures to have the agreement, which I signed for the settlement of our claims, modified in what relates to the kind of bonds payable to our countrymen. At first I met with lively opposition. The emperor and M. de Castillo maintained (what is fact) that the settlement with bonds of the second issue in place of those of the first would be more onerous to the Mexican treasury, as the conversion of the first bonds into those of the second issue and the settlement of the differences in premium had occasioned pretty considerable outlays. However, I manifested so much urgency that I obtained my demand on the following day. I made them understand that it was neces- sary to place the Emperor Napoleon and his government in a position to announce before the French chambers that the matter of French claims upon Mexico is most decidedly settled. In order that there could be no doubt upon the subject, and that the concession which I asked should have a decidedly official character, I brought about an exchange of notes with M. de Castillo upon the matter. The clause in accordance with which the sum of 23,560,000 francs, in bonds of the first loan at par, were to be delivered to us, having become impracticable on account of the conversion of said first loan, it remains settled that we are to receive that amount in such bonds of the second issue as remain unemployed. The Mexican minister of foreign affairs has given instructions in this sense to the Mexican minister at Paris, and the Mexican commission of finances there is to hand over the bonds as soon as the agreement shall have been ratified. I shall await the instructions of your excellency to know what changes are to be made in the wording of the agreement. Please to accept, &c. DANO. 56 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. The French minister in Mexico to the minister of foreign affairs. Mexico, January 18, I860. Excellency: Von arc aware thai I have already obtained from the Mexican government the stipulation that our claims shall be paid in bonds of the second series, second loan. The Mexican legation at Paris has received advices to the Bame effect, but the under-secretary of Gnances bad not received the order to deliver the bonds to us. According to him they are not to be delivered until after the agreemenl Bhall have been officially ratified. I have opposed this view, which is calculated to cause further delays. As both governments are agreed regai-ding the alterations to be made in the plan of settlement, it should 1 e considered as morally ratified. M. Cesar being now absent, the emperor has sent me from Chapultepec a telegram, in which he notifies me that M. Langlais is authorized to give the necessaiy orders to the Mexican commission ofcfinances at Paris. 1 sent the telegram to our counsellor of state on this Mexican mission, (M Langlais,) but he, as I supposed be would, considers himself unauthorized to give any orders, seeing that he bears no official character, However, I have asked him to write to M. Fould, or to M. de Germiny, and to annex the telegram to bis letter, in Older to show what were the emperor Maximilian's intentions. To-morrow I shall try to get M. de Castillo to have orders telegraphed for the formal delivery of the bonds. Please to accept, &c. DANO. The French minister in Mexico to the minister of foreign affairs. Mexico, February 9, I860. Excellency : M. de Castillo informs me that instructions are about to be forwarded for the delivery to you, by the Mexican commission of finances in Paris, of 46,120 bonds of the second series, second loan, representing the balance of our indemnity, twenty-three million five hundred and sixty thousand francs. The minister of foreign affairs requests, at the same time, that the agreement of September 27 be ratified by the Emperor of the French, so that it may afterwards pass through the same formality at the bauds of the emperor Maximilian, after the necessary alterations shall have been made in the wording of certain articles of said agreement. Please to accept, &c. DANO. M. Drouyn de Lhuys to M. Dano, minister of France to Mexico. Paris, January 14, 1866. • Sir : The situation in which we are placed in our relations with Mexico can- not be prolonged. We are compelled by circumstances to take a final resolu- tion, and of which the Emperor has directed me to acquaint you. At the beginning, our expedition bad no other object than the recovery of our debt, and to obtain such reparation as was due to our fellow-citizens. If, however, we have deemed it desirable to grant our assistance to a nation which was seeking a regular government, order and welfare; if, taking thought for our legitimate interests, we have countenanced a prince who devoted himself to this generous task, our efforts had to be confined within the precise limits which the convention of Miramax attempted to determine. Reciprocal arrangements laid down in this act fixed the terms on which we were allowed to use the forces of France in consolidating a friendly government. It would be superfluous CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 57 to insist upon the causes which make it impossible for the court of Mexico, notwithstanding its intended uprightness, to fulfil these conditions in the future. On the one hand, our demand for more credit proved fruitless ; on the other, we cannot go outside of stipulations and take exclusive charge of the Mexican government — provide with our army for its defence, and with our finances for its administrative service. The advances we have more than once made cannot be renewed, and the Emperor will ask no new sacrifices from France. Our occupation, therefore, must be brought to a*n end, and we must prepare ourselves for that result without delay. The Emperor, sir, commissions you to agree upon it with his august ally as soon as a discussion, in which Marshal Bazaine will naturally be called to participate, shall have determined how to se- cure, as much as possible, the interests of the Mexican government, the safety of our debt, and the claims of our fellow-citizens. The desire of his Majesty is that the evacuation should begin during the coming fall. Have the kindness, sir, to communicate this despatch to his excellency the minister of foreign affairs, and to let him have a copy of it. I have commis- sioned M. le Baron Saillard to add verbally all necessary explanation, and to bring me back speedily your answer. You will let me know the final arrange- ments you conclude upon. DEOUYN DE LHUYS. M. Drouyn de Uiuys to M. Dano, minister of France to Mexico. Paris, January 15, 1866. Sir : I think it necessary to add some explanations upon the subject to which my despatch of yesterday refers. The settlement of our claims resulting from the convention yon signed in Mexico, on the 27th of September, 1865, and which has received the approval of his Majesty, secures to our fellow-citizens satisfaction for the damages they have sustained. No doubt this convention will be faithfully executed ; thus will the most essential object of our expedition be obtained, and redress will be secured for the grievances which have compelled us to take up arms. I need not recall the considerations by which we were induced, nor indeed to lose sight of the object of our expedition, but to avail ourselves of it to offer to Mexico the benefits of a political regeneration. This idea, the legitimacy and disinterestedness of which we reassert, has determined the support we have lent to the courageous undertaking of emperor Maximilian. Decided as we were to countenance his efforts, we had, however, to adjust the conditions of our co-operation to the measure of the French interests, which were, after all, our first consideration. The desire of our far-sighted Emperor has been to defend his government against the allurements of a generous idea, by defining the nature and by limit- ing beforehand the extent of the aid we were allowed to bestow. We have, at the same time, been obliged to stipulate for the equivalent which we were to receive, and to fix the quota and the payment of the sums destined to defray our expenses. Such was the object of the convention of Miramar, which was to remain the rule of our reciprocal duties and rights. It would be uninteresting to revert to the circumstances which prevented the Mexican government from fulfilling the obligations it had assumed by this act, and which threaten to lay upon our shoulders, without any of the promised com- pensations, the charge of the new empire. I need not refer to the copious obser- vations to be found, on this subject in my correspondence with the legation of the Emperor, nor seek for the causes of a situation which I feel called upon to explain. The contract by which we were bound to the Mexican government having been broken, we are released from the obligations we had assumed. 58 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Nevertheless, sir, we might not have taken advantage of the failure of the Mexican government in fulfilling the conditions of the treaty of Miramar to de- clare ourselves discharged from our obligations, if we had not been driven to it. The Mexican government is unable to furnish the financial resources indispen- sable to the keeping up our military establishment, and we have even been asked to take charge of most of the expenses of its home administration. These diffi- culties are not new, and we have repeatedly attempted to provide for them by facilitating loans which have put at the disposal of Mexico considerable amounts of money. But now every attempt to borrow has been found fruitless. "What, then, have we to do in presence of the ascertained deficiency of the Mexican ex.- chequer and of the charges its penurious circumstances have laid upon us ? Our budget does not give us the means of supplying this deficit. Mexico being un- able to pay for the troops we are keeping upon its territory, it would be impos- sible for us towaiutain them there. As to asking from our country new sup- plies to this end, I have already explained to you our views on that subject. As I told you, public opinion has pronounced with an authority from which there is no appeal that the limit of the sacrifices has been reached. France would refuse to add anything to them, and the Emperor will not ask her. Far be it from me to doubt the efforts made by the emperor Maximilian and by his government. The emperor has resolutely approached the difficulties inhe- rent in all new establishments, difficulties which the condition of Mexico ren- dered perhaps still more arduous. His energy has been felt everywhere, and if he has not been allowed to reorganize the country as he wished, and as fast as he intended, nevertheless the results actually achieved indicate the activity and zeal he has shown. In the provinces as well as in the capital, wherever the emperor and the empress, the courageous associate of her august husband, have been enabled to make themselves known personally, the reception of the people testifies to the confidence they feel and the hopes they build upon the strength- ening of the empire. The emperor himself has proclaimed that civil war is at an end, if resistance to his authority could deserve such a name. This condition of affairs, encouraging in so many respects, leads me to ask if the well-understood interests of the emperor Maximilian do not agree with the necessities of our own position 1 Among all the reproaches put forward by the liberals in the interior and by adversaries outside, the most dangerous, doubtless, is the charge that the newly established government is sustained by foreign forces. The votes of the Mexicans have undoubtedly answered this imputation ; it still exists, however, audi it is easy to understand how useful it would be for the empire to deprive its adversaries of this argument. At a time when these various considerations constrain us to look upon the approaching end of our military occupation, the government of the emperor, in its solicitude for the glorious work he has begun, had to take into account the financial situation of Mexico. This situation is grave, but not desperate. The Mexican empire can, if energetic and courageous, firm and consistent, tri- umph over difficulties in its way ; but success depends on these conditions. This is the conviction we have derived from an attentive and conscientious ex- amination of its obligations and resources. You will endeavor to make them understood by the emperor Maximilian and by his government. DEOUYN BE LHUYS. Mr. Drouyn de LJmys to the minister of France in Mexico. Paris, February 16, 1866. Sir : At the date of this despatch M. Saillard must have arrived in Mexico- The instructions of the government of the Emperor are therefore known to you- His Majesty himself has taken care, in his opening speech to the legislature, to CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 59 inform the great bodies of the state of his resolution. To-day I have but to re- iterate the general directions contained in my communications of the 14th and 15th of January, and to ask you to settle without delay with the Mexican gov- ernment the conditions necessary to accomplish the views of the Emperor. The desire of his Majesty, you know, is to begin the evacuation of Mexico next fall, and to bring it to an end as soon as possible. You will have to see Marshal Bazaine, so as to agree upon the successive terms of the evacuation with the emperor Maximilian. I cannot develop here the various considerations which must be kept in mind in the direction of this operation. Those which are purely military and tech- nical in their nature belong to the commander-in-chief; the others, more politi- cal in their character, are submitted to your judgment, enlightened by your per- fect knowledge of the circumstances and of the necessities they impose. It is equally important, sir, to make up a statement of the financial situation, and to fix on the guarantees required for the security of our debt. The pro- visions of the treaty of Miramar not having been realized, it is necessary to avert to other combinations to secure the reimbursement of our advances, and at the same time provide, in the interest of the Mexican credit, for the regular arrears of the debt of 1864 and 1S65. Mr. Langlais will receive, by this mail, from the minister of finances, detailed iistructions, which he will communicate to you. You will have to consult with him so as to secure their execution. The government of the Emperor thinks that the simplest and' least onerous arrangement for the Mexican government would be to place in our hands the custom-houses of Vera Cruz and Tampico, or any others which may be deemed more convenient. Half the receipts would be assigned to us and applied, a por- tion to the payment of the three per cent, interest of our debt, estimated at $230,000,060, the other as a partial guarantee of the interest due to the holders of the loan of 1864 and 1865. It is to be hoped that, under our administrative care, these custom-houses will still furnish, in addition to the deduction agreed to, an important revenue. You will have to make the necessary arrangements with the Mexican cabinet to be put in possession of the receipts of these cus- tom-houses. These points once settled, and the French interests secured, the government of the Emperor will nevertheless continue to testify all those sympathies with which the sovereign of Mexico, and the generous task to which he has devoted himself, inspire his Majesty. Be pleased, sir, to give, in the name of his Ma- jesty, this assurance to the emperor Maximilian. DROUYN DE LHUYS. M. Dano, minister of France to Mexico, to tlie minister of foreign affairs in Mexico. City of Mexico, March 9, 1866. Monsieur le Ministre : I have received the despatches your excellency has favored me with on the 1 4th and 15th of January. I have to iniorm you that the well-settled intention of the Emperor is to begin the evacuation towards fall. I am at the service of the emperor Maximilian in order to fix this term definitely, in accordance with the instructions I have re- ceived. Meanwhile Marshal Bazaine is engaged in measures calculated to secure, so far as possible, all unsettled interests. Your excellency is already acquainted with the intention of the commander- in-chief of the army. The evacuation, which is to begin in the month of No- vember next, will end during the fall of 1867, that is to say, will be completely accomplished in eighteen months. DANO. 60 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Newspaper comments. — From L'Estafette, of Mexico city.] FRENCH CLAIMS. The publication of the diplomatic documents relating to the convention of September 27 has stirred up our whole French population. We arc unwilling to pass a hasty judgment upon a matter of so much weight ; and, for this reason, we will seek for enlightenment from parties better versed than ourselves in financial affairs before we attempt to treat a subject that interests so large a number of our fellow-countrymen. At present, we can do no more than present to our readers some general considerations. We have been asked, •• Does this convention coverall claims; and is the sum of forty millions of francs, set apart in a lump for claimants, intended to satisfy all the legitimate claims sanctioned by the commission?" To this we answer unhesitatingly and upon official authority that this sum of forty millions is to cover merely claims anterior to September 27, 1S65 As to those which have been presented since or may yet he handed in a new settlement is to he made. The question which gives most concern, however, is to know whether the present settlement can seriously he regarded as an acceptable one, when it brings no other security than bonds that are becoming discredited. These bonds of the second loan were issued at three hundred and forty francs; they are to-day quoted at one hundred and thirty-nine; in six months they will fall to one hundred, and later to fifty. If it comes to this the twenty-three millions spoken of in these official documents will be a payment made in derision — a financial puff of smoke. It would be, in the end, equivalent to aboui. ten or twelve per cent, on the stipulated amount. Hence Ave may cast all anxiety aside, for such a result is simply impossible. The second Mexican loan has been virtually guaranteed by the French government; for it was at the recom- mendation of the minister of finances and of the general and local revenue offi- cers of the empire that six thousand families, composed of mechanics, workmen, and farmers, invested their savings in these bonds thus officially patronized. We may then rest assured that the French government remains responsible for the payment of this loan, and we know from good authority that, far from shirking the responsibility, it is considering the expediency of converting the lottery loan into French three per cents., and that the conversion will be made before six months. From this point of view the settlement would present a se- rious aspect, and would be satisfactory. Some further light, however, should be thrown upon this point. Many of our fellow countrymen have been considering the expediency of calling a meeting of claimants to take the matter calmly into consideration. We shall announce the day, the hour, and place of the meeting when we shall have learned them. The minister of foreign affairs to the minister of France in Mexico. Paris, August 14, 1S65. Sir: Your despatches up to the 10th of July have been received. My at- tention was particularly directed to what you said in regard to our claims. You were right in thinking that we might diverge from our emergencies to de- termine the fate of our citizens as soon as possible. I therefore consider the general arrangement you propose to the government of Maximilian would be beneficial to our citizens, and consequently acceptable to us. I accordingly invite you to insist upon the reception of your arrange- ment by the Mexican government. DROUYN DE LHUYS. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 61 The French minister in Mexico to the minister of foreign affairs. Mexico, September 28, 1865. Sir : Your despatch of the 14th of August ha3 been received. As you approve of my plan to settle the French claims which was marie to the government of the emperor Maximilian, I will resume the important nego- tiation with renewed activity. I am pleased to inform you that my efforts have not been vain, and that I signed a convention yesterday, the 2d, which will satisfy all parties interested, unless I am very much mistaken. DAXO. The modifications of the convention of the 27th of September, 18G5, having delayed its ratification, we will merely set down the principal dispositions of that diplomatic act. The sum total of indemnity due to France for wrongs to its citizens in prop- erty or person by the Mexican governments or their agents is fixed at forty millions of* francs. That sum shall be paid by drafts on the revenue at par, and the French gov- ernment shall portion it among its citizens as it may think proper. The French government has on deposit already a sum of twelve millions of francs, on account, in bonds of the first Paris loan, issued at six per cent., repre- senting a sum of sixteen million one hundred and forty thousand francs. The remaining twenty-three million five hundred and sixty thousand francs shall be delivered in bonds of the same kind at par by the Mexican committee of finance established in Paris. After the forty millions of francs shall have been paid, the Mex'can govern- ment shall be considered as free from all responsibility to the French for claims till now, and the French government agrees not to interfere in any to be made hereafter. In consequence of the execution of this convention, article 12 of the Miramar convention, made on the 10th of April, 1864, is repealed, as far as French claims are concerned. The minister of foreign of airs to the French minister in Mexico. Paris, November 14, 1S65. Sir : I have reported your plan for a convention to settle French claims, which was sent with your despatch of the 2Sth of September, to the council of ministers for particular consideration. The two important parts — the amount of indemnity and the mode of payment — have been separately debated. When the government of the Emperor decided upon a consolidation of citi- zens' claims, Marshal Bazaine was instructed to demand the sum of fifty mil- lions of francs from Mexico of the second loan, to be added to the twelve millions of 1864, already in our hands, in accordance with the convention of Miramar. What we now ask is about the same sum, fixed by the commissioners as suf- ficient to liquidate the claims of our citizens, namely, $12,754,366. Your con- vention with Mr. Cesar makes the sum of the claims only forty millions of francs, including the twelve millions already in our hands. That makes a considerable difference between the sum you accept and what we think we have a right to claim ; but, after due consideration, the government of the Emperor approves your resolution. As his majesty, the emperor Maximilian, seems disposed to accept the forty 62 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. millions, and you think it sufficient indemnity for our citizens, and as it is cer- tainly to their interests to settle the business, even if we have to abate our de- mands, it is agreed to accept those proposals j but, in accepting the amount, we do not accept the mode, of payment proposed. In fact, the Mexican government cannot pay according to the demands of the convention. By the terms of that document the 23,560,000 francs remainder, with the twelve millions already in our hands, were to have been paid to us in titles of the first loan, at par, by the Mexican finance committee in Paris. Now, the following circumstances make the execution of that clause impossible at the present time. While the French treasury was changing the titles of the first loan into obliga- tions similar to those issued in 1865, the committee of Mexican finance took ad- vantage of the same opportunity to dispose of the remaining titles of 18G4. So now the committee has no more of those titles in its possession to fill the requi- sitions of the convention. The Mexican government ought to consider this, as notice has a' ready been given of it. A new combination must, therefore, be substituted. As the plan of conversion of the titles of the first loan is feasible, it is more than probable that the five hundred obligations of the second series will not all have been disposed of, since a certain number of the holders uf the '64 six-per- cents will not use the power granted to them. The minister of finance thinks there will remain a sufficient number of the new obligations to pay our claims against Mexico. The 23,560,000 francs, men- tioned in article 4, may, therefore, be paid in obligations of the second series, and I beg you to ask that these obligations be sent to the Mexican finance com- mittee in Paris to pay the above amount specified. DROUYN DE LHUYS. The French minister in Mexico to the minister of foreign affairs. Sir : Your despatch of the 14th of November last reached me on the 13th in- stant. I immediately set about the modification of the convention in regard to titles for our citizens. At first I met with strong opposition. The emperor and Mr. Castillo asserted that the remission of obligations similar to those of the seco"nd loan, instead of the first, would be more onerous to the Mexican treasury, as the expenses of negotiation were greater. J3ut I was so urgent I succeeded the next day. I convinced them of the necessity of putting the Emperor Napo- leon and his government in a condition to say to the French chambers that the terms of the claims had been arranged. To place it beyond doubt, and to give an official character to the affair, I exchanged notes with Mr. Castillo on the subject. The clause by which 23,560,000 francs in titles of the first loan were to have been paid having been shown to be impossible, it was agreed to receive it in obligations of the secoad series, unappropriated. The minister of affairs has instructed the Mexican minister in Paris in the particular, and the Mexican committee will remit the obligations as soon as the convention is ratified. I will wait for your excellency to inform me what changes are to be made in the convention. DANO. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 63 The French minister in Mexico to the minister of foreign affairs. Mexico, January 18, I860. Sir : Your excellency already knows that I have iuduced the Mexican gov- ernment to pay us in obligations of the second series of the last loan. The Mexican legation in Paris has been notified of it; but the undei -secretary of state for finance has not yet issued the order for the titles, which he says can- not be done till the convention is officially ratified. I opposed the idea, as it would cause a greater delay. The two governments having agreed upon the modifications necessary iu the convention, it ought to be considered as morally ratified. Mr. Cesar being absent, the emperor sends me a telegram from Ohapultepec, informing me that Mr. Langlais is empowered to give the necessary orders to the Mexican finance committee. I sent the telegram to the state counsellor, who says he is not au- thorized to oi'der anything, as he has no official character. I then requested him to write to Mr. Fould or Mr. Germiny, enclosing the telegram containing the emperor's intentions. To-morrow I will try t} send the formal order to remit the titles, by telegraph, through Mr. Castillo. DANO. The minister of France in Mexico to the viinistcr of foreign affairs. Mexico, February 9, 1866. Sir : Mr. Castillo informs me that the Mexican finance committee in Paris will be instructed to deliver 46,120 obligations of the second series, representing the 23,560,000 francs, to pay our indemnities, into our hands. The minister of foreign affairs exacts of me, at the same time, that the con- vention of the 27th of September be ratified by the Emperor of the French, to be afterwards subjected to the same formality by the emperor Maximilian, as soon as the proper modifications have been made in it. DANO. [From the Moniteur Universel, the official paper of the French Empire, No. 165, page 746. — Paris, June 14,1866.] LEGISLATIVE BODY. Session of Wednesday , June 13, 1866. His excellency Count Walewski presiding. The President. Mr. Jules Favre has the floor. Mr. Favre. The recent distribution in the chamber of documents explaining our situation in Mexico, compels us to examine the conduct of the government in the affair, and the resolutions it proposes to adopt. This obligation is the more urgent, as the present disturbances in Europe may injure our honor, our safety, or our repose. It is, therefore, necessary to deter- mine what is to be done in an expedition that might embarrass us seriously, in case of European conflicts. For myself, I will not go into a minute examination of all the difficulties of the expedition. I have given my opinion often before, and it has not changed lately. The time has not yet arrived when we can speak the whole truth. As long as our troops are engaged in Mexico we must suspend judgment. But what seems to me most proper at present, is to find out what has been done G-l CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. since wo mot last, and what remains to be done. The government plan, though much like what we have always advised, cannot receive our complete approba- tion, and for very many reasons. The declarations of the government, which yon once applauded, wore fall of promises, and yon opposed everything thai did not accord with them, accusing those who dared to contest them as narrow-minded pessimists, incapable oi' com- prehending generous conceptions and vast designs. Alas, gentlemen, the reality discovered by the government has destroyed those sad fictions. I promised to be moderate, and I will keep my word. On looking over the documents circulated among yon, I reject, the first. The best way to treat that is to keep silence. Yet. gentlemen, the government is obliged to accept that document, and to confess that we are compelled to give up .Mexico. But a dif- ferent light is thrown upon the condition of affairs in that country. You remember, from the beginning, it has always been predicted that the ex- pedition would be successful; but, in obtaining the approbation of the chamber, I regret that the truth was not revealed. [Murmurs by the majority.] 1 will not go into a minute examination, as I said. You remember the min- ister of State's declarations upon the relations of France and Maximilian, when a convention united them. You remember the weekly bulletins announcing the enthusiasm in Mexico for the new sovereign, and of the dispersion of all bands opposed to the new rule. These points will be discussed hereafter; I now con- line myself to more recent occurrences. Last year, when we dared to express our want of confidence, we were told that the policy we were attacking was beyond our comprehension. It would bring glory to France and her sovereign ; and the minister of state concluded in these words on the 27th January, 1S64 : "And now let me give you my entire mind. Tassion will die, questions of gain will be lost sight of in the public prosperity, and truth will sha^e off her shackles for the good of posterity. If you then look back upon our old debates and squabbles, you will exclaim, That was a man of genius, who had the cour- age to open new sources of prosperity to the nation, of which he was the chief, in spite of resistance, obstacles, and distrusts. He was the apostle of a bold policy, far-seeing and wise, whose views were not limited to the present genera- tion, who understood the present and the future, who knew that the balance of power in Europe was not, as it used to be, on the Alps and Pyrenees, on the Vis- tula or the Black sea." " But let it embrace the world, and if these great in- terests concern France, let her protect them by her flag. Yes, this will be a glorious page, and the historian who traces it will say to the assembled nation, as the sovereign has done : Distant expeditions, begun to revenge our honor, have ended in triumph." Such, gentlemen, is the history written by the firm and hardy hand of the minister of state. By the side of this document we have another of no less importance. At the beginning of our labors, the Emperor spoke of Mexico as follows : " The new throne in Mexico is gaining strength; peace is extending; the immense resources are being developed ; thanks to our soldiers, to the good sense of the Mexican population, and to the intelligence and energy of its sovereign." And these words were consecrated by some lines on the situation of the empire : ''The results of our Mexican expedition in 18G2 and 1S63 have been consecrated in 1S64 Under the shadow of the French ilag, a regular government has been established in a country where anarchy and domestic quarrels have raged for half a century. The emperor Maximilian ascended the throne in the beginning of Jane, and, supported by our army, he is preparing an era of peace and pros- perity for his new country." 1 his flattering panegyric was disturbed by the voice of a warrior, who led our victorious legions into Mexico. In the debate on the address, on the 11th of March, 1865, he said in the senate : CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 65 " Unfortunately everything is to be done over again in Mexico. Moral feel- ing is entirely depraved ; there is no rule, no justice, no army, no spirit of na- tionality, no nothing." And the honorable marshal continues : " But it is not the nation's fault— the nation is kind, generous, proud, noble, and, as it is formed of Oastilian blood, I do not despair of it." These are attenuating circumstances to Mexico. The honorable gentleman had a patriotic indulgence for a country which he severely condemned by say- ing it lacked moral feeling, justice, &c, &c, and out of nothing something could be made. Such was the state of affairs in 1865. Yet at that time there was trouble about fhe finances. Though the people seemed willing to sustain the new throne, the enthusiasm was very expensive; 150 millions were spent in 1864 and 1865, and 250 mil- lions more were demanded. You have not forgotten the loan undertaken by the government. We called the attention of the chamber to its significance at that time. Aside from all political prejudice and high considerations, we ask ourselves, Is it possible that a loan of such onerous conditions can succeed ? It is to be raised by lottery ! The confidence of moneyed men is to be seduced by vulgar tricks. And such things are tolerated ! You don't see the danger. Mexico is willing to borrow at such a high rate because she knows the debt cannot be paid ! One of my honorable colleagues, who had loyally discharged the duties of a private mission, who knew Mexico and had a right to speak of it, made a soft- ening speech to this chamber not long ago. His discourse removed all trouble, and seemed to condemn all those who doubted the success of the new rule in Mexico. That speech helped the new loan. That happened in April, 1865, and for the rest of the year we continued to ask for official information on Mexican affairs, and none came. The Moniteur only gave reports of this kind, after the arrival of each mail : "All is quiet : but there are malcontents wherever our forces have not pos- session. Maximilian's popularity continues to increase. But our army is on the alert, and skirmishes are frequent." Here is one important fact proclaimed by the Moniteur : "On the 2d .of Oc- tober, 1865, Juarez left the territory, and now there is but one ruler in Mexico." Soon after we get this from New York : "In spite of the activity of Juarez's agents in this city, the cause of the ex- president may be regarded as lost. It is officially announced that Juarez has quitted the Mexican soil, giveu up his cause, and settled in the United. States. The last Havana steamer brings the French news that the emperor Maxi- milian issued a proclamation on the 2d of October declaring that Don Benito Juarez, after a long contest, had at last yielded to the national will and quit Mexico." How can Maximilian, the liberator of his country, reconcile this with the ty- ranny of Juarez, which required four years to put down? And now he an- nounces that fill who oppose him shall be shot ! And he concludes the procla- mation thus : "And all brigands hereafter pretending to be his partisans shall be considered as outlaws and treated as robbers." The Moniteur continues : "The New York correspondence of the 23d of October, which we publish below, gives some interesting details regarding the state of public opinion in the United States on the Mexican question." The facts announced by the official paper are not true, except in regard to the proclamation of Maximilian, and his treatment of those opposed to him. Un- fortunately, gentlemen, that much is true, and history will record the truth. But the untrue part is, that the rebels had not ceased to make opposition. Maximilian's 5 MEX 66 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. proclamation was dated the 2d of October, 1865. On the 10th of November, Marshal Bazaine wrote to Riva Palacio, of the centre Juarist army, asking an exchange of prisoners. It is useless to quote the letter, but it shows that the struggle is not over, as the Moniteur has announced to Europe. In November, 18(35, the fighting continued, the loan had been effected, and the money was ready to be squandered in Mexico. In September, 1865, though two hundred and fifty millions more had been Subscribed, our citizens had not been indemnified, and the expedition, which was only to effect that, had already lasted four years. It is but proper to tell you here the amount of the claims against Mexico is only 750,000 francs. So, gentlemen, we had four millions to claim, then twelve, and lastly sixty millions against Mexico. But in September, 1865, nothing was settled. Among the documents distributed among us, there is a despatch to which I will call your attention. In September, 1S65, a treaty to fix the indemnity was concluded, and forty millions was the sum determined upon. In my opinion, this was enough. I don't know what the commissioners have done with that forty millions. I think it is in drafts upon an empty treas- ury. At least the creditors have received no pay. Perhaps the government can tell us. It was right to make the arrangement, whether the money could be had or not. On page 30 of Mr. Dano's despatch, December 28, 1865, I see the emperor Maximilian objected to the settlement of the claims. Hear what the French charge in Mexico says about it: " At first I met with great opposition. The emperor and Mr. Castillo asserted that the remission of obligations similar to those of the second loan, instead of the first, would be more onerous to the Mexican treasury, as the expenses of ne- gotiation were greater. But I was so urgent, I succeeded the next day. I con- vinced them of the necessity of putting the Emperor Napoleon and his govern- ment in a condition to say to the French chambers that the terms of the claims had been arranged." So, forty millions have been appropriated to pay our citizens ; but can the money be raised ? That is the important question. Now comes another consideration of no less importance. The minister of foreign affairs, the vigilant guardian of French interests, is naturally vexed at the diminution of our claims ; but the debtor is about to fail, and the creditor must take what he can get. Here is what Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys said about it on the 14th of January, 1866 : "The first object of our expedition was the revindication of our credit and exaction of reparation due to our citizens. If, however, we see proper to help a people smuggling for a stable government, and it is our interest to aid a prince who sacrifices himself to such a good cause, our help should be confined to par- ticular limits, which the Miramar convention has prescribed. The reciprocal arrangements of that act have fixed the conditions under which France was to aid the consolidation of a friendly government. It would be superfluous to in- sist upon the motives that prevent Mexico from complying with those conditions. " All appeal to credit is useless on one part; on the other Ave cannot under- take to pay the expenses of the Mexican government and defend it with our army and pay its civil officials." This is a wonderful effect of the confidence placed in the prince, and the four hundred millions lent him by France to be engulfed in his ruinous sovereignty ! We must support him by our blood, pay his army, his civil list — else he perishes. And the minister tells you this in his despatch of the 15th of January, 1S66, which is very significant. He speaks of the convention of Miramar ; he says it was proposed by Maximilian himself, a man whose imperial probity and po- litical solidity was beyond suspicion, and he does not keep his word ! The minister adds : " Such was the object of the convention of Miramar, which was to regulate our rights and reciprocal duties. It would be useless CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 67 now to ask why the Mexican government cannot comply with the precepts of the act, and why we are called to bear the burden of the new establishment." We told you the same last year, and the year before, and you grumbled. Now you listen because it is the minister who speaks. " I will not dwell upon what I said in my correspondence with the legation of the Emperor ; it is merely my duty to expose the actual situation. By law, in a bilateral contract, when one party fails to comply the other is released. " The Mexican government cannot furnish the resources to sustain our army there, and it even asks us to pay its civil list ! This is not new, as our frequent loans will show. " Now what are we to do in this government bankruptcy ? Our revenue will not suffice to supply the deficit. If Mexico cannot pay our troops in her ser- vice we cannot keep them there. Public opinion declares we have done all for Mexico we can do." [Murmurs of applause around the speaker. Mr. Favre is called to order by the president, and then proceeds :] I answer by facts, and those I quote will not be contradicted by this assembly., as they originated in it. Now I have just said that the situation laid down by the minister of foreign affairs is not new. The embarrassments of the Mexican government have long been known, ever since the time of the first loan. It was well known at that time that the situation was bad, and to remedy it was the object of the loans. When Mr. Corta spoke on the loan, he said : "The conviction I bring back from Mexico is, that all that is needed there is a regular government and time. It certainly has a fixed government now. Maximilian was carried in triumph from Vera Cruz to Mexico. But what the true sentimeut of the people was in this ovation it is hard for a superficial observer to determine. " In the eyes of the Indians, which are the majority, the emperor Maximilian was the man of prophecy, who came from the east, with blue eyes and golden hair, and the Indians hailed him as their liberator." Mr. Corta continues on the financial question thus : "At any rate the present budget, as the state council make it, is only $150,000,000 including the debt. So ycu see the Mexican government need not feel concerned about the foreign debt ; it can be paid easily." Now to pay that debt they had recourse to France, as their treasury was empty. Not only Mr. Corta acknowledges it, but the minister of state says : " As to the Mexican finances, has not Mr. Corta's report enlightened the chamber in regard to the resources of the country ?" A year after, on the 1 Lth of April, 1865, a great change has taken place. Instead of financial prosperity we findja distressing situation ; instead of a prince with a redundant budget we find a man asking alms to pay his army and civil list. The minister con- tinues : " Do not be concerned, gentlemen ; Maximilian will assure the pros- perity of the Mexican empire, and will furnish ample security to those who trust their money to his care." I understand what is passing in the minds of my colleagues. I will only compare these facts with what the minister of foreign affairs said in January, 1866: " These troubles are not new, and we have tried to alleviate them by facili- tating loans." Yes, that has been done, and you told France that Mexico was in a good: condition, and lenders would run no risk of losing their money. A year has scarcely passed and you behold an empty treasury, an unpaid army, a bank- rupt monarch. Under such circumstances I ask the chamber if we can be sat- isfied with the minister's despatch of the 15th of January, 1S66 ? He tells Mexico plainly that the treasury of France is no longer at its dis- - 68 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. posal, that public opinion is opposed to more loans, and thaj Maximilian must get along alone. Here is what he says : " While these different considerations oblige us to look to the end of our mil- itary occupation, the government of the Emperor, in its solicitude for the glori- ous work it begun, and in its sympathy for the emperor Maximilian, must keep an exact account of the financial situation of Mexico. "With energy and courage, with a firm and constant will, the emperor of Mexico will be able to overcome all obstacles. This is our firm conviction after an attentive and conscientious examination of the debts and resources of the country, and Maximilian and his government must think so too if they wish to be encouraged to success." 1 have nothing to do with what passed between the minister of foreign affairs and the emperor Maximilian ; but I ask you if the remedy proposed by the French government is proper, in your opinion. The government wishes the return of our troops, and we wish it, but Ave do not approve of the manner of the withdrawal, having been so often disappointed. Here is what I see in a despatch of the 6th of April, 18G6 : " In his despatch of the 12th of February last Mr. Seward declares that the government of the United States has always conformed to the precepts of Washington in regard to the principle of non-intervention, and nothing justifies a departure from it in the present case of Mexico. We accept this assurance in full confidence, and we find a sufficient guarantee in it to justify us in with- drawing our army. The Emperor has decided that the French troops should •evacuate Mexico in three detachments : the first in November, 1866, the second in March, 1S67, and the third in November of the same year. You will please communicate this decision officially to the Secretary of State." If this resolution for the return of our tioops is sincere, we must applaud it. But we have cause to doubt its sincerity, if we consider recent publications in the Moniteur. I will now take up the last document, that mentioning the despatches from Vera Cruz of the 14th of May. The despatch I allude to is of the 9th of June, 1866. Here is what I read in the preamble : "All is quiet." That means, the war is still going on. " The Mexican General Mendez continues his operations in Michoacan ; he occupies the line from Tacambaro to Uruapam ; but the military arrangements •recently made in that part of the country induce us to hope for peace soon. For that purpose General Bazaine has sent General Aymard and Colonel Clinchant north with their columns. General Douay, now in Saltillo, is preparing to in- vade New Leon, where Escobedo's bands are causing some trouble. " The emperor Maximilian is busy organizing his army and regulating the ■service." • And they say our troops are coming back ! Anyone who is acquainted with the topography of Mexico must know that troops are not sent north to get into the road to Vera Cruz. Why are we told that the troops are coming home, when they are sent out on distant expeditions 1 That is the question I put to the minister. Now, let me tell the chamber what ought to interest us greatly : It is the fate of the 30,000 braves we still have in Mexico. Now, I inquire if this interest is consistent with the announcement of the government to recall them in three bodies at such distant intervals ? You must confess that the peaceful country is at war, since our troops are ■always under arms. And if one-third be withdrawn, then the remainder will be exposed to double peril; and when two-thirds have been taken away, what will become of those left in the disturbed country you could not subjugate ? Moral influence is all-powerful in such a situation. You announce solemnly that you are going to retire, and you call Maximilian an insolvent prince. You say his CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 69 treasury is empty. I am not the author of those despatches ; they come from the minister of state, and if I mention them, it is from duty. In diminishing the French forces you increase the Mexican strength ; and if you desire to save our soldiers, defend the honor of our flag, the withdrawal must be effected in a different manner, under other conditions. My fears are not imaginary ; I am not' the only one to entertain them. In February, 1866, when the Mexican question was debated in the senate, the marshal uttered the same opinion, and said : " It is our business to help a little longer those who wish to repair the ills of fifty years of anarchy, else France would not incur such a responsibility in his- tory. The discontented, the bandits, now without a leader, will reassemble under the flag of Juarez. Despair will seize the timid, and they will suffer all the torments that their enemies can inflict. This is so true that as soon as the cities are evacuated by our troops, the inhabitants leave them." This, gentlemen, is a true picture; there is no caricature about it. For our honor, for our interest, we must protect our army and our citizens, who will be exposed to the greatest dangers if we abandon the country. We must protect the people who have trusted to us. I said the same last year, as the debates of the house will show.' If you act otherwise, you will fail in the duty a great and civilized nation owes to itself. I ask the government to explain itself, if it does not believe what I have stated, and to order that all our soldiers be withdrawn at once, so as not to expose the remainder to the fury of their enemies. This is my request, and -when I make it of the house and government, they must know that I have taken all things into consideration. Those brave men in Mexico could be of greater service at home. Can we doubt it, when we are told that the map of Europe is soon to be remodelled 1 We are the mandataries of the people — the representatives of the nation. Must we sleep, like the pilot when he sees the storm threaten, and let the vessel go to wreck 1 Well, gentlemen, we have been sufficiently warned of danger, and must be aware that great resolutions will soon be required of us. We must be ready for every emergency, and need all our troops at home. The sons of France are needed on her soil, and should never have been sent away. We will welcome their return with enthusiasm, and I hope it will be a good lesson to us not to engage any more in foolish expeditions costing billions. The President. Mr. Jerome David now has the floor. [Mr. Jerome David's speech in the French chambers :] Gentlemen, I will declare at once that we are not quitting Mexico by th e order of a foreign power. To suppose it is to offer an indignity to France- What ! are we to be ordered by a stranger ? [Cries of " Good, good."] I much regret this debate, that began so moderately and ended so harshly. In defend- ing the government in its conduct in the Mexican expedition, I know I will not have the support of everybody ; but I know you will listen attentively. The Mexican expedition is once more subjected to severe blame; the aid we give to a regular government is a theme for lively criticism; the return of our troops has been too long delayed, is badly arranged ; promises attributed to the government are invoked ; we are frightened at the insinuation that the United States will apply the Monroe doctrine to us as soon as they get through their domestic war. I do not believe in such threats ; but suppose they are true, does that affect our rights 1 Where is the respectable nation that can be frightened out of its duty 1 While our troops in Mexico are struggling for a durable peace before they leave, is it right to discourage them, to inspire distrust, when union, confidence, and strength, the chief elements of success, are needed ? Let us look the question in the face. Did the spirit of adventure carry us 70 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. into Mexico ? Do we seek a supremacy or an abusive protectorate over the Latin race ? If it is true that our foreign relations inspire us with natural sym- pathy for people of the same origin and religious faith, let our sympathies act with reason upon our diplomacy. The imperial government consults the interests of France in all its foreign expeditions, and acts accordingly. You have many proofs of it. In the late European contests for abuse of power, France has remained inactive. But when solemn conventions are disregarded, claims rejected, the property and lives of our citizens endangered, our government will not accept insignificant satisfac- tion. When right and justice are on our side we can overcome every obstacle. The reason why the present empire is stronger than the governments that have preceded it is, it understands questions that will lead to ruin, if not favorably solved, and the Mexican question is one of them. When the government is blamed for the Mexican expedition, the cavillers certainly forget its origin. You must remember that events are controlled by no policy ; Providence directs them ; governments can only profit by them if they are properly considered. See the recent example of the United States, and you will learn that the fame of nations depends upon their energy and ■courage. If the prophecies of certain counsellors were attended to, every glo- rious undertaking would fail. Those who oppose the Mexican expedition, and wish to make use of it against the government, exclaim : Let the past alone ; let us attend to the pres- ent ! Why should we not consider the origin of the expedition to see if it wa3 right, necessary, and for the interest of France 1 The old Spimish colonies have opposed free commerce for forty years. During that time foreigners have been imposed upon, persecuted, and often murdered without cause in those countries. Yet we are adopting a temporizing policy, still employed in the South American republics and those of Central America ; a policy of diplomacy, that did no good except through consular agents, who often prevented outrages, by arbitrary action, because they knew the people they had to deal with. We preferred this lame policy to rigorous measures, because we did not wish to engage alone in a contest in which other European governments were equally interested. But when Spain took the first step to force a satisfaction for wrongs and injuries, and was joined by England, in the treaty of the 31st of October, was it not right and proper for us to accede to the expedition 1 After these fixed facts, can any one say the expedition was undertaken hastily or rashly ? Observe the tactics of the opposition ; see those men remove the real base of the structure and substitute a false foundation, and sustain it with so much art it seems almost real. Thus they say the French government initiated the Mexican expedition, and it must bear the responsibility. I say we went to Mexico with Spain and England, and they share the responsibility of the ex- pedition with us. Our allies withdrew, and we were left alone. Now we are asfced : Why did you not withdraw with the allies ? If you expected to succeed, why did you not resort to less expensive measures than a campaign into the interior of Mexico ? I answer thus : We did well not to treat Avith Juarez; we did not take up arms to trifle with a government that would have deceived us when we got out of the country. When a strong power draws the sword, and spreads its banner for combat, when it sends its forces beyond the sea, it is done after all pacific means are exhausted ; and it is ridiculous, after such a display, to condescend to ratify conditions that had already been rejected. If our allies chose to go many thousand leagues to believe the fallacious promises of a cunning mestizo, which they would not listen to before they left Europe, it is none of our business. France has acted differently and rightly, I will say, even if I am alone in the belief, in persevering in the Mexican ex- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 71 pedition. It has cost us dearly, I must confess, and the brave blood of our soldiers and sailors has been shed in distant countries. All the burdens of an expedition into a wild and unhealthy country have fallen upon us. Yet I say, even at that cost, we did right not to back out like Spain and England. His- tory will applaud us for not giving up Mexico like our allies. I tell you if we had not persevered in the Mexican expedition after our allies left us, European influence would have been so greatly despised in all America that the consequence would have been long and disastrous wars. Now we have gained a reputation in the New World. Since 1S60 difficulties have arisen be- tween Spain and her old colonies, and the President of Ecuador, one of the Colombian republics, has officially solicited the protection of France. Look at our conduct in Mexico in its true light, without reducing it to the vulgar proportions of that school of heroes who talk of glory but never risk its dangers, who boast of national fame and do not know that it is won by hard blows. Think of the greatness of your country, and try to make its name re- spected, and its requests heard in every part of the globe. When the Suez canal is finished, a work due to the courage of modern genius, Asia, the ancient cradle of human sciences, will be transformed, and the world will look with wonder upon the great work begun and finished by French efforts. And, next, all eyes will be turned towards Mexico and Central America, where oui^labors will show the results of combined labor and science toward the util- ization of the works of nature. When the two oceans shall be connected, our influence in Mexico, due to our perseverance, will place us foremost as the greatest civilizer of wild nations, and the opener of new commercial routes to the Indian ocean, Australia, and China. After the hardest part of the work was over, when we had penetrated into the interior of Mexico, we could not endanger our prospects by too much haste. O, you may be sure history would have been severe on those who, regardless of advantages obtained by great sacrifices, advised an evacuation of Mexico, and on a government weak enough to yield to the first orders to quit. Acknowledge some merit and grandeur in the thought of enforcing respect for international rights in a magnificent country, admirably located, without which it would be lost to agriculture, manufactures, and commerce, and to a proper distribution of the productive forces of the globe. Just as the Roman roads in Africa showed that the royal nation had spread the floods of its genius and the enchantment of its power to the confines of the habitable globe, so will we be proud to leave, as vestiges of our occupation, railways, post roads, and the many signs of a civilized people, in a country so long devoid of them. We, a great nation, too, must be proud to force the pen of history to record that, in spite of opposition and obstacles, we alone, for the general interest of the world and the principle of progress, left the impress of our eagles upon the soil of the Montezumas. I do not place these general considerations in the first rank ; they are ranged with the decisive causes that brought us to Mexico in company with Spain and England. I now come to the second question : why we did not have recourse to naval means. Say a fleet is sent to demand satisfaction ; a blockade of the ports is declared ; the coast towns are bombarded, and what is the result 1 In that country com- merce is in the hands of French, English, Spanish, and Americans ; to bombard the coast towns, then, or blockade the ports, would be injuring the very people we desire to protect and defend. Here is an illustration : Chili is warring with Spain ; the foreign residents become excited ; consuls try to prevent reprisals by the Spanish squadron ; when these reprisals occur and Valparaiso is bombarded, a cry of anguish resounds throughout all Europe. Blockading and reprisals never did any good. Did we not try both in 1838, when the fort of San Juan 72 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. de Ulloa was captured, and the city of Vera Oruz invested? We tried the same plan, in concert with England, for fifteen years in the Plate, against Rosas, the dictator of Buenos Ayres, without bringing him to terms. 1 say the government did not begin the Mexican expedition, but acquiesced in it under very favorable circumstances. I maintain that the withdrawal of the allies did not make it right for us to recede. I have shown the inefficacy of naval means. It remains for me to examine our aim in Mexico, the results obtained; and I must show in what condition our withdrawal would leave the regions of the New World, where our eagles have so triumphantly soared. I am astonished to hear some ask, "What did you go to Mexico for, and what have you got?" Nations, as well as individuals, desire a moral satisfaction in a duel, and not a pecuniary recompense. We risk our lives because it is necessary, without considering the danger, to avoid dishonor and contempt. Now we have already got in Mexico, in a most complete manner, what our expedition required, namely, a satisfaction by armed force. We have overcome every obstacle, conquered every resistance. A few thousand French soldiers have marched as conquerors in every direction, over a territory three times as large as France. They have opened ways through roadless regions, by their ingenuity, patience, and perse- verance. Except under rare circumstances, where exemplary punishment was obligatory, they have been distinguished for their discipline and their respect for property and persons. They have completely changed the condition of Mexico. Brigandage is nearly destroyed. When certain orators discuss the Mexican question, they talk as if it were a European country. Nothing is more absurd. The social condition of Mexico resembles that of no European nation. Thus, for instance, in Mexico crime was a profession ; a man was murdered for a few dollars. Entire villages lived on theft and rapine. Robbers hired themselves to the leader of a faction that would give the most money, and thus robbery was ennobled into patriotism. Before our arrival, a week did not pass that the diligence from Vera Cruz to Mexico was not stopped and its passengers plundered. This was so common that when it did not occur it excited astonishment and was the talk for some time. These are facts ; so we must not compare Mexico to a European country. But. I have not mentioned another purpose of our expedition. We have not been satisfied with military glory ; we are not content to overtake the malefactors in their strongholds and deprive them of a power that served to violate the laws of nations ; we are attempting to restore confidence and revive the energy of the large number of Creoles who long for a firm government and the peace necessary to develop the boundless resources of the country. The native population is enlightened ; it is composed of scientific and literary men — of lawyers of merit and industrious mechanics, who submit to every in- convenience and imposition, pay enormous taxes to any brigand calling him- self the government, and do anything for the sake of peace, which they never have. The majority of the Creoles despaired of public order as long as the ruling power was in the hands of a Mexican. They well understood that in a country where thirty revolutions and over two hundred insurrections had taken place in less than half a century, no native individual could rule with any security ; so they turned their eyes to Europe for a prince to govern them properly. By his genealogy the Archduke Maximilian was connected to the ancient pos- sessors of Mexico ; he had given proof of a liberal spirit ; and it was hoped he could restore order without suppressing liberty. The French government has been greatly blamed for helping the Archduke Maximilian to the throne of Mexico ; and it was said French blood was shed only for the benefit of an archduke of Austria. Such talk does not deserve attention. What was plainer than our attitude during the conference with Maximilian ? What more natural CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 73 than his advent ? How then can the government he reproached with having hrought him into power 1 We encouraged him because we thought he was the person to restore order to Mexico ; but we did not join our fortunes to his, ex- cept as far as our interests are concerned. We are still masters of our move- ments ; and when we perceive that the expenses of the expedition are likely to become greater than the profits, we wisely determine to withdraw our troops. Where is the blame now % The emperor Maximilian is now in a condition to retain the power with which he has been invested by the Mexicans, and he must profit by it. True, he will have trouble yet from the chronic anarchy of the country, but he has an army to put that down ; and European contingents are enlisting to serve him; many Creoles are protecting his throne ; a good government will insure him the support of the entire Indian population, the millions of which must be allowed to participate in public affairs. This Indian population, hitherto excluded from civil rights, must be allowed the right of suffrage if peace is to be kept in the country. If there had been any patriotism in the country our task would have been easy ; but the oligarchy, clerical or liberal, has always oppressed these natives and made use of them without rewarding them for their services. This is the eloquence of facts, showing that we have destroyed the odious tyranny in Mexico without injury to patriotism. Soldiers of France! you are liberators and not oppressors ; no compunctions will dim your glory. Keep your good conscience, for you have right and jus- tice on your side. Should we prolong our stay in Mexico till everything has become quiet, till pacification is complete, and all the wheels of government are running smoothly ? I would say yes, if we could say precisely when that would be ; but that era depends upon the ruler and his agents, change of public spirit, and on events in other parts of America. As it is, I say no ; because all these elements of success are uncertain, and it would be wrong in France not to trust the strength of the power established. As we were to quit Mexico, a time was to be fixed. You have been told the terms. But if the French troops are withdrawn, what will become of French subjects in Mexico and the native population favoring intervention ? They will be exposed to many dangers, and thousands will reproach you with their ruin. It is too hasty to suppose the immediate fall of the emperor Maximilian. Suppose we had abandoned Mexico with Spain and England, would the Mexi- cans who had solicited intervention be any better off than they are now 1 I think not. Mexican affairs were in great confusion, and we did our best to regulate them ; if we have not succeeded perfectly, history, at least, will say we did much good. In eighteen months we will be out of Mexico. Within that period all French subjects and distrustful natives will have time to quit the country. They will suffer damages, but they will be less than they would have been if ^we had re- tired with Spain and England. At any rate, besides honorable satisfaction for insults, we have done for Mex- ico all that we could consistently with the interests of France. -. Now, one of two things must happen : either Maximilian will sustain himself, and it will be said we did good to Mexico ; or he will yield to circumstances, •and France cannot be blamed for it. If Maximilian cannot succeed in conciliating opposing parties he will have to give up and let the Mexicans direct their own affairs. If the government succeeds after France has left, her part will be enviable ; she will have done a great act of civilization. In case Maximilian falls, the war expenses and French interests will depend 74 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. upon the governments that succeed hirn in Mexico, and I do not see what dif- ference it will make to us. We have given the people of Mexico some notions of order, common law, general security, and civil equality, and it is to he hoped they will be remembered and heeded. We have sown good seed in Mexico ; Providence will attend to its germination, fruit will follow, and we will be proud of the part we have taken in its regeneration. The government has been blamed for the Mexican loan, here in the house, and out of it. The loan was facilitated by the government, else how could we have an army in Mexico 1 We did assist in the establishment of a monarchy in Mexico, but it was solicited by Mexicans. We lent our banner and our soldiers to the cause ; the most we could do, for the loan was insignificant compared to it. The loans of 1864 and 1865 were openly proposed and knowingly accepted ; there was no deception or treachery about them. The Mexican question had been publicly discussed, and was thoroughly known in its good and bad aspects. Since 1S61 every investigation and research into the resources and condition of the country have been instituted, and the results made known. The govern- ment thought Mexico could be resuscitated, and it thinks so vet. The sub- scribers to the loan acted' knowingly ; they were not deceived. Is not the interest of their investment promptly paid an evidence of the security of the principal ? If it is true that public opinion in France desires the return of our troops, and if this return is to our interest, we must have guarantees against foreign intervention. I do not think the United States will interfere in Mexican affairs. Why should they ? what would be gained by it ? . The population of Mexico is com- posed of Creoles, mestizos, and Indians ; and there is no analogy or relation be- tween the Spanish American and Anglo-American races. They differ in mauners, constitution, language, religion — in every way ; all is opposition and contrast. The question of race, then, is absurd. We hear of the Monroe doctrine. How long since a doctrine addressed to a nation in a public message became a law to foreign nations ? We can understand that the United States dreaded a neighboring monarchy ; but because they have a republic, it is not just to oppose all other kinds of governments in the New World. A monarchy in Mexico can do no harm to the United States. It would require many years to enable Mexico to raise an army like that of the United States in the late war between the federals and confederates. With the negative right of the United States we will compare the positive right of every sovereign nation to wage war and accept the results. By virtue of this right we have aided Maximilian. Now, if he is deposed by Mexican will, France has nothing to say ; she accepts the doctrine of non-intervention. The United States can do as they please, but they have no right to meddle with Mexico. Even if they had a right, what would they gain by it ? If it is for territorial extension, it seems to us the United States has already more territory than they can properly reconstruct into a solid Union. Would not the pros- perity of Mexico be more profitable to the commerce of the United States than its former anarchy ? Different Presidents of the'United States have acknowledged as much in their messages, by deploring the anarchy that has desolated Mexico. In 185S Pre- sident Buchanan said : " The succeeding governments of Mexico have not been able to give protection to Mexican citizens or to foreign residents against the violence of outlaws." And in 1859 : " Mexico cannot recover its position among nations nor prosper internally without assistance." After these declarations the United States would do wrong to aid the lawless party we are trying to put down in Mexico. When I consult the good sense and wisdom of the statesmen of the Union, I say such a conflict is impossible and will not take place. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 75 The United States have had a lesson in their late civil war that will warn them not to attempt to rule the whole western continent, though the attempt would be repugnant to justice and reason. Scientific discoveries have joined the two continents ; communications are more frequent, and the people of the west must mix with us and share our civili- zation. The United States know better than to permit themselves to be governed by the quarrelsome instincts of a turbulent minority; they know better than to join in evil causes that do not concern them. They had better join in the effort of Europe to restore order and civilization to the many nations and races of people between the Rio Grande and Cape Horn. We do not want to persuade the United States that their providential mission, is the same as ours; we do not even go so far as to request them to recognize the order of things established in Mexico. But they must understand that we have not borne our colors upon Mexican soil and drenched it with our blood to permit a third party to interfere as soon as we have left and overturn an edifice founded by the blood of our soldiers, under pretext of difference of opinion, and in contempt of the principles of intervention. We have a sympathy for the United States, because we remember that our fathers aided them in their first struggle for independence ; and we would deplore a rupture with a friendly nation, whose freedom gleams in history like the radiant aurora of the French revolution. These pleasant memories, however, must not prevent us from reminding the Americans that France expects a reciprocal courtesy from them under all circumstances. No, the United States will not intervene in Mexican affairs ; their statesmen may not immediately depart from the singular forms of their official communica- tion and their boastful harangues, so flattering to the American temperament, which is pleased with noisy and bold declarations. Popularity is acquired by all sorts of ways in America. The best way for us to answer the rude diplo- matic style of the United States is to reply in the moderate, firm, and polished language so suited to a nation like France. The future of Mexico will then be left to Mexicans, and our generous attempt to help them will cause no warfare. We carried the genius of civilization to Mexico ; we hope it will come out victorious from its many trials. We look upon that future with confidence, and we are convinced that in aiding the policy of our government we have done an act truly good and useful for the influence and fame of our country. In sustaining the policy of the government, we show ourselves the represen- tatives of that generous and noble France that prefers determination, and even boldness, to the reproach of indecision and timidity. We will scorn appeals made to selfish and vulgar sentiments, and support a policy that looks only to the grandeur and dignity of the country. [Immense applause.] No. 23. Mr. Seward to Senor Romero. Department op State, Washington, July 16, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 8th instant, containing the series of documents on the Mexican question presented in June last by the French government to its legislative body, a copy of which had been before received from Europe. 76 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Be pleased to accept my thanks for your courtesy. 1 avail myself of this occasion to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. Senor Don Matias Romero, fyc, fyc., tyc. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. No. 24. Sefior Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, July 10, 1866. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to transmit to you for the information of the government of the United States, copies of a circular which I have had printed in New York, containing fragments of various letters taken from the French and Belgian soldiers who occupied Monterey and Saltillo in April last. The originals were sent to me by General Escobedo, the 27th of May, with his communication from Linares, published in the beginning of the circular, and another letter from Manuel Gomez, General Escobedo's secretary, dated Rio Blanco, April 26, giving man}'- important particulars. Though the intercepted letters give very inexact accounts of the situation, enough is said in them to show that the French soldiers are weary of the unjust war their government is forcing them to make on Mexico, without aim or object. They do not believe the so-called empire of the usurper Maximilian can be established without a considerable re-enforcement of French forces ;they ridicule the official declarations of the French government that peace is restored in Mex- ico, and many of them contend that the intervention is unjust. The annexed circular contains only the most noted passages of the principal of those letters. I am pleased to have the opportunity of renewing to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurance of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc, fyc, Sfc. No. 8. French intervention in Mexico, as seen by their own partisans. Linares, May 27, 1866. Very Dear Sir : Douay's first expedition is at an end, with no damage but extensive robberies, called fines, in the places he occupied. Houses were robbed in Rio Blanco, Galeana, and Iturbide, and a few innocent people shot by the bandit Dupin. Jeaningros retreated in double-quick, taking the shortest cuts, as soon as he heard of my approach. Yet we harassed him considerably, and many of his men deserted, for seventeen French and Belgians joined one of my officers. The invading army is entirely demoralized, while I am pleased to see con- fidence and enthusiasm increase on our side. I have received some arms I bar- gained for, and hope soon to receive the rest, with plenty of ammunition ; so that, with these and what you can send me, this army corps will soon be in a condition to attack the strongholds of the interior, with prospects of success. My hard marches and occasional indisposition have hitherto prevented me from sending the important original letters which I now enclose. I think it would be well to print the most interesting of them, and put them in reach of CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 77 the French people, who unanimously disapprove the interventiou we are now opposing. All the news we have from the interior is good. Public spirit is rising every- where, and affection for the new empire is daily decreasing. The clergy are disheartened because they do not find Maximilian to be the man they expected. The landed proprietors and merchants can do nothing, not even keep what they have ; and as they have no surety for peace, they want a change. Finally, the traitors are disgusted with the frequent rebuffs of the French, and everything tends to exasperate the people against intervention and the abortive empire of Maximilian. We have great hopes of success, and if we only had money it would soon be certain, and our triumph would be complete. I am pleased to sign myself your friend and servant, M. ESCOBEDO. Citizen Matias Romero, in Washington. Eioblanco, April 26, 1866. Very Dear Sir: General Escobedo sent you some original letters of chiefs, officers and soldiers of the invading army, intercepted by our forces. Thinking it would be well to let them be seen by the French people, who acknowledge the justice of our cause, and censure Napoleon's obstinacy in meddling with our affairs, I have thought proper to make some observations, which may have some importance, as coming from witnesses of the facts. The brave men who are defending their country suffer so many privations, that if their cause were not so holy I am sure many of them would give up in despair. Our enemies have all the ports and many of the chief towns, so our means are reduced to the smallest scale. Our soldiers have scarcely the neces- saries of life, yet they always meet the enemy bravely, badly armed as they are, and worse clad, and suffering from exposure and hunger. The necessary continued action does not permit time to drill them and give them the proper discipline, whereas the enemy have all they want and are punctually paid ; so it is not strange that masses of men superior to the French in numbers (though not as great as they represent it) give up or avoid a fight. I am sure General Escobedo's army corps is better supplied, as we have only white cotton pants and sandals for our men. They have just made a campaign that nobody would credit who had not seen it. On the 23d, near Soledacl, we learned that Dupin was coming with four hundred cavalry and two hundred infantry, with two pieces of artillery ; and though we were waiting for aid from Matehuala, General Espinosa determined to attack them with four hundred infantry and five hundred cavalry, in conjunction with General Aureliano Rivera. On the 23d at five in the morning, after eating pinole without bread or cakes, our infantry marched out, and suffered for water till three o'clock, when they came in sight of the enemy. Thi3 was a company of considerable reputation, whose chief was very haughty. He did not wait for us, but began the attack with such boldness and confidence that his cavalry nearly surrounded our liae ; but, not frightened, we stood our ground for the first charge, and then rushed on them, repulsing them with considerable loss. I firmly believe that if night had not supervened, their rout would have been complete ; but it would have been very imprudent in us to continue the fight in the dark. General Espinosa, fearing the enemy might be re-enforced, ordered a retreat, which was effected in good order ; and our fatigued men had to march back to Soledad, where they got the first meal they had eaten that day. To march twenty-five leagues without eating for forty hours, fighting with 78 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. an enemy well armed, equipped and fed, is no ordinary labor, and could not be imitated by t lie* haughty French. Yesterday tbe infantry returned to this place, twelve leagues, because there was no resting place at Soledad. Tbe French letters, as you may imagine, are full of exaggerations and foolish boasts ; but they all agree in the idea that there is no peace in Mexico, and in- tervention cannot bold out without more French troops ; and some confess that intervention is unjust and inexcusable. They are generally dissatisfied; they think there is no glory, and certainly no profit, in the campaign; and they are beginning to despair of the empire, because it is neither honest nor just. The rout of three French companies on tbe first at Santa Isabel, nearParras, by a cavalry brigade of this army corps under General Trevino, with some Coa- huila forces, has caused many absurd stories, which you will see in the letters. "Without mentioning the 700 traitors that fought with the 200 French, they want to make the world believe that they alone fought against four or five thousand of our mini. Their official report is very far from true; but you will find tbe whole truth in General Escobedo's report. When they take one of us prisoner, which is not very often, they spare bis life and boast of it, while we have more than seventy French prisoners and spare them; yet we are called bandits and assassins. Here where I am now writing I am looking on the ruins of four of the best bouses in the town, burned by the French last December because they belonged to persons in our army. Tbe town was sacked, and few houses are left in which they did not destroy the furniture. Thus they make Avar on us, and with tbe odious decree of the third of October they cry to Heaven, calling us barbarians incapable of self-government, because we take food and horses where we can find them and impose loans from necessity and stick to a cause as sacred as our own existence. The citizens of Mexico had better perish than give up the independence of their country, We have no news from the interior ; but the papers in the capital announce that each day brings trouble to the empire ; rebellions spring up on every side, and tbe clergy no longer offer the support they promised. Now that there is so much trouble in the States of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and San Luis, the centre will have time to rest, and our brothers can recover their accus- tomed strength. We are united and compact. The presidential question passed without dis- turbance and we continue to acknowledge tbe government of Senor Juarez. It is the same in the interior ; and the liberal newspapers, even in towns held by the empire, defend our cause. We need arms, particularly sabres for cavalry. It is impossible for us, armed only with a rifle or musket, to contend with the French, Austrian, or traitor cavalry, all well armed, mounted, and equipped ; yet we do not shun battle, and have often whipped them in fair fight. If you can send some of these articles to this army corps it will give a new impulse to the national cause. I hope you will consider this letter as the expression of a Mexican who loves his country, and wishes, when.it is spoken of in Europe, that the truth may be known, so that good men may not be deceived by persons like Forey, who think they know a-.- country they have seen in arms and examined from camps. I remain, Mr. Romero, your very attentive and humble servant, MANUEL GOMEZ. Minister Don Matias Romero. Mr. Malglaive, a French officer, writes to a friend, whom he addresses as "My dear Jules," a letter, dated Monterey, 13th of March last, containing these passages : CONDITION OF AFFAIES IN MEXICO. 79 ""We are running like crazy people after an enemy that can't be caught. I don't think they have the facts in France ; I fear not ; they would change pub- lic opinion. " If there is any good sense in the Mississippi country, there is something bad there, too. The capture of Bagdad by their regiments frightened them, and now they are as gentle as lambs. Yet it was a good time for war. The indi- rect encouragement they give to the border bands only prolongs an absurd con- test that will ruin the country and be fatal to us. The situation is the same ; we do not advance towards peace. " If the Emperor will not withdraw his forces till the present empire is firmly established, he will have to keep them here for twenty or thirty years !" The same officer, in another letter from Monterey, of the 23d of the same month, says : " The merchants of Tampico have lost 500,000 dollars through the second commander, who could not protect a convoy he persuaded the traders to accept and organize. The people are becoming discouraged, even the best disposed, because, after persuading them to defend themselves, we desert them and leave them at the mercy of bands that assemble to crush them. It is said Maximilian declared he was beloved by his people, and had no need of assistance. I think he is mistaken ; but maybe he is wiser than many who think him a fool, and the number is large. He says : ' Peace is firm, and the government founded upon the wishes of the people is strengthening.' A man must be very impudent to tell such lies to a nation as is done every month through the Moniteur to France. We did wrong to come here ; we should have declared our wishes ; but the wine is drawn and we must drink it; we are compelled to accept the situation. " Except Vera Cruz, which communicates with the interior, all the other ports are blockaded by rebels, and the revenues are lessened so much. If you have money to invest do not put it in Mexican loans, public or pfivate. " If you have friends who wish to emigrate, dissuade them from these shores, falsely paid to be covered with golden sands." Another French officer, who does not sign his name, but writes on paper stamped A. R., from Monterey, the 17th of March, speaking of Commander Briant's check at Parras, says : " Seven officers were killed, and one prisoner with twenty men. Thanks to Trevino they have not been shot ; and yet, from the way we behave towards them, they ought to have been. " If our prisoners continue to be treated as they have been for some time back, it will give us a good lesson of clemency. But we dread it almost as much as the execution of our comrades. " This is a sad war, a distressed country. Maximilian's arrival has made intervention impossible, and his policy is detested everywhere, by all parties." On the 23d he said : " Supporting a stupid cause, not to the glory of the country nor for the peace of the homestead, without the inspiration of the sacred fire of a noble cause, I see the years roll on. I will not write much ; but let me tell you, both the emperor and we are disappointed. Intervention will fail ; there is no longer any confidence ; the empire has no faithful partisans; the clerical party is hostile, and the liberal party is making open war upon it, or betrays it. In a few years Maximilian the adventurer will return to Miramar to enjoy the luxury of his gains in Mexico. It is French money he will be spending, for the French treasury pays all expenses here, civil as well as military, Belgians and Austrians. " Poor France ! How they rob you of your treasure and spill your blood ! Maximilian only reigns where his armies are stationed ; there are some cities that have changed governors three or four times in one year." Mr G. Colne, a French officer, writes from Monterey, the 24th, to a certain Mr. Bernard: 80 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. " Affairs could not be iu a worse condition than they are at present ; all is anarchy ; everything totters and tumbles on all sides. Many of our pretended friends are false, and of late fortune has gone against us. We take no prisoners now, and the wounded are despatched; it is a war of savages, unworthy of Europeans. The Belgians with us are dissatisfied, and want to return by the first of September. Such is the aspect of military affairs, not to mention Ameri- cans and niggers who often join the rebel bands, to the number of two or three thousand, and sometimes more. Such is our condition after four years shooting and murdering in every direction. That will show the affection the natives have for us. " As to civil affairs, there are no civilians but those who have all to gain and nothing to lose by accepting service under the tottering empire. The treasury is empty ; there is not a city that can pay its own expenses ; and yet the custom-houses charge high rates for everything, making living very expensive. "In conclusion, the general opinion is, among French as well as foreigners of all nations, that we aje in a desperate situation, which is growing worse every day ; and after suffering incredibly and spending millions we will have nothing to show for it." Another officer, whose signature seems to be Duley, sends this short missive to his mother : "Monterey, March 25, 1866. "Dear Mother: I have returned to Monterey after an expedition of one month into the country. Affairs are no better. Three companies of our regiment were entirely destroyed in a fight with the liberals, and yet the French govern- ment persists in declaring the country at peace. I am in good health, and wish you the same." • " Mexico, April 23, 1866. "To General Douay, " Commander of the First Division, Saltillo : (After a long talk about wine and brandy intended for the general's table, the letter continues thus :) " Affairs are becoming more and more pleasant in Mexico. I have charge of the Belgians and Austrians, the greatest spendthrifts in the world. There is something in the public horizon, and I think it will lead to Maximiliau's de- parture. If we retire the German power is lost. Such is the reward of four years of war and labor. I have nothing more to say ; but if I could have an interview with you I could tell something that would astonish you. "I repeat the assurance, dear general, of my most distinguished consideration. " TISSEROT, " Intendant for two months and fourteen days." "Corps of Mexico, Cabinet of the Marshal-in-Chief, " Mexico, April 22, 1866. " To Commander Seigland, " Aide-de-camp of General Douay : " You tell me that the general was displeased because his excellency did not let the base calumnies against him go unnoticed. It is certain that the general's reputation would not have suffered more by it in the eyes of the Emperor than in the opinion of the marshal. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO, 81 " It would be hard to discover the origin of the information, and the marshal says it would be giving too much importance to the report to investigate its source. We heard it through the chief of police, who is now not to be found, but who thought it well to tell us of it before communicating it to the Empe- ror's cabinet. That is what I had to communicate. Now I must tell you con- fidentially something to be known only entre nous: I don't admire the young people you have around you. Tbey are all agreeable, even those without epau- lettes, and I should not dislike them ; but they are too young, and youth cannot have sense. They think their general must coincide with them in opinion, and they write to France stories that are perfectly miraculous. I know General Douay's upright and loyal character too well to attribute to him the nonsense that is circulated in the French capital, and which comes back to me in the strangest manner possible. <■., fyc, Sfc. [From the official paper of the constitutional government of the American republic, Chihua- hua, August 24, 1866. ] [Encloseure No. 1.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, OFFICE OF WAR AND MARINE — SECTION FIRST. The president of the republic has learned from your communication of the Sth instant that General Douay expressed a desire to enter into arrangements, through Simon Blanco, to exchange the French prisoners captured at Santa Isabel. The treatment of our men, when taken prisoners, would be a sufficient excuse for us to treat yours in a similar manner. Our humanity and benevolence to your prisoners, exchanging them when requested, is recompensed by the infa- mous assassination of General Arteaga, Salazar, and many others, on your part, at Morelia and other places. It seems to me to be the rule of those who fight to consolidate the monarchy, to try to exterminate those who oppose them and foreign intervention ; but such barbarous acts have not been initiated by us, not even in reprisals. In consideration of this, the president has determined not to exchange the French prisoners in his hands, unless the French general will promise to treat our prisoners with the same consideration, without regard to the dress of our soldiers, who are often poorly clad, and not in uniform. The patriotism of our people is so great they fight in any dress, and should have the greater merit for it and not condemned. Independence and liberty ! Paso, May 31, 1866. MEJIA. General Andres Viezca, Governor and Military Commander of the State of Coahuila de Zaragoza, wherever he is to be found. [Encloseure No. 2.] government and military commandancy of the state of coahuila de Zaragoza. You will perceive by the enclosed letters of a correspondence between this department and General Douay the terms he proposes for an exchange of pris- oners taken in the battle of Santa Isabel. You will make them known to the President of the republic, and send me his opinion about the business, or you may send them directly to the general-in-chief of the army corps of the north, -who transferred the prisoners to the State of New Leon, because he appre- hended an expedition by the enemy in that district. Independence and liberty ! Monclova, June 17, 1866. A. S. VIEZCA. Eduardo Muzquiz, Secretary to the Minister of War, wherever he is to be found. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 129 [Enclosure No. 3. J Monclova, June 9, 1866. General : Dr. Simon Blanco, of this city, addressed me a letter on the first of May last, asking if the French prisoners taken at Santa Isabel could be ex- changed ; he also sent me two hundred dollars, which I sent to the chief of tke staff, in your name, to be delivered to Lieutenant Montier. I enclose you a receipt for the $200 sent to Montier. About the exchange of prisoners, I have to inform you that I have submitted the proposals to the general government, that will decide upon them. I clo not reply to Mr. Blanco, because I have resolved to have no communica- tion with men who have denied their country, and deserted it in the day of its misfortune. So I address you as a worthy enemy, deserving my private esteem and consideration. A. S. VIEZCA. General Douay, Sallillo. Monclova, June 17, 1866. A true copy : EDUARDO MUZQUIZ, Secretary of the Stale Government* [Enclosure No. 4.] Expeditionary Corps of Mexico, First Division op Infantry, Headquarters, No. 1,257, Saltillo, June 14, 1866. General: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th instant from Monclova. Accept my thanks for forwarding the two hundred dollars intended for Montier and his captive companions. I hope you will not consider me importunate if 1 ask you to remit two hundred dollars more in ex- change on Monclova, to the same destination. I do not wonder, general, that you have not the authority to effect the ex- change of our prisoners, for even I am not allowed that power; but my great desire to free my prisoners induces me to write you this letter, knowing you will try to effect an exchange. I enclose a list of the names of thirty-one Mexican officers confined in Puebla, and one hundred and four Mexicans, six of them officers, taken from Oortinas, now iu Vera Cruz. I think the marshal would consent to exchange these pris- oners for the French taken at Santa Isabel on the 1st of March, and at Parral on the 13th of August last, and for some Mexican officers lately captured in Chihuahua by Terrazas. I do not know if Montier and his companions in cap- tivity are allowed to communicate with their friends; if they are not, I beg you to permit them to do so. I see no impropriety in it if the letters are first sent to you unsealed. You see, general, I do not hesitate to appeal to your feelings of humanity and courtesy in effecting the proposed exchange of prisoners. Accept my thanks in advance, with the assurances of my high consideration. F. DOUAY, General of Div., Commanding 1st Infantry Div., Expeditionary Corps. General Viezca, Monclova. Monclova, June 17, 1866. A complete copy: EDUARDO MUZQUIZ, Secretary of the State Governments 9 MEX. 130 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 5.] List of Mexican 2>?isoncrs taken at Oaxaca by the French, and now confined in Pucbla. Lieutenant Colonels: Mariano Jiminez, Jose Alvarez, Remedios Perez, Vi- cente Lozano, Apolonio Duval, Jose Maria Chnafia, Ignacio Castaneda. Battalion and squadron commanders: Jesus Sosa, Jose* Maria Ramirez, Max- imo Velasco, Joaquin Yallesteros, Julian Jaramillio, Jose M. Palacios, Ambro- se o Alonso. Captains: Luis Cataneo, Jesus Reeaido, Jose Vera, Emilio Legaspe, Carlos Berruecos. Lieutenants: Francisco Figueroa, Francisco Bueno, Jose Olivera, Emilio Delicado, Miguel Gonzales, Ramon Contreras, Jesus Herrera. Under Lieutenants: Manuel Sabuiio, Manuel Pineda, Juan Alvarez, Amado Cataneo. Resides the above there are six officers captured by Mejia recently in the vicinity of Matamoras, and one hundred and lour soldiers, now prisoners of war in Vera Cruz, by order of the government. All these will be exchanged for seventy-eight men, one officer taken at Santa Isabel, and fourteen at Parral in August last, with a few Mexican officers taken in Chihuahua by Luis Terrazas. Monclova, June 17, 1866. A true copy : EDUARDO MUZQUIZ, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 6.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, OFFICE OF WAR AND MARINE — SECTION FIRST. I answered your communication in reference to the exchange of prisoners captured at Santa Isabel, dated the 8th of May, on the 31st of that month, en- closing the copy of a letter from Simon Blanco, and one from the commander of the first infantry division of the expeditionary army; and in my answer I gave you the terms of exchange. Your note of the 17th of June last reached me to- day. It is in relation to the same subject and contains copies of your letter to General Douay, and his answer, containing - formal proposals for exchange of prisoners. In view of what has been said, the President of the republic intrusts the exchange of the French prisoners of the expeditionary corps, taken at Santa Isabel, to your care, giving for them the chiefs, officers, and soldiers mentioned by General Douay in his communication of the 14th of June last. This communication is copied for the information of the general-in- chief of the army corps of the north. Independence and liberty! Chihuahua, July 6, 1S66. MEJIA. The Governor and Military Commander Of the State of Coahuiia, wheevcr he may be. [Enclosure No. 7.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC, GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE OF COAHU1LA DE ZARAGOZA. Your note of the 6th instant informs me that the President has authorized me to exchange the French prisoners of Parral and Santa Isabel for the chiefs, officers, and soldiers mentioned by General Douay in his letter of the 14th of June last. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 131 On the 8th instant I addressed a note, No. 1, to him, of which I enclose a cer- tified copy, containing terms of exchange, sent me on the 31st May from the department. I also enclose General Douay's answer to me. marked No. 2; by it yon will see that nothing can be done till he hears from G-eneral Bazaine. All of which I have the honor to communicate for the information of the Pres- ident of the republic. Independence and liberty! Parras, July 24, 1866. A. S. VIEZOA. M. E. OONTKERAS, Chief Officer in the Secretary's Absence.. The Minister of War and Marine, Chihuahua. [Enclosure No. 8.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC, GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE OF COAHUILA DE ZARAGOZA. Parras-, July 8, 1866. General: I have the honor to enclose you a certified copy of the resolution which the supreme government of the republic that I serve has been pleased to adopt in regard to the negotiations you took the trouble to initiate for the ex- change of the prisoners of PaiTal and Santa Isabel. I hope you will find the conditions announced in the resolution as just, rea- sonable, and founded on the principles of the laws of war, particularly as you refer in your last note to humanity towards the conquered, in which sentiment I am pleased to say we both agree. I should be sorry to hear of the perpetra- tion of acts by the enemy that might force the republican troops to the extreme of reprisals, so contrary to the good principles of civilization and the rights of humanity. I remain, general, your attentive servant, A. S. VIEZCA. General Douay, Saltillo. [Encloseure No. 9. GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANOY OF THE STATE, PARRAS, JULY 24, 1866. EXPEDITIONARY CORPS OF MEXICO, FIRST DIVISION OF INFANTRY HEAD- QUARTERS, NO. 1,476. — EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS. Saltillo, July 12, 1S66; General : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th of July, containing the copy of an official document relative to the proposed exchange of French prisoners taken at Santa Isabel and Parral. The great de- sire I had to carry out this humane negotiation of advantage to the whole world makes me lament that the said letter on exchange of prisoners contains conditions which renders it impossible for me to accept, or even discuss. All I can do is to refer it to the marshal coenrnander-in-chief. 132 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. I will not close this letter without thanking you for the interest you have. taken in this matter, and begging you to accept the assurances of my high con- sideration. DOUAY, General Commanding the First. Division of Infantry of the Mexican Expeditionary Corps. M.R.OONTRERAS, Chief officer in the Secretary's absence. General A. Yiezca, JParral. [Enclosure No. 10. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, OFFICE OF WAR AND MARINE — SECTION FIRST. The President of the republic is informed by your despatch of the 24th Jul}' last, enclosing Nos. 1 and 2 of the last correspondence between you and General Douay, in regard to the exchange of the prisoners that were taken from the invading army in the action at Santa Isabel, that the business is still pending, as General Douay is awaiting the decision of General Bazaine. You were directly authorized to attend to this business, because the com- mander-in-chief of the army of the north, who was informed of it, was so far off. The principles upon which the authorization of the exchange was based are those observed by civilized nations, and which the government of the re- public has tried to follow in all its acts, in contrast to abuses committed by the enemy. Independence and liberty! Chihuahua, August 21, 1S6G. MEJIA, General A. S. Viezca, Governor and Military Commander of the State of Coahuila de Zaragoza, at Saltillo. [Enclosure No. 11.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC. Colonel Camacho, commanding the imperialist troops in front, has sent me at 8 o'clock this morning the following communication : " Mexican Empire, Tlacotalpam, " August IS, 1S66. " On surrendering this city to you, according to my agreement with the general second in command of the eastern line, I have also the honor to turn over to you privates Donaciano Cruz, Lucas Yillanca, Casimiro Rodriguez, and Eufrurio Canada, made prisoners to the command of said general on the 10th instant, and Juan Manuel, captured on the 25th May last. I request you to send me, in exchange, to Alvarado an equal number of my soldiers made prison- ers in the fight of the 10th of this month. Relying on your generosity and honorable antecedents, I leave in your power privates M. Garcia, J. Valderama, F. Espinosa, A. Perez, E. Elores, N. Arellano, B. Hernandez, and L. Barrera, of my command, who are very sick and cannot be removed. I hope you will let me know when they are able to join me, that I may send for them. " Having known you, colonel, a long time since.it is gratifying to me to deal with you on this occasion, and improve it to tender you my most distinguished con- sideration and esteem. " MARIANO CAMACHO, Colonel:' CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 133 I have answered as follows. "Mexican republic : " I am in receipt of your polite communication of to-day, relative to the sur- render of this place according to the agreements concluded between you and the general second in command of the eastern line ; I thank you for the good treatment received by onr soldiers made prisoners in the fight of the 10th instant. I will send you to Alvarado an equal number of prisoners of your command, in compliance with your wishes. " I didy appreciate your confidence in leaving under my care the sick of your command ; they shall be treated as brothers, and may God crown my efforts to restore them to health. " I also am gratified to deal with you on this occasion, and seize it to tender you my distinguished consideration. "LUIS MIERZ TERAN, Colonel." It is 37 minutes after 8 a. m., and I receive a message from Colonel Camacho to the effect that the place is evacuated by his troops ; I proceed to occupy it and issue there this communication. Independence and liberty ! Tlacotalpam, August 18, 1866. LUIS MIERZ TERAN. The Citizen General Second in command of the Eastern Line. No. 48. Mr. Seward to Scnor Romero. Department of State, Washington, October 2, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 24th ultimo, containing a copy of No. 26, volume 2, of the official paper of the government of the Mexican republic, for which be pleased to accept my tbanks. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. Sefior Don M. Romero, fyc, fyc., fyc. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. No. 49. Scnor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, September 30, 1866. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to transmit to you the English transla- tion of a decree, published in the Moniteur Universal, of Paris, on the 13th in- stant, containing a so-called convention, concluded on the 30th of July last, be- tween the Emperor of the French and his agent in Mexico, Don Fernando- Maximiliano Jose de Hapsburg. The decree contains the following dispo- sitions : 1. The French agent in Mexico agrees to grant to France fifty per cent, of the returns of the Gnlf custom-houses of the Mexican republic, and twenty- 134 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. five per eent. of those of the Pacific, that being the only disposable portion of the returns. 2. Tliis appropriation is to pay the interest and to extinguish the loans con- tracted hy Don Fernando de Hapsburg, and also to pay the three per cent, in- terest on the dell, he supposes Mexico owes to France, which he estimates at two hundred and fifty millions of francs, more or less. 3. Tlie duties now collected in the Mexican custom-houses shall not be changed so as to lessen the returns. 4. The duties shall be collected hy French agents in Vera Cruz and Tampico, ''and they shall be under the protection of the French flag." In all the other ports the respective custom-house accounts shall be indorsed by the French agents. 5. The French Emperor shall fix the term of office of the agents in Vera Cruz and Tampico, and shall take the necessary measures for their protection. 6. This new arrangement takes the place of the so-called convention of Mira- mar, of the 10th of April, 1S64, only in reference to financial concerns. If this arrangement would go no further from the Emperor Napoleon and his agents in Mexico I would have nothing to say about it, as I hold he has aright to dictate as he pleases to his subordinates ; but as certain obligations are pretended to be imposed on the Mexican nation by one who has no right to do it, I deem it my duty to make, respectfully, some remarks in relation to the arrangements for the reconsideration of the government of the United States. In the first place, I beg you to permit me to say, if any one really believes that Don Ferdinand Maximilian of Hapsburg is anything more than a French agent in Mexico, or that the success of French intervention will do anything more than make Mexico a dependency of France, he will be undeceived by reading the so-called convention; for, by it, some of the principal rights of Mex- ican sovereignty, as the power of changing the tariff of imports and exports and the collecting of them by their own agents, are intrusted to France. It is generally understood that the French government has for some time de- sired to make the United States believe that Mexican intervention was an error, of which it has repented, and which it means to correct, as soon as possible, but, in such way as to keep up appearances and save itself from the contempt of its own subjects and of the whole world. With this idea it was to be hoped that the measures adopted would really bring about the result desired, so that the French government would be free from the complications and difficulties caused in Mexico by itself. But, so far from this being the case, it seems the so-called convention only increases the impediments for leaving Mexico, and gives rise to new and immediate perplexities. If the French Emperor has the right to make what arrangements he pleases with his agents, he certainly cannot think they will be binding on the nation whose name he invokes. The conventions that the Em- peror makes with his agent, Don Fernando Maximilian, canuot bind Mexico any more than the orders transmitted to General Bazaine by the French minis- ter of war. It is now time for the Emperor Napoleon to confess frankly that he has been routed in his war with Mexico, and should accept the consequences of his defeat. Every effort to conceal this will only increase the embarrassment of his position, and make his situation more ridiculous. I know very well the friends of the Emperor Napoleon explain this conduct by his desire to save appearances in pretending to protect French credit, but without the intention of enforcing the convention. In my opinion this expla- nation is very far from being satisfactory. If it is now tried to prove that all is well for the French government in Mexico, I do not think the way to do it is to make agreements that everybody knows beforehand cannot be complied with, and if they are not fulfilled, as they concern " special agents, to be pro- tected by the French flag," can only be another cause of discredit to the .government of the Emperor Napoleon. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 135 This explains why the convention is blamed by all those who wish to see France freed from the difficulties which its government has brought upon it in Mexico, as the accompanying extracts from various French papers will show. In my opinion, the real object of the convention is to leave the seeds for other difficulties and complications, so as to have some excuse to remain in Mexico, in case the Emperor Napoleou sees fit to prolong his intervention and the occu- pation of the country beyond the time he promised the United States to with- draw from Mexico. As for the rest, if the convention has been mide in good faith, what must we think of the sincerity of the Emperor of the French, when we see him deprive his agent of the only resources that enable him to live in the city of Mexico while the French army holds some portions of the Mexican republic 1 As the convention mentions the loans negotiated by the French government for its agent, Don Fernando Maximilian, to oppress Mexico, I enclose some articles in regard to these loans taken from English papers that cannot be con- sidered friendly to the Mexican republic, nor even impartial, giving some idea of the fraud and deception with which they have been contracted, and of the distribution that has been made of them. As to the two hundred and fifty millions of francs, the cost of the war that France is now making upon Mexico, as it is notoriously unjust, with no other aim than to conquer the country, it cannot be imagined how the Emperor Na- poleon can expect that Mexico will pay it. If he had been successful in his expedition, he would have had a rich colony ; but as he has failed, he ought in justice to indemnify Mexico for the injury he has done her, instead of ask- ing compensation for the expenses of a cruel and unjust war. I am pleased to have this occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the as- surances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc., fyc, fyc. [Enclosure No. 1. — From Le Moniteur TJniversel, (official paper of the French empire,) Paris, Thursday, September 13, 1866. No. 256, page 1.] OFFICIAL : Napoleon, by the grace of G-od and the national will, &c. Upon the report of our minister secretary of state for foreign affairs, we have decreed and do decree as follows : Article 1. A convention relating to the assignment to the French govern- ment of the customs receipts of Mexico having been signed at Mexico on the 30th of July, 1866, the said convention, whose tenor runs as under, having our sanction, will receive full and entire execution from the date of November, 1866. CONVENTION. His Majesty the Emperor of the French and his majesty the emperor of Mexico, animated by a desire to settle to their mutual satisfaction the financial questions pending between their governments, have resolved to conclude a con- vention with that object, and appoint for their plenipotentiaries — His Majesty the Emperor of the French, M. Alphonse Dano, his envoy extra- ordinary and plenipotentiary at Mexico, &c. His majesty the emperor of Mexico, M. Louis de Arroye, under-secretary of state, &c, who have agreed upon the following articles : Article 1. The Mexican government grants to the French government an 136 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. assignment of one-half of the receipts of all the maritime customs of the empire arising from the undermentioned duties: Principal and special import and export duties upon all ohjects. Additional duties of internacion and cvntra-registre. The duty tit' mejoras materiales&B soon as the said duty shall he freed from the assignment actually in force in favor of the Vera Cruz and .Mexico Railway Company — an assignment which cannot he extended. As the export duties of the custom-house on the l'acific coast are already pledged to the extent of three-fourths, the assignment now made in favor of the French government shall be limited to the twenty-five per cent, which remains unchanged. Art. 2. The produce of the assignment stipulated in the foregoing article shall be applied : First, to the payment of the interest to the sinking fund, and of all the obligations arising out of the two loans contracted in 1SG4 and 1865 by the Mexican government. Second, to the payment of interest at the rate of three per cent, upon the sum of 210,000,000 francs, of which the Mexican gov- ernment has acknowledged itself indebted by virtue of the convention of Mira- mar, and of all the sums subsequently advanced in any shape from the French treasury. The amount of this liability, (creance,) estimated now at the approx- imate sum of 250,000,000 francs, shall be hereafter fixed in definitive manner. In the event of the amounts received being insufficient for the full payment of the charges above mentioned, the rights of the holders of bonds of the two loans and of the French government shall remain completely reserved. Art. 3. The amount arising from the assignment of one-half of the produce of the Mexican customs shall increase proportionally with the augmentation of the receipts, and in case the amount should exceed the sum necessary to meet the charges specified in article one, the excess shall be applied in reduction of the capital sum due to the French government. Art. 4. The quota of duties and the mode of levying them, at present in force, shall not undergo any modification which might have the effect of diminishing the product of the proportion assigned. Art. 5. The collection of the duties assigned, as mentioned in article one, shall be performed at Vera Cruz and at Tainpico by special agents, placed under the p>rotectionof the French Jlag. All the duties received at these two customhouses on account of the Mexican treasuiy shall be appropriated to the discharge of the French concession, with the sole reserve of any portion that may be the subject of any assignment now recognized, and of the payment of the salaries of the officers of those customhouses. The amount of this latter expense, which shall include the remuneration allowed to the French agents, must not exceed five per cent, of the produce of the before-mentioned duties. A quarterly settlement of accounts shall set forth the amounts thus received by the French government and the product of the assigned duties in all the customhouses of the empire. This settlement of accounts shall fix the sum to be immediately paid by the Mexican government to make up the amount of the revenue conceded in case there should be a deficiency, or the sum to be handed over to it should the sum received be in excess. In all the other ports than Vera Cruz and Tainpico the French consular agents shall revise the accounts of the customs establishments in the ports where they are resident. Art. 6. It shall be left to (he discretion of the Emperor Napoleon III to fix the time during which the agents charged with levying these repayments shall be maintained at Tampico and Vera Cruz, as well as to define the measures which may be proper to insure their protection. Art. 7. The arrangements above specified shall be submitted for approbation to the Emperor of the French, and shall become in force at a time fixed by his Majesty. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 137 The convention signed at Miramar on April 10, 1864, shall from that time he abrogated on all points which relate to financial questions. In faith of which the respective plenipotentiaries have signed the present convention, to which they have affixed their seals. Made in duplicate at Mexico, the 30th of July, 1S66. ALPH. DANO. LOUIS DE ARROYO. Art. 11. Our minister secretary of state for the home department, provi- sionally charged with the department of foreign affairs, is charged with the exe- cution of the present decree. NAPOLEON. St. Cloud, September 12, 1S66. Seen and sealed with the seal of the state : The Seal Keeper and Minister of Justice and Public Worship, J. BAROCHE. By the Emperor: The Minister of the Interior in charge ad interim of the Department of Foreign Affairs, LA VALETTE. [Enclosure No. 3. — From La Liberte, Paris, September J4, 1866.] THE LIQUIDATION. A man must entertain very robust illusions not to be convinced that the mon- archical experiment attempted by France in Mexico is rapidly approaching its denouement ; and it may be truly said that the policy of intervention has never before exhibited so plainly the perils which it has created and the troubles which follow in its track. We went to Mexico to recover an insignificant debt ; to-day Mexico owes us 250,000,000 francs, and we end where we should have began, by taking possession of the customs. We went to Mexico to protect the lives of our countrymen, as the names of eight Frenchmen who were assassinated were given. Now we are obliged to record — to say nothing of our soldiers killed — the murder of French residents at Saltillo, at Tampico, and on the road from Vera Cruz. We went to Mexico to support the claims of some French subjects; now these claimants complain of the enormous reductions which have been made in their demands, and of the non-payment of recognized indebtedness. Beside that, instead of a few claim- ants, we have before us a legion of holders of the two Mexican loans, who demand that Ave should reimburse them. We went to Mexico to found a stable government, and now that government, with assistance in money and men which none of its predecessors had is unable to live without us. Deprived of its cus- toms revenues, its only real resource, soon to be deprived of our material aid, the empire has no longer either money or men, and it bas only to choose between a prompt abdication and the successive conquest of all its provinces by the dis- sidents, who, we have been so often told, were entirely beaten and exhausted. In such a situation, on the eve of the abdication of Maximilian, the adversaries of the Mexican expedition would be lacking in patriotism if they indulged in sterile and useless recriminations. At the same time the journals which have restiug upon their conscience the aid imprudently given to an unfortunate enter- prise, will fail in their duty if they do not unite with us in seeking the means of finishing as soon as possible with an affair which has cheated their hopes and 138 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. gone contrary to all their calculations. Liquidation — that ia what is desired, and it. should he firmly desired without, however, indulging in chimeras. To expect that Mexico, which was unable to pay an insignificant sum due to France before the intervention, can now pay us two hundred and fifty millions, is to follow a chimera. Lei us get rid of the idea. To expect that .Maximilian can reign in Mexico without his customs revenues — that is to say, without a budget — is still to follow a chimera. Let us abandon it. To expect that any government succeeding to the empire will ratify the convention of the 26th of July, and tli.it it can live without a budget, is to pursue a chimera. Let us not talk of it. We will put but one question : How are we to guarantee the existence of our coun- trymen against reprisals of the Juarists, placed outside the law by official pro- clamation, and the partisans of whom have been summarily shot? It would certainly be very much to he regretted that the holders of the Mexican loans should lose in whole or in part their investment in the Mexican lottery; but after all, these are only the chances of play. That those who have furnished it or its equivalent should lose the two hundred and fifty millions which Mexico owes us \\ould be very sad; but after all, these were the expenses of an expedi- tion which was approved by the deputies whom the contributors elected. What would be terrible would be the massacre of our countrymen who did not ask for intervention, and Avho, our army evacuating Mexico, would be left as hostages in the hands of the exasperated Juarists. Now, the only means of saving them, if they arc menaced, as the French journals in Mexico unanimously say t\iey are, is to place them under the guarantee of a treaty concluded between France and a national government. Does the government of Maximilian, who cannot even defend himself, present sufficient guarantees? Evidently not; and, besides, it has just taken away from itself the means of existence. There is no necessity of our occupying ourselves further with it. There remain three republican chiefs — Santa Anna, Ortega, and Juarez. Can we treat with Santa Anna, the ancient head of the conservative party ? Overthrown by the liberal party, absent from Mexico for many years, Santa Anna no longer has any reputation. If his party, who demanded intervention, had possessed the slightest influence, Maximilian would have governed with men of that stamp, and need not have been obliged to seek for bis ministers among the liberal party. The presidency of Santa Anna would be then an anti-national and ephemeral presidency, which w r ould furnish us with no real guarantees. Can we treat With Ortega? Why? What claim has General Ortega to the confidence of the Mexicans? What guarantee of stability would bis govern- ment present? It would be that of Juarez without his popularity. There remains, then, only Juarez. Say and think what we please about Juarez, it is none the less true, that in Mexico he is popular. The proof of this is that, notwithstanding our efforts, in spite of our excellent soldiers, he has held the field for four years. After the departure of Maximilian, his will be the sole constituted power. Why, then, can we not treat with him? Attaining power upon the ruins of the conservative party, Juarez has given proof of a firmness, a perseverance, which we must deplore, as it has been very unfortunate for the designs of Frauce, but which, from his point of view, is very honorable. In a country where probity is an uncommon virtue, (we have never heard his probity attacked,) and after having decided upon the sale of the clerical prop- erty, he was the only one who did not profit by the operation to which this sale gave opportunity. Again, at the time when, during the siege of Puebla, the population of Mexico loudly demanded, at one time, the massacre, at another, the expulsion of the French residents, it was he, and he alone, who saved our countrymen from death and ruin. France combatted him with ardor as long as she believed in the duration of the empire. This w r as a duty, as it was neces- sary that it should defend the government which it had established. But the CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 139 day when we recognize that the establishment of a monarchy in Mexico will demand too heavy , acrifices — the day when Maximilian disengages us by his abdication — what serious reason have we for not treating with the government of Juarez? That day our only duty will be to come to an understanding with the government which presents the most guarantees of continuation. Now what government offers more than that which has lasted four years, in spite of the intervention? Let us then cast aside all secondary considerations, and if the empire is to fall, let us not hesitate to adopt the only reasonable course. This course, once adopted, we may be certain that we will obtain from Juarez all the desirable concessions; and, in any case, we will have assured the lives of our country- men, whom Juarez alone is probably sufficiently influential to efficaciously pro- tect. The Patrie ought to be satisfied now with our explanations, and should not accuse them of being obscure. Will it tell its, in its turn, what it proposes- to conciliate the necessity of evacuating Mexico, and the duty of protecting our countrymen? Let it speak plainly; but, after assuming the responsibility of the Mexican loan by rash eulogies, let it beware of assuming the much more serious responsibility now of events unanimously predicted by all the Mexican journals. CLEMENT DUVEENOIS. [Enclosure No. 3.] A well-informed journal, the Moniteur, publishes this morning the following note : "By a decree of the 26th July, his majesty the emperor of Mexico has con- fided the portfolio of war to General Osmont, major general, chief of staff in the expeditionary corps, and the portfolio of finance to Mr. Friant, military intend- ant. The military duties of these two chiefs in service, attached to an army in the field, being incompatible with the responsibility of their new functions, they have not been authorized to accept them." It is scarcely necessary to say that we approve of this resolution of the French government in the most complete manner. What will the Patrie think of it, when it said yesterday, speaking of General Castelnau's mission? — "We are certain General Castlenau's mission to Mexico relates to a new plan for reorganization, containing many civil and military reforms, to be applied in December next. The appointment of General Osmont as minister of war, and Mr. Friant, military intendant, as minister of finance, is only the starting point for this entirely new situation. According to the basis adopted for the Mexican army, that army, commanded chiefly by French officers, would not only serve to keep order and quiet in the country, but would be employed in directing the different civil and financial ser- vices, the employes being taken from the army. This system, lasting two ox- three years, would be economical to the treasury, as the salaries would be paid from the army fund, and peace and economy are what the people now need, above all things." Our readers can judge from this what the informations and predictions of the Patrie are worth. CLEMENT DUVEENOIS. 140 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 4. — From the Opinion Nationals, of September 15.] THE CONVENTION WITH MEXICO. The convention with Mexico, published in the Moniteur of yesterday, al- though signed by M. De La Vialette, minister ad interim, has been in reality concluded by Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, since on the 30th of July the latter had not yel resigned. This convention, we regret to say, seems to fall short of the object aimed at by the two governments, and contains elements of danger and complications to which we believe it to be our duty to call public attention. The treaty concedes to France half the receipts of the custom-houses of the ports located on the Gulf of Mexico, and a fourth in all the ports of the Pacific ocean. If the concession is but a fourth of the receipts in the harbors of the Pacific, it is because the other three-fourths are already mortgaged ; so that the Mexican government will not get anything from these ports. It will not get much more in the (Julf of Mexico, because if we are to receive fifty per cent., forty- nine per cent being already conceded as a guarantee to the Spanish-English debt, there will remain one per cent., that is to say, the equivalent of nothing, to the Mexican government. Now the custom-houses having been the principal part of its revenue, the question occurs, what will the aforesaid government have to live upon hereafter ? This, of course, is a question which we will not undertake to solve. There is another circumstance worthy of notice. The convention allows us fifty per cent, of the produce of the custom-house in fhe Gulf of Mexico. Now, out of the three principal ports located on that gulf, Matamoras, Tampico, and VeraCruz, two, Matamoras and Tampico, do not any longer belong t(l Maximilian. Tampico, especially, fell into the hands of the Juarists on the 1st of August, the day following the signature of the convention. Must we conquer it again 1 If, as everything goes to show, Maximilian is compelled to abdicate, what will be the value of the present convention to the succeeding government 1 But the point undoubtedly the most defective and dangerous of the treaty of the 30th of July is the disposition contained in article 5, stating that "The collection of the duties mentioned in article 1 will be made at Vera Cruz and Tampico by special agents placed under the protection of the flag of France." This arrangement alone would be sufficient to make us condemn the treat}'. "With this article, nothing is ended. Vainly shall we have re-embarked our troops and brought them back to Europe. Our flag remains; that is to say, France is still engaged. Abandoning the soil of Mexico, we leave upon it the germ of our complications and perhaps a new expedition. If Mexican agents had been intrusted with the collection, we would have run but one risk, the certainty of not being paid. This would certainly have been a misfortune which was, however, susceptible of being appreciated, estimated, and reckoned. But the position which, is made for us by this treaty is far more serious, be- cause it conceals a certain peril, unknown in its form, unlimited in its bearing. Can, in fact, the position of the custom-house officers we shall leave in Vera Cruz and Tampico after the withdrawal of our troops be easily imagined? Who will protect them'? Is it Maximilian ? But if he could not keep Tampico, how will he protect the agents we will leave in that city? And if Maximilian abdicates, will the government which will take its place, and which will find the exchequer empty, leave quietly the French custom-house officers to pocket half the reAxmue of the custom-house in virtue of an agreement they will have not signed nor acknowledged'? CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 141 On the other hand, shall we permit our agents, placed under the protection of the French flag, to be insulted? Shall we allow the funds which belong to us in virtue of the convention of the 30th of July to be seized in their hands? But if we have no more troops in Mexico, how shall we protect them? After having recalled our army, shall we be compelled to send another ? All this, it must be seen, is perfectly impracticable; it is the rock of Sisy- phus; it is the Danuid's hogshead; it is a vicious circle, in the midst of which we shall perpetually turn, imagining every day to put an end to an undertaking which we will be compelled to renew the next day. We must have the courage to confront bad situations ; the Mexican expedition is a bad business. The greatest want of France is not to economize upon the wrecks of the undertaking; it is to do away with it at once and forever, be the cost 500,000,000, 600,000,000, or 700,000,000; this is, in our eyes, a very small consideration when compared with the immense freedom of action which would follow a radical settlement. Our intervention in Mexico weighs heavily upon our European policy, and has raised clouds between the United States and us. Why? For what object? What do we hope to-day ? Nothing, is it not? Well, let us end it once for all; and if we are withdrawing our soldiers, let us not leave in their stead our custom-house officers and, above all, our flag." [Enclosure No. 5. — From La Patrie ; Paris, September, I860.] We have reason to believe that the mission of General Oastelnau to Mexico is connected with the approaching realization of a thorough plan of reorganiza- tion. This plan embraces several administrative and military reforms, which are to be applied from the month of December. The nomination of General Osmont as minister of war, and that of the military intendent, M. Friaut, as minister of finance, were only the point of departure of this new situation. According to the basis adopted for the Mexican army, this army, commanded in great part by French officers, will serve not only to maintain order and tranquillity in the country, but will be employed to direct the different administrative and financial services. The employes necessary to perform these services will be taken from it. This system, which will probably last two or three years, will have the ad- vantage to produce notable economies to the treasury, since Mexico will have scarcely any expenses to bear excepting those of the support of its army, and it will respond to the most pressing needs of its population, who, before all, demand order and economy as the two benefits before which all other considera- tions ought to disappear. The organization of the new Mexican army, the base of the whole system, at the last date was advancing rapidly. The number of voluntary enrolments was considerable, and had even permitted the dispension of the conscription. When the army shall have been entirely formed it will take possession of the different services, and it is thought that this substitution can be made long before the departure of the last contingents of the French expeditionary corps. When General Oastelnau will have regulated as French commissary the different questions in which our adhesion was considered neces- sary, he will return to Paris, where it is thought he will arrive in the early part of December. We are assured that Marshal Bazaine, Avho will no longer have a command in accordance with the high dignity with which he is clothed, will quit Mexico about the same time. 142 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 7. — Paris (September 13) correspondence of the London Times.] MISSION OF GENERAL DE CASTELNAU TO MEXICO — DISSATISFACTION WITH MARSHAL BAZAINE. General de Castelnau, one of the Emperor's aides-de-camp, left Paris on Tuesday night suddenly, and was to sail yesterday by the post boat from St. Nazaire to Vera Cruz. It is said that he carries an autograph letter from the Emperor Napoleon to the emperor Maximilian, and I believe it will prove that he also takes with him the recall of Marshal Bazaine, whose conduct in com- mand of the French army in Mexico has of late not given satisfaction. lie is accused of various shortcomings, among others of having caused the fall of Matamoras by neglecting to send the re-enforcements repeatedly applied for by General Mejia. It is not that Mejia, but his brother, who has deserted to the Juarists. The loss of Tampico is another disaster discreditable to the com- mander-in-chief. The French portion of the garrison, only one hundred and seventy -five men, defended themselves so gallantly as to obtain terms of honor- able capitulation, and marched out Avith arms, baggage, and drums beating. Their defence was favored by the arrival of three French men-of-war from Vera Cruz. Although of late people here have talked of the Mexican empire as nearly at its last gasp, in official circles this does not seem to be the tone, and hopes are cherished that it may yet survive and prosper. It is intended to have recourse to a thorough military organization of the country. The native Mexican army is to be increased, it is said, to 50,000 men, and as it has been found from experience that nothing can be done with Mexican officers, who for the most part are incapable or undeserving of confidence, the army will be officered by Frenchmen. French officers are generally ready for any- thing that promises adventure and promotion, and applications to take service will not be wanting. Moreover, the functions of all the departments of the state will be confided to French military men ; taxes, custom-house, administra- tion of all kinds will be in their bauds, and thus it is hoped to get the better of the corruption and sloth which have hitherto been the bane of the new empire. It remains to be seen how far all this is practicable and productive of good results. Most people will be surprised if either Maximilian or the French troops are in Mexico this time two years. Part of these troops are to be with- drawn next November, but the French government has reserved the right to keep 10,000 men there until November, 18GS. Supposing Maximilian to remain on the throne, it is thought probable that a few thousand men will remain up to that time, but the French government would gladly, I suspect, withdraw them sooner did the consolidation of Maximilian's power permit of its being done without danger to his throne. [Enclosuee No. 8. — From La Liberte, Paris, September 16, 1866.] BRAGGADOCIO. The Patrie replies to the very calm article we produced day before yesterday, in a philippic of inexcusable violence. Instead of helping us to contrive some way to put an end to this unfortunate Mexican business, it attacks our patriot- ism, accuses us of taking the part of assassins and robbers, and desiring the de- feat of our armies. Such abuse we despise, and we Avill merely say the mode of discussion is unworthy of a journalist Avho has any respect for his profession in the person of his colleagues. Cannot questions of public interest be discussed CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 143 with moderation, and is it necessary to calumniate a man to refute his argu- ment 1 Have we accused the Patrie of bad faith, during the four years it en- tertained its readers with the most dangerous illusions ? Did we accuse it of evil intentions, when it persuaded the credulous to buy Mexican bonds, by pub- lishing news that was contradicted the next day 1 No ; we continued to sus- tain what we thought was right, and we did not say it was a want of patriotism to insist upon France's paying Maximilian's debts. Now we will resume the subject under discussion. The Patrie pretends to believe we want Juarez restored, when it knows it is not so. All we want is, for France to withdraw from Mexico as soon as possi- ble, consistent with the safety of our countrymen, who are threatened with re- taliation. That is what we wish and what we ask. For this reason we say, that if Maximilian decides to abdicate for want of funds or soldiers, the best thing Ave can do is to treat with Juarez. If the Patrie knows a better plan, let it be proposed ; if it is good, we will advocate it. If the Patrie knows of any way to keep up the Mexican empire, after our troops quit, when its last finan- cial resources were cut off by the convention of the 26th of July, let us hear of it. If it knows of none, then it must admit with us that the empire is nearly over, and all that remains for Maximilian to do is to renounce the throne he was forced to take, and retire with dignity from an enterprise he did his best to carry out. If he makes this resolve he will be blameless, and history will relieve him. from all responsibility. Does the Patrie want Maximilian to hold on to power, after our troops have left, and without men and without money, see his provinces taken from him, one by one, by the malcontents 1 After Maximilian has left, with whom will France treat, if not with Maximil- ian 1 Let the Patrie tell us. What are the objections to our plan 1 The Liberte affirms (says the Patrie) that Juarez is popular, has kept up the war four years, and is the only con- stituted power. If he is the only constituted power, where is this power 1 Where is the gov- ernment that gives the best guarantee of durability ? That power fell with Puebla, and when Juarez's constitutional term as Pres- ident expired. The Liberte affirms that Juarez has kept the field for four years. Nobody will deny that. Has Juarez been driven out of Mexico once in these four years 1 Even now half the provinces are in his hands, and the republicans hold the power in all places where our troops are not stationed. Have they not retaken Matamoras and Tampico ? Are they not at Medellin, only half an hour from Vera Cruz ] The Liberte says again that Juarez is popular. What audacity ! Certainly Juarez must have some influence since he has kept unhappy men without bread and without shoes, fighting for four years against the best army in the world, braving privations, defeat, and death. We said that. Juarez would be the only constituted power to treat with after Maximilian's departure; let those who contradict us, show us some other. It is simply ridiculous for Mr. Dreolle to put the Mexican constitution against Juarez. Have there been any elections in Mexico since Juarez was elected 1 In every country in the world the holder of power keeps it till another is elected, particu- larly in revolutionary times. The Patrie's great argument is, that France cannot treat with Juarez because she has been fighting him for four years. Because France is at war with Juarez is the very reason why she should treat with him. Is it a rule we must not treat with those we fight ? If it is, there is no end to wars, and Prussia would still be fighting Austria. But, says the Patrie, Juarez is an agent for the United States. If the Patrie had read the history of the country, before talking about it, it would know that 144 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. tlio grants of provinces to the Americans were made by the conservative party, by Santa Anna, ngainst the will of the liberals. Alter encouraging the Mexican expedition, and urging France and its govern- ment to it, by echoing the false reports circulated by -Mexicans in Paris, one ought to be more modest and more civil to those who are trying to repair the errors. When one has upon his conscience so many counsels condemned by experience, he ought not to sit down in his office and forget that there are thousands of French in Mexico who did not ask for intervention, and who now run the risk of being massacred the day after our departure. Under pretext of a point of honor, we ought not to expose the fortunes and perhaps the lives of our unfor- tunate countrymen by imprudent advice. 'What the Patrie calls discussion, is : substituting abuse for argument, accusing the intentions of its opponents instead of answering their questions, endangering the lives of people three thousand leagues off; and all for the pleasure of making a few high sounding sentences. That is not politics ; it is braggadocio. CLEMENT DUYERNOIS. [Enclosure No, 8.] AN ALTERNATIVE. The Presse thus ends an article relative to the convention of the 26th of July : "A contract has been made with the only regular authority that exists in Mexico. It is binding on the nation itself, irrevocable and finite. We need not doubt its execution, for, if the Mexicans are opposed to it, two French frigates will remind them of it." We do not know if our honorable colleague is aware of it, but what be says is an open condemnation of the French expedition to Mexico. If two French war- vessels could compel the Mexicans to fulfil their engage- ments, why did France make war on them to enforce claims 1 a war that is not over yet ! If two frigates could not collect a trifling debt, that the single custom-house of Vera Cruz could have paid in a few months, how can they protect French agents in all the ports of Mexico for an indefinite period ? If the two frigates were sufficient, then the expedition was unnecessary ; they can do no more good now than they could before ; so we must give up the con- tract, or continue the expedition. CLEMENT DUVERNOIS. [Enclosure No. 9. — From La Liberte, Paris, 20th September, 1SG0.] THE SITUATION IN MEXICO. The Patrie believes in the future of Mexico ; it has a right to do so, but that is not the question ; the question is to know what France ought to do now to protect its citizens in Mexico. Does the Patrie advise France to continue military intervention beyond the time fixed for its termination? If that is our colleague's opinion, why does he not speak it outright ? Why don't he say plainly, France has not spent enough men and money; why does he not propose a new loan and more troops? Jn his disinterested tenderness for Mexico and its government, why does he not advise France to risk a war with the United States, when its honor and its in- erests are against it? CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 145 If that is what the Patrie wants, why don't it have the courage to say so ? But while it laments the decrease of our effective force in Mexico, why don't it blame the convention of the 26th July? Though France was not obliged to undertake the regeneration of Mexico, when it did undertake it, it should have carried it out. It should not hesitate in the efficacy of its plans, nor leave Mex- ico bankrupt. On the other hand, does the Patrie want Mexico evacuated at the time fixed, and the convention of the 26th July executed 1 It must believe one of two things : either that the empire will survive intervention, or that it will not. If it believes the former, let It tell us by what kind of a miracle that phenomenon is to be caused; let it show us the financial resources to support Mexico and pay its debts. We want no fine phrases ; we want facts and figures ! If, on the contrary, the Patrie thinks Maximilian will abdicate, why don't it say so, and not deceive its readers ? But, what does it propose when Maximil- ian abdicates 1 It will not treat with Juarez. We don't know why ; but it will not, and that is enough. Sit pro ratione voluntas. Then, what does it want] what does it advise? Does it agree with the Epoque to cede Mexico to the United States 1 does it propose to treat with Santa Anna, the representative of a broken down party % or with Ortega, who is a second Juarez ? It proposes nothing ! Again, Mr. Dreolle is certainly in jest when he says France cannot give up the Mexican job ; and yet he advises evacuation, and declares the empire shall live, without saying how it shall live; and approves of the July convention that ruins the empire. On one occasion it praised the nomination of General Osmont as war minister, lauding it as a Franco-Mexican organization; and the next day, when the Moniteur announced that General Osmont was not author- ized to accept a Mexican portfolio, it rubbed its hands and exclaimed, in an im- portant air, "That's just what we told you yesterday !" Now, the Patrie takes refuge behind Count Keratry, when we don't know what his singular articles in the Revue des Deux MoncLes can have to do with the question in discussion. What says our author who has lived in Mexico, not in palaces and garrisons, but in the ranks of Colonel Dupin's gallant band, called the contra ■guerrilla? He tells of the defects in the present government; he shows us the errors, neg- lects, hesitations, and precipitations that have ruined it. He knows more about it than all those who went to Mexico only to solicit grants, or obtain favors. The writer, who has lived everywhere, leading a rugged life with his heroic companions, mostly in the open air, marching from village to village after Juar- ists, and finding out what they were good for, after enumerating government mistakes, concludes by telling what might have been done, and what could yet be done. Not a word of discouragement falls from his pen! The empire can live by contracting its limits. Why should it seek to govern where even the vaunted republics did not rule '( It can live by giving a place in the sunshine to the noble race of oppressed Indians ; by ousting the bandits from their hiding- places, those lawless disciples of Juarez or of Santa Anna ; and by suppressing the shameless representatives of an immoral clergy, who encourage anarchy so as to make their fortunes and ruin the country ! But what does all that prove 1 It shows theMexican empire would live with plenty of money, a large army, and a firm policy, if it gave up one-third of the provinces left to it by the republic. And who denies that ? Perhaps " those who went to Mexico to solicit grants or obtain favors." But where are those concealed whom the Patrie seems to be acquainted with ] Mr. Dreolle does not mention those famous claimants, the cause of the expedi- tion, whose claims have been greatly reduced, and are not yet paid. Will he mention those encouragers of the loan, who pocketed large commissions, and 10 MEX. 146 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. whom he took under his disinterested protection? Will he mention all those who obtained favors without going to Mexico ? Why don't he speak openly ? As to ourselves, we went to Mexico, but not to solicit grants or obtain favois ; and we agree with Keratry, except in one particular. We think with him that Mexico is an admirable country, and that an empire might be established there ; all that is wanting to this one is, money and independence ! It docs not lack the good will, nor the intelligence, nor the firmness. Money it never had, and it can do little with the thirty-four millions obtained from the two loans. It needs five hundred millions, and that was the sum we suggested before it was too late. Independence ! How could it be independent with an army over which it had no command ? We proposed to give it an army. Though Keratry's writings show Mexico to be a good country, deserving an empire, they do not prove that the present empire can live unsupported by Frarfce, nor do they prove that a succession is open and is to be settled. One word more. The Patrie is astonished at our acrimony in blaming its mode of debate. Well may it be astonished, for its article to-day confirms us in our estimation of its severity, and we persist in saying editors ought not to ac- cuse each other of dishonesty and want of patriotism when there is no occasion for it. Reading Dreolle's articles suggested the above moral observations. CLEMENT DUVERNOIS. [Enclosure No. 10. ] THE MEXICAN LOAN OCTOBER COUPONS. On the 5th of August, 1866, the Moniteur published a Mexican correspondence, ending with these lines : "The convoy of the specie train of six hundred thousand dollars to pay the the dividends of the foreign debt, left Mexico on the 22d of June, and will be sent to Europe on the English packet which is to start on the 1st of July from Vera Cruz for Southampton." The specie was then on the way, and the payment of the coupons was sure. We find the following notice in the Moniteur of this morning : " Mexican finance committee in Paris. " The president of the Mexican finance committee in Paris informs the holders of Mexican bonds and obligations that as no funds for. the arrears and coupons of the 1st October have been sent by the Mexican government, the payment is necessarily postponed. The president of the committee at the same time re- minds the holders of Mexican obligations that a capital of thirty-four millions, according to contract, is deposited in the bank of deposits and consignments, at three per cent., to reimburse their expenditures. "Paris, September 18, 1866." What does that mean 1 How is it that the Mexican committee does not men- tion the measures adopted by the government, as announced by the Patrie, for the consolation of its bond-holders ? CLEMENT DUVERNOIS. [Enclosure No. 11. — From the Patrie, September 23.] Why is the cabinet of the Tuilleries morally responsible to the holders of Mex- ican stock 1 We will say why : 1. The legislative body heard one of its mem- bers, M. Corta, who was charged with an official mission to Mexico, and who, at CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 147 the sitting of the 10th of April, 1865, drew the most reassuring picture of the financial situation and the resources of the new empire. 2. M. llouher, minister of state, while disclaiming in most explicit language — we readily admit it — any special guarantee on the part of the government, declared at the same time that incontestable guarantees were attached to the loan then projected, and that France would not recall her troops from Mexico until she had accomplished her work and assured the complete pacification of the country. 3. Count de G-er- miny, senator, honorary governor of the Bank of France, was named president of the committee of Mexican finance, sitting at Paris. 4. When the loan was decided on, the minister of finance authorized the comptoir d'escompte to em- ploy the agency of the receivers general for the distribution of the scrip in all the departments of France. Such are the facts, and we could mention others not less significant ; for example, the sending to Mexico a counsellor of state, M. Langlais, charged to reorgnize the finances of that country. Such, we repeat, are the facts which preceded, accompanied, and followed the issue of the Mexi- can loans. Those facts and those measures evidently influenced the public confidence and induced the subscribers to part with their money. Why should we not add that the French treasury has received the greatest portion of the funds arising from the loans, to cover itself for funds which Mexico owed to.- France on various accounts ? Since, from motives which we have not now to. analyze, the government has been induced to renounce a policy at first adopted by it, and which was the determinate cause of the success of the loans, the fact none the less remains that the declarations which it made, and the dispositions which it took, remain for the holders of Mexican stock. Those do not come and say to the French government at the moment when Mexico — from causes beyond her control, we are prepard to admit — fails in her engagements : " We are your creditors — we have jour guarantee." In effect it is not so. Rat it must be allowed that the holders of Mexican securities will hardly forget that if the French government is not bound to them by a material guarantee,. it is- so by its moral acts. [Enclosure No. 12. — Paris (September 23) correspondence of the London Daily News. I The latest device invented by the advocates of the Mexican bondholders for redeeming the " moral guarantee" of the French government without charge to the French budget — a task about as practical as the search for the philosopher's stone — is the following : A bill is to be presented to the corps legjslatif author- izing the government to advance funds for payment of interest of the debt, (as was done in the case of Greece,) the produce of the Mexican customs, secured by the convention of July, being assigned as security ; and l he collection of these customs being admitted to be uncertain, the 34,000.000 impounded to accumulate at compound interest for the purpose of paying off the capital of the Mexican debt in fifty years would be " such an ample collateral guarantee as to cover the French treasury against all risk of not being repaid its advances." It is obvious that the scheme is mere thimble-rigging. Whatever payments might be made to the bondholders under it would be taken out of their own money. No contract with the public was ever more positive than that these 34,000,000 should remain a sacred fund, untouched, to secure, iu the very worst case, the repayment of the principal of the loan in fifty years. To touch that fund now for the purpose of preventing grumbling about the non-payment of dividends would be confiscation. Besides, the Moniteur insisted only two days ago, by way of consolation for the announced suspension of dividend, that this fund in- sured the safety of the capital. I cannot think any minister would have the face to present such a monstrous measure as the one suggested to the corps. 148 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. legislat'f, after M. Rouher's explicit declaration, made to stop the mouths of the opposition deputies who objected to the encouragement given by the executive to the Mexican loan, that France would never in any way be either directly or indirectly liable. Remembering this, it is impossible to agree with the Patrie, when it says to-day that though the bondholders have no legal claim on France, they have an " equity." Not so ; equity is all the other way, and should be steadily appealed to to protect the tax-payer. Nothing can be more "immoral" than the pretended "moral" guarantee. [Enclosure No: 13.] THE MEXICAN LOAN. The undersigned, Jose Hidalgo, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipo- tentiary of his majesty the emperor of Mexico, and Count Carlos de Germiny, senator, appointed by his majesty the emperor Maximilian, president of the treasury commission of Mexico in Paris, by a decree of the 10th of April 1864 : Having examined the powers conferred the 26th November, 1864, by his majesty the emperor Maximilian, to Messrs. Corta, deputy in the corps legisla- tif ; Barron, proprietor in Mexico ; Bourdillon, a lawyer residing in Mexico ; de Germiny, a senator, to contract a loan in Europe, their powers being counter- signed by Don Joaquin Velazquez de Leon, his majesty's minister of State; We have decided and do decide as follows : Article 1. There shall be inscribed in the great book of the foreign debt of Mexico a first series of 500,000 obligations, of 500 francs each, yielding an annual interest of 30 francs, payable on the 1st of April and 1st of October of each yeai, making a nominal capital of 250 millions of francs. The emission of these titles shall be at the price of 340 francs for the first interest coupon which falls due the 1st of October, 1865. The rest shall be issued as follows : Francs. On subscribing 60 francs per obligation . . 60 From the 5th to the 15th June, 1865 80 From the 5th to the 15th August, 1S65 50 From the 5th to the 15th October, 1865 50 From the 5th to the 15th December, 1865 50 From the 5th to the 15th February, 1S66 50 Total 340 The coupon of 15 francs which falls due on the 1st of October shall be re- ceived in deduction from the entire fourth. The holders shall have the privilege of discounting all the terms not due, at the rate of six per cent, profit per annum. Subscrib rs not paying their instalments when due shall be charged an in- terest of ten per cent, per annum for delay. Art. 2. The liquidation shall be effected every six months by lot. The drawing shall be made by the treasury commission of Mexico in Paris, on the 2d of January and 2d July of each year, so that the reimbursements may be made, within three months at most, to those having a right to them. The first drawing shall take place on the 2d of July, 1865. In each half- yearly drawing, every obligation drawn shall be paid in the sum of 500,000 francs ; every two obligations, 100,000 francs ; every four obligations, 50, 000 francs ; every sixty obligations, 10,000 francs ; a certain number, the sum of CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 149 which shall be determined in the annexed table, 500 francs. In this manner the loan will be paid in fifty years. Art. 3. The Mexican govern ment shall appropriate fifty annuities of the value of 18,756,340, to pay the interest on this debt and to extinguish it. Art. 4. There shall also be granted to subscribers to the loan a premium for the repayment of the capital first paid up, to be paid in fifty years. For this purpose the Mexican government binds itself immediately to set aside a sum of seventeen millions of francs in the French three per cents. These funds shall be deposited in the French bank of deposits and consign- ments, and the interest shall be added every three months, as a duty of the establishment. In case these funds at the end of fifty years do not represent a sum sufficient to pay the premium of 340 francs to whom it is due, owing to the fall of French rentes, the Mexican government binds itself to make up the difference; and if there is an excess it shall belong to the Mexican government. Art. 5. The present decision is made in duplicate, one to be deposited in the archives of the treasury commission of Mexico in Paris, the other to be sent to his majesty the emperor Maximilian. Done in Paris, April 14, 1865. JOSE HIDALGO. CONDE CH. DE GERMINY. [Enclosure No. 14. — From the London News, August 10.] AN ENGLISH OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF MAXIMILIAN'S FINANCES. The sudden arrival of the empress of Mexico heightens the interest which so many Englishmen have reason to take in the affairs of that country. It is natural to suppose that the emperor Maximilian would not have permitted the partner of his throne to make a sudden voyage to Europe in the ordinary French mail steamer unless the business on which she came was extremely urgent. The empress Charlotte is no merely ornamental appendage of a court; she is a woman of courage and dignity, of capacious understanding and practical aptitude, formed in all respects to figure with distinction in the great world. She has had a full share of the responsibilities as well as the perils attending her hus- band's remarkable adventure in the New World ; and now that that enterprise has reached its crisis, the public will not be far wrong in supposing that the emperor Maximilian, tired of the periphrasis of diplomacy, has permitted his other self to visit the distant source and centre of his power to learn at first hand what further aid he was to expect from the creator of his throne and em- pire. There can be no doubt that this was the wisest step he could take; if the truth is to be got at the empress will find it. The Emperor of the French, however, may justly complain, if he will, for it is rather sharp practice to intro- duce feminine naivete and persistence into an affair so mysterious and sacred as diplomacy without a moment's warning. The empress left Mexico before the great events which have recently taken place in Germany could be known there. Unless the emperor Maximilian had better information than was accessible to the European public two months ago, he must have been expecting wheu he parted with the empress to hear soon that Marshal Benedek had chastised Prussian insolence in the neighborhood of Berlin. The empress would proba- bly receive intelligence of the battle of Sadowa, though scarcely of its vast political consequences, on her way to Europe. She finds the Emperor Napo- leon preoccupied with affairs compared with which the Mexican enterprise was a holiday diversion. No one in France now thinks of the laurels which Mar- 150 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. shals Forey and Bazaine have gathered in the New World, and it is to he feared that the empress will not be able to dazzle Napoleon with prospects that will withdraw him from the cares that now crowd upon him in Europe. The em- press of Mexico is a sensible woman, and will take in the situation at a glance. She will be able to judge for herself what are the chances of her husband re- ceiving succor from Europe. The French army and the French treasury have been the reserve on which the emperor of Mexico has freely drawn for these two years. The empress will perceive that this is a crisis in which the impe- rial banker at Paris must in justice to himself draw together all his resources, close outstanding transactions, taking from his debtors whatever they are able to pay, but on no account parting with more. If the Mexican empire can stand when the French troops have been recalled, and supplies of French money have ceased to flow, well; if not, the empress will hardly find it worth while to make another voyage across the Atlantic. The political, military, and financial condition of Mexico has been sketched with a masterly hand by the present French minister of foreign affairs in more than one despatch since the beginning of the year, and the facts constitute a full justification of the resolution announced by the French government to with- draw from its intervention in Mexico. But there are certain results of that in- tervention which will remain after the final settlement of accounts between the two emperors, and which greatly concern the British creditor. At the begin- ning of the year Mr. Middleton, secretary of the British legation in Mexico, sent home an approximate estimate of the amount of the revenue and expenditure of the Mexican empire to be calculated on for the year 1866. We reprint it: Revenue. Maritime custom-houses $12, 500, 000 Internal custom-houses 5, 200, 000 Direct taxes upon property in town and country 1, 200, 000 Direct taxes upon commercial and industrial establishments 250, 000 Mining duties 650, 000 Stamped paper, post office and other miscellaneous taxes 1, 000, 000 Total 20, 800, 000 Expenditure. Imperial house $1, 740, 000 Ministry of the imperial house 30, 000 Ministry of state 340, 000 Ministry of foreign affairs 290, 000 Ministry of the interior 3, 700, 000 Ministry of justice 900, 000 Ministry of public instruction 438, 000 Ministry of war 12, 970, 000 Ministry of public works 1, 626, 000 Ministry of finance 3, 400, 000 Total , 25, 434, 000 Mr. Middleton suggests that the customs revenue may produce a million dol- lars more than the amount stated abuve; but when he expressed that opinion he did not know that the French occupation, which had given such an impulse to consumption and importation, was about to cease. On the other hand, he points out that the cost of the French contingent is not included in the estimate. He observes, moreover, that "owing to the little progress being made in the CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 151 pacification of the country," the amount set down for military expenditure will not prove sufficient. The charges of the public debt remain to be added. They are as follows : Public debt. Interest and sinking fund on British convention $750, 000 Interest and sinking fund on Padre Moran convention, 150, 000 Interest and sinking fund on Spanish convention. . . 450, 000 Interest and sinking fund on the internal debt 1, 200, 000 The government estimate of interest payable on the Mexican stocks in London, including the deferred bonds, and on the amounts of the Miramar and Paris loans, is calculated at 10, 280, 000 $1.2, 830, 000 Unpaid balances on Laguna, Seca, and Guadalajara conductas, es- timated at 150, 000 Sundry recognized claims 265, 000 Subvention to Vera Cruz railway '. . 1, 350, 000 Total 14, 595, 000 The general result is thus stated by Middleton : Total revenue 20, S00, 000 Imperial house and the different departments of state. $25, 434, 000 Interest on public debt 14, 595, 000 40, 029, 000 Total deficit 19, 229, 000 Here, then, we find the Mexican government, in the third year of the French expedition, with an annual deficit nearly equal in amount to the gross revenue. But this is not all. Since Mr. Middleton wrote, the French government has come to an agreement with that of the emperor Maximilian, under which the debt owing to France for the expenses incurred in setting up the emperor Max- imilian's throne is taken at ten millions sterling, upon which sum interest is to be paid at the rate of three per cent. So, then, it comes to this, that the French intervention, which was to have regenerated Mexico, but which, in fact, has merely intensified all the evils previously existing there, has saddled Mexico with an additional annual burden of two and a half millions sterling — a souvenir of the French occupation which the Mexicans will doubtless be careful to pre- serve. LEnclosure No. 15. — Correspondence of the London Times.] THE MEXICAN LOAN. HOW THE FRENCH FUNDS HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED. Paris, Saturday, August 25, 1866. The holders of Mexican debentures are beginning to make some stir ; they consider that the French government, who set them the example of confidence, and thus encouraged them to lend their money, is morally bound to bear them unharmed. Of the encouragement given by the government there is no doubt ; and the consciousness that they may have to make good the unavoidable short- comings of Mexico may be one of the reasons why the Emperor Napoleon is 152 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. unable to give further financial assistance to that country. The grounds on which the creditors found their claims are obvious. In April, 1864, the Archduke Maximilian took possession of the throne ; and his first, or one of his first acts of sovereignty was to authorize a loan purport- ing to yield a revenue of near ten per cent. It was issued in Paris and in London ; and the French government, with a view to inspire confidence in the solidity of its own work, took the new stock to the amount of 54,000,000 francs on account of its own claims on Mexico. In spite of this high patronage the loan did not succeed. In his report of 1865 the director of the credit mobilier said : " We have shrunk from no sacrifice to better the condition of our clients, but we regret to say that our efforts have brought us nothing but serious loss." Only a portion of the loan was realized, and the French treasury had, as security for its advances, stock completely unproductive. Twelve months later the necessities of the Mexican government grew so pressing that indispensable military operations could not be continued vigorously. The emperor Maximilian was unable to i aise money, and he naturally looked to Fiance for help. The French government had only one of three things to do: to renounce the enterprise of founding a government in Mexico and recall its troops, to pledge the credit of France for the advantage of Mexico, or to give publicly such encouragement to a new loan as to insure its success. It chose the last, as the least difficult and the least onerous. The illusions of the gov- ernment were not dissipated, and whatever the majority of the legislative body may have thought individually, they seemed by their vote to partake them, and scouted the objections of the few who were well informed of the condition of Mexico as part of the systematic opposition. The condition of the loan, together with the lotteries, corresponded to an interest of 12 per cent. A week or ten days before the subscription opened a debate took place on Mexican affairs in the legislative body. A member of the house, M. Corta, who had been some time before sent to Mexico for the purpose of collecting exact information, com- pleted his mission and returned. He was present in the house when the debate began, and he was requested to give his opinion. He did so. Nothing could be more reassuring than his account of the resources of the country, and of the future reserved for it under the new monarchical regime. The opposition, not convinced by this flattering description, expressed their doubts of its accuracy, but the minister of state, M. Rouher, finished with a few vigorous touches the sketch which M. Corta had drawn. The minister's speech was, like all his speeches, copious, earnest, and eloquent. He pictured the crowds of immigrants who were about to pour into Mexico, the numerous banks that were to be founded, the commercial and navigation companies that were only waiting to be formed, the great manufactories that were to be opened, the mines of gold and silver, of iron and of coal, that were to be worked ; " and as for the finances of Mexico," he said, " has not the information just given us by M. Corta satisfied the chamber beyond the possibility of a doubt as to the resources of the coun- try ? Have no fear, gentlemen ; the able administration of the emperor Maxi- milian will restore and secure real prosperity to the finances of the empire, and give undoubted guarantees to those who lend him their money." The majority of the Chamber applauded. It is right to observe that the minister of state added : " There is here no question of the responsibility of the French govern- ment. France gives no guarantee, direct or indirect, in the matter of the Mex- ican loan." The minister could not have said less. Had he uttered only one word implying a positive guarantee of the French treasury, the debentures would have risen at one bound from 340 to 1,000 francs. The government de- sired and expected the success of the loan without the direct intervention of the treasury. A member of the opposition, M. Picard, objected : " The subscribers have already lost 20 per cent, on the first loan, and you speak now of a second ;" to which the minister replied .: CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 153 "You are thinking of the loan about to be made, and certainly if the holders who will read your speech have confidence in your assertions, they •will be slow to give their money. This mistrust, this distrust, the criticism expressed by an irresponsible person, which spread disquiet and alarm in the country, will be powerless and vain. Your words will not be listened to, and they who do not listen to them are perfectly right." These words were again applauded vociferously. The second loan was issued by the comptoir d'escompte, and the comptoir d'escompte is debarred by its statutes from opening subscriptions of the kind without the special authorization of the minister of finance. The receivers- general throughout France were authorized by the miuister, whose immediate subordinates they are, to receive subscriptions. The Mexican finance commis- sion, under the presidency of M. de Germiny, senator, formerly miuister of finance, and formerly governor of the Bank of France, took charge, at the in- stance of the government, of the funds collected and of the payment of the interest. A member of the council of state, M. Langlais, was sent by the gov- ernment to Mexico for the purpose of introducing order in the Mexican finances. During the time the subscriptions were coming in, the confidence of the public was constantly kept up by the favorable accounts the Moniteur published every fortnight of the state of affairs in Mexico ; and these accounts were regularly reproduced in the French papers. The French treasury held, on account of its own claims, 54,000,000 francs in paper of the first loan ; and it became necessary, with a. view to reduce the float- ing debt, to realize that sum. The operation was not easy. Mexican credit was so low that the stock of the first issue, yielding more than 12 per cent, at that period, was not salable. The conversion of that stock, or rentes, into de- bentures, or obligations, with premiums and lotteries, was effected, and the min- ister of finance transferred his unproductive rentes into obligations. In his report to the Emperor, on the 20 ;h of December last, he stated that he had utilized, "not without loss, the stock of which he had been the holder." The minister evidently thought that the new Mexican obligations which were thus thrown on the market were a safe investment. From a statement published by M. Cochut it seems that the mode in which the funds raised for Mexico have been employed is as follows : " The French government in the first loan of 1864 received 6,600,000 francs of rente in payment of expenses incurred and to meet private claims. Francs. Of the portion offered to the public, in Paris and London, only 10,162,000 francs, of 6 per cent, rente, were negotiated, and produced 102, 000, 000 The second loan, that of 1865, by the issue of 500,000 bonds, at 540 francs, produced 170, 000, 000 Total 272, 000, 000 The commissions, expenses, &c, amounted to 26, 000, 000 The two loans, therefore, produced only 246, 000, 000 " From the net amount several sums were retained for different objects — for the reconstitution of the capital at the end of fifty years, for interest reserves, premiums, and lotteries, dividend due to England — forming a total sum of 212,000,000 francs, so that Mexico received only 34,000,000 francs of her loan. There remains at present in the French treasury 114,000 francs Mexican bonds not realized, 47,000 francs held in reserve for indemnities to be paid to French 154 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. subjects, and about 83,000 francs, representing the portion of the first loan un- converted, and which remain in the hands of the Mexican commission. The number of bonds held by the public is, therefore, about 756,000 francs, distrib- uted over 300,000 families. Those people it is who have alone provided the necessities of the French army, and who even aided in reimbursing certain English creditors." The creditors, then, look to the French government, whom they consider to have morally guaranteed the Mexican loan by the quasi-official character given to the subscription, for relief. [Enclosure No. 16. — From the MessagerFranco-Am6ricain, New York, September 29, 1866.] The Paris papers that copy the above document from the Moniteur add the following interesting remarks : The Liberte asks what are the resources of Mexico to carry on the govern- ment, aud says : "According to documents furnished by the Oonstitutionnel a few weeks ago, the budget of receipts was fixed as follows : " Custom-houses of the Gulf, 38 millions ; of the Pacific, 15 millions; other sources, 42 millions ; making a total of 95 millions. " Mexico had already appropriated 75 per cent ; of the Pacific revenues, and now gives 25 per cent.; therefore 15 millions must be deducted from the budget. In the second place, Mexico having given up 49 per cent, of the customs rev- enues to extinguish the English and Spanish debt, and now giving 50 per cent, of the same revenues, there remains but one per cent, on the Gulf custom- houses. The budget will then remain thus : Gulf customs, one per cent 3S0, 000 Pacific customs Other revenues 42, 000, 000 Total 42, 380, 000 " Thus. 42 millions is all the Mexican empire has to pay the internal debt with, to keep up the army, to endow public services and to pay the civil list. " Where are these 42 millions except on paper? We cannot tell; we think them problematical. Everybody will agree with us, then, in saying the Mex- ican empire cannot last, and that the convention of July is equivalent to abdi- cation. " On the other hand, what are the custom-house revenues now worth ? As much as 38 millions in the Gulf? Perhaps so, if Tampico and Matamoras — two ports out of the three — were not in the hands of the rebels. " And what will Maximilian's assignment be good for after the fall of the em- pire and the evacuation of Mexico by our troops ? " The Avenir National is alarmed to see the French flag engaged for an indefi- nite time in Mexico. It says : "Who does not see, that if the French remain in Mexico to secure the pay- ment of interest and the extinguishment of the Mexican debt, they cannot quit when they please? It is not possible to preserve freedom of action, and measure the exercise of rights by the exigencies of its policy, curbed by the convention of the 30th of July, which is nothing less than the continuation of CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 155 that great error called the Mexican expedition. Now France would like to quit, for fear of danger in that direction ; and we think she would prefer to have, instead of the convention of the 30th July, some arrangement to incur a present sacrifice, to save greater ones in future." No. 50. Mr. Seward to Sefior Romero. Department of State, Washington, October 9, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 30th ultimo, containing the convention concluded between the Emperor of the French and the Prince Maximilian, as published in the Mouiteur Universel of Paris. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. Sefior Don. M Romero, 8fc, fyc, fyc. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. No. 51. SeJior Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, October 5, 1866. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to communicate to you, for the information of the government of the United States, the copy of a communication which I received to-day from General Regules, chief of the army of the centre of the Mexican republic, dated in Zitacuaro the 9th of AiTgust last, reporting his move- ments up to that date, and the conduct of the French forces in the State of Michoacan. I also enclose a copy of my answer to-day to General Regules. I profit by this occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc, 8fc., Sfc. [Enclosure No. 1.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC, ARMY OF THE CENTRE GENERAL IN CHIEF. In a private despatch which I sent you on the 30th ultimo from the Tiripio hacienda, I had the honor to inform you of the enemy's movement upon me, forcing me to evacuate Zitacuaro, his occupation and retirement, and my return on the 1st instant. I remained here till the 7th, when I determined to make a movement upon Anganguco, garrisoned by only four hundred traitors, but had to give up the idea because I heard that eight hundred French, on their way 156 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. from Queretaro to Toluca by Morelia, had gone to San Felipe del Obraje to defend it. And, in fact, the French did reach Angangueo yesterday, with about five hundred traitors picked up from the neighboring detachments, and to-day marched upon this place, which I regret to be obliged to give up once more, because I have neither sufficient forces nor munitions to defend it. You will perhaps think it strange that I call your attention to such trivial circumstances, quite natural in our warfare, where the enemy is not only striving to defend places that I threaten, but is struggling in his turn to seize those that I hold ; but you must know what I do is of great importance, when you con- sider that the expedition sent against me is mostly composed of French troops commanded by French officers. When the French declared they had not come to Mexico to interfere with the internal affairs of the country, but only to force respect for treaties violated by the government of the republic, and to protect the interests of their fellow- citizens ; and now as that had been effected, they determined to withdraw their troops, considering the expedition at an end, I cannot understand how and with what right they continue to make war on people who are opposing the govern- ment of the usurper, Maximilian, and give aid to places occupied by traitors who sustain him. Such outrageous conduct, without provocation, (for my forces have never yet attacked them,) compels me to make it known to you, because it shows the absolute want of loyalty in the French government, the meanness it makes use of to deceive the world, particularly the United States, to which you are accredited. I hope, therefore, you will make a proper use of the facts I here communi- cate with the government at Washington and the supreme government of the republic, and will tell me, in your reply, what conduct I ought to pursue. In the mean time it is understood that I will continue to sustain the rights of Mexico against domestic or foreign foes on all occasions, except when I am cer- tain of defeat. I protest to you my attentive consideration. Independence and liberty ! Headquarters at Zitacuaro, August 9, 1S6C>. N. DE REGULES. C. Matias Romero, Minister Plenipotentiary of the Mexican Republic in Washington. Washington, October 5, 1866. A true copy : IGNO. MAE1S0AL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 2.J Mexican Legation of the United States of America, Washington, October 5, 1866. I had the honor of receiving to-clay your communication of the 9th of August last, from Zitacuaro, in which you inform me of the movements you had made up to that time with the forces under your command, and of the conduct of the French forces that were marching from Queretaro to Toluca, by way of Morelia, having fallen back from San Felipe del Obraje to Angangueo to aid a body of traitors in the latter place, which they heard you were going to attack. This circumstance, and the French afterwards going from Angangueo to Zita- cuaro to attack you, (after their government had assured the United States, as long ago as the 5th of April last, that it would return to the principle of non-inter- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 157 vention, and would withdraw its troops from the republic,) show that the French government has acted with notorious disloyalty, inasmuch as, while saying one thing in its diplomatic notes, it authorizes its soldiers to do the contrary. For these reasons yon request me to communicate the above facts to the gov- ernment of the United States and to the supreme government of the republic, and to advise you how to act in view of the circumstances. In reply, I have the honor to inform you that, in accordance with your wishes, and believing the nature of the case requires it, I this day transmit your note to the ministry of foreign relations of the republic and to the Department of State of the United States. Furthermore, I must inform you that, as the French government has made no engagement with ours to withdraw its troops, or to return to the principle of non-intervention, it is not bound to us, and we are under no obligations to it. The war between Mexico and France is the same, as it relates to us, as it was before the arrangement between the French gov- ernment and the United States ; and our duty now, as it always has been, is to continue the contest to the extent of our abilities, without trying to effect a truce with the French army, which, in reality, has no existence. The engagements of the French government are with the United States and have nothing to do with our government ; yet, as the government of the republic is on friendly terms with that of the United. States, I think it would be, at least, an act of courtesy on our part to communicate to it all information we may have in regard to the course followed by the French in Mexico, with a view that it may make a proper use of such information in accordance with its sense of honor and its interest ; but we have no right to demand anything of it. I am sorry to say to you that I have not yet received the communication you mention to have addressed to me from the hacienda of Tiripitio, on the 31st of July last. The previous one, I received before the one I am now answering, is dated in Zitacuaro, the 12th of July. For these reasons I repeat to you the assurance of my distinguished consider- ation. M. KOMERO, Secretary. 0. General Nicolas db Regules, thief of the Army of the Centre. Washington, October 5, 1866. A true copy : IGNO. MARISOAL, Secretary. No. 52. Mr. Seward to Senor Romero. Department op State, Washington, October 12, 1866. Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 5th instant, containing some information with regard to the military move- ments of General Regules and the situation of affairs at Michoacan ; also a copy of your letter to General Regules. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don M. Romero, fyc, fyc, 8fc. 158 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. No. 53. Senor Romero to Mr. Seivard. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, October 10, 1866. Mr. Secretary : I Lave the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, various documents intercepted from the agents of the usurper Maximilian, all of them dated in Brussels the 17th of September, and signed by Felix Eloin, the so-called state counsellor in com- mission, and are as follows : 1. A letter addressed to the usurper, informing him that the French govern- ment disapproves of the appointment of the French Generals Osmont and Friant, as ministers, and seems disposed to get rid of Maximilian ; and advising him to appeal to the popular vote, when the French forces are withdrawn from Mexico. 2. A telegram addressed to the same, to be forwarded immediately from New York, containing a synopsis of the letter. 3. A letter addressed to Don Juan Devincenties, so-called director of civil affairs in the private office of the usurper, in regard to his private interests. 4. A communication to Don N. Rosas, entitled consular agent of the empire of Mexico in New York, requesting him to send the mentioned letters to their address. I think these documents of great importance, as they plainly show the state of relations between the French agent in Mexico and his chief, the Emperor Napoleon, and the plans of the former, in case the French army or a portion of it is withdrawn from Mexico. M. Felix Eloin is a Belgian who enjoyed the confidence of the late King Leopold, who bequeathed him to his son-in-law Maximilian, when the latter left, seeking for adventures in Mexico, as a person of discretion whom he could trust, and whose advice might be of service. He has been looked upon in Mexico for some time as Maximilian's director. Not long ago he was sent to Europe to operate for the usurper, who is conscious that his stay in Mexico depends solely upon foreign support. The letter was written after his inter- view with Maximilian's wife at Miramar, and it is certain that its contents express the ideas of Doiia Oarlota Leopoldina and those of her husband, rather than the writer's private opinions. Taking this into consideration I do not think it unreasonable to believe that M. Felix Eloin gives in his letter the desires, sentiments, and plans of his mas- ter, particularly when we reflect that he is one of those courtiers who tell their sovereigns only what will please them and what conforms to their wishes and aims. From these premises I deduct the following facts : 1. The relations between the Emperor Napoleon and his agent Maximilian are not as cordial as the latter would like, because, it seems, the former is be- ginning to see the absurdity and impossibility of undertaking to establish an Austro-French monarchy in Mexico, and seems to be disposed to give up the idea, and this is not at all pleasing to the latter. 2. That Maximilian intends to remaiu in Mexico, even if the French army is withdrawn from the republic, and submit the question of his rule to the popular vote. This proves at the same time that even his friends and servants have little confidence in the validity of the titles with which he now pretends to gov- ern, since they find it necessary to confirm them by an appeal to popular suf- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 159 frage, when the people shall be free from the duress of foreign intervention, as he says in his own words. 3. That the usurper Maximilian, not satisfied with the calamities that his ambition has brought on Mexico, seeks to harm his own country by putting himself up as a rival of his brother, the Emperor of Austria. The allusions made to him on this subject by M. Felix Eloin would be taken as an insult by auy other than Maximilian, and it is certain they would not have been made if the author was not certain they would be well received. 4. That even Maximilian's servants are despairing of his cause in Mexico, and only on account of his personal difficulties with the Emperor Napoleon, and to stand well in public opinion in Europe, and be qualified for a candidate to the throne of Austria, or any other in prospect, he is desired to take what is called a respectable departure, so as not to damage his reputation, and in a different way from that proposed by the Emperor Napoleon. 5. That even in the eyes of the own servants of Maximilian, the French agent in Mexico, French policy has been darkened by odious acts productive of fatal consequences, for which it must be responsible sooner or later. In conclusion, what must we think of the good faith of the Emperor of the French, even towards those who serve him best, when we see him making promises of future aid, and suffering his Mexican agent to make ministers of his own soldiers and tries to place the entire revenues of the country at his disposal, and just as this is done he disapproves the conduct of the French generals who accept portfolios from Maximilian, which was only doing openly what had been done secretly ever since the beginning of the intervention by every member of the French army, with the full consent and authority of the government ] Such are the considerations that have occurred to me in view of the docu- ments which I now send you. Their authenticity and the importance of the subject are sufficient reasons, in my opinion, for submitting them to the serious consideration of the government of the United States. Thinking you might look upon these documents from a different point of view than that which I have taken, and believing them to be of use to the govern- ment of the United States in the direction of its future policy in relation to the affairs of Mexico, I have concluded to send them to you in the original, just as I received them. I am pleased to have this occasion of renewing to you, Mr. Secretary, the as- surances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc, fyc, 8fc. [Enclosure No. 1. — Translation.] Brussels, 17th seventh month, 1866. Sire: The article from the Moniteur Franc, ais, disavowing the entrance on the administration of war and of finance by the two French generals, Osmond and Friant, proves that henceforth, and without a blush, the mask is cast aside. The mission of General Castelnau, aide-de-camp, and having the confidence of the Emperor, although secret, cannot have other object, in my opinion, than to seek to bring on a solution as soon as possible. To seek to explain its conduct, which history will pass upon, the French government would like that an ab- dication might precede the return of the army, and that thus it would be possi- ble for it to act alone, to reorganize a new state of things, capable of assuring its interests and those of its countrymen. I have an internal conviction that your 160 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. majesty would not give this satisfaction to a policy which must in the end, sootier or later, he answerable for the odium of its acts and the fatal consequences which will be the result. The speech of Seward, the toast to Romero, the attitude of the President, result of the cowardice of the French cabinet, are grave facts, destined to increase the difficulties and discourage the boldest. However, I have the deep conviction that to abandon the game before the return of the French army would be ini erpreted as an act of weakness, and the emperor, holding his authority from a popular vote, it would be to the people of Mexico, relieved from the pressure of a foreign intervention, that he should take a new appeal ; it is for him to demand the material and financial support indispensable to subsistence and growth. If such appeal is not listened to, then his majesty, having accomplished his noble mission to its close, will return to Europe with all the prestige which accompanied him on his departure, and in the midst of important events, which will not fail to arise, will play the part which in all respects pertains to him. Leaving Miramar on the 4th of this month, with the purpose of embarking at St. Nazaire, after having received the orders of her majesty the empress, I was constrained again to adjourn my departure. It needed that high influence to change a determination which my devotion counselled as the fulfilment of a duty. I have been keenly disappointed in learning that my numerous despatches of the months of June and July had not reached your majesty in due season, put under cover to Bombelles, and accompanied by long letters written to that devoted friend, to be communicated to your majesty. I was far from anticipating his de- parture from Mexico. They have now lost all the interest which they derived from events so unforeseen, which then so rapidly succeeded each other. I regret above all this vexatious incident, if it should for a moment have awakened doubts in your majesty's mind of my unceasing desire faithfully to fulfil my duty. By crossing through Austria I was able to ascertain the general discontent which reigns throughout. Nothing is yet done. The Emperor is discouraged ; the people are fretful, and openly call for his abdication ; sympathies with your majesty are spreading, evidently, through all the territory of the empire. In Yenetia, a whole party calls for you, its former governor. But when a govern- ment disposes of elections, under the rule of universal suffrage, it is easy to fore- see the result. The cholera rages through Europe with extreme violence, and everywhere makes numerous victims. In accordance with the latest orders from your majesty, I have despatched by this courier a telegram in cipher to Rosas to advise your majesty of the arrival of General Castelnau, and of the disavowal given to Osmont and Friaut. I have learned through G that the doubtful attitude taken at Paris by 2146 was becoming every day more public. For some time he heaps consider- ation and money on young Salvador, who don't himself understand at all why this change is. I think it necessary to recall the young man to my side, while expecting the end of his holidays. The state of the Emperor Napoleon's health engages seriously all Europe. His departure for Biarritz seems indefinitely postponed. Assurance is made that severe diabetes now complicates the inflammation of the bladder, which causes his suffering. As for her majesty, the empress Carlotta, in the midst of the flowers which make a garden of enchantment of Miramar, she shines in the full brilliancy of perfect health. I have the honor to be, sire, your majesty's very humble, very devoted, and very faithful servant and subject, F. ELOIN CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO 161 Annexed to Mr. Romero's letter of October 10, 1866 : Sire : The article of the French Moniteur, denying that the two French gener- als, Osrnont and Friaut, have permission to assume the departments of war and finance, proves that from this time the mask is shamelessly thrown aside. The mission of General Castelnau, aide-de-camp and confidential servant of the Em- peror, although secret, can have no other aim, in my judgment, than to provoke a solution as soon as possible. With a view to explain its conduct, of which history must be the judge, the French government wishes that an abdication should precede the return of the army, and that thus it may be able to proceed alone to reorganize a new state of affairs, capable of securing its own interests and those of its subjects. I have a firm conviction that your majesty will not give this satisfaction to a policy which must sooner or later answer for the odious character of its acts, and for the fatal consequences which must follow them. The speech of Seward, the toast to Romero,* the attitude of the Presi- dent, results of the cowardice of the French cabinet, are grave facts, destined to increase the difficulties, and to discourage the bravest. Nevertheless I have a firm belief that the abandonment of the cause before the return of the French army would be interpreted as an act of weakness ; and as the emperor holds his authority by a popular vote it is to the Mexican people, freed from the pressure of a foreign intervention, that he should make a new appeal. It is from it that he must demand the material and financial support indispensable to the existence and increased greatness of the empire. If this appeal should not be heard, then your majesty, having accomplished your noble mission to the very end, will return to Europe with al] the prestige which accompanied you in your departure, and in the midst of the important circumstances which cannot fail to arise you will be able to play the role which by all considerations belongs to you. Setting out for Miramar the 4th of this month, with the intention of embark- ing at St. Nazaire, after having received the orders of her majesty the empress' I was compelled to defer my departure again. It needed this high influence to change a determination which my devotion urged upon me as the accomplish- ment of a duty. I was greatly disappointed upon learning that my numerous despatches of the months of June and July did not reach your majesty at the proper time, sent under cover to Bombellas, and accompanied by long letters written to that devoted friend, to be communicated to your majesty. 1 was far from foreseeing his departure from Mexico. They have lost to-day all the interest which they borrowed from the unexpected events which then followed so rapidly. I especially regret this unlucky incident if it has for one instant awakened in the mind of your majesty a doubt of my incessant desire to faithfully perform my duty. In crossing Austria I was able to observe the general discontent which reigns there. Nothing is yet done. The emperor is discouraged, the people impatient, and publicly demand his abdication. The sympathies for your majesty ostensi- bly extend all over the empire. In Venetia a whole party is anxious to pro- claim its former governor. But when a government arranges the elections under the rule of universal suffrage it is easy to foresee the result. The cholera rages all over Europe with extreme violence, and everywhere finds numerous victims. In accordance with the last orders of your majesty I send by this mail a tel- egram in cipher to Rosas, in order to warn your majesty of the arrival of Gen- eral Castelnau, and of the disavowal given to Osmont and Friaut. I have learned by G that the doubtful attitude taken at Paris by 2146 becomes each day more public. For some time past he has loaded with * Almonte, Maximilian's minister at Paris. 11 MEX. 162 CONDITION OP AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. favors and money young Salvador, who himself understands nothing of this change. I think it is necessary to take the young man back near me until the end of his vacation. The state of the health of the Emperor N seriously disturbs all Eu- rope. His departure for Biarritz seems indefinitely postponed. It is said that a severe dibetes now complicates the inflammation of the bladder from which he is suffering. As for her majesty the empress Charlotte, in the midst of her flowers, which make Miramar an enchanting garden, she shines in all the lustre of perfect health. I have the honor to be, sire, your majesty's most humble, most devoted, and most faithful servant and subject, F. ELOEN". Brussels, September 17, 1866. [Enclosure No. 2.] 1029, 1462, 1729, 1333, 1903; Osmont Friant 598, 163, 1395; Castelneau 589, 2920, 223, 1060, 1846, 1170; Lavalett 1635,220,176; De Moustier 1064, 1443, 942, 1225, 171, 1361, 192, 2146, 658, 371, 1965, 1608,943, 1270, 590, 146, 1896, 103, 223, 2170, 1029, 715, 1296, 1997, 1785, 1205. F. ELOIK His Majesty the Emperor, Mexico. [Enclosure No. 3. ] Brussels, September 17, 1866. My dear DEViNCENTrES : I have received through Blain, with great pleasure, the details you send me about my private interests. I thank you for them very sincerely. I am glad to know that my horses do not consume my savings. If you can rent my house for $140 I shall be delighted, provided it leaves me the right to occupy some rooms in it at my return, which has been delayed only to follow the Empress's instructions. As for my part, I am very uneasy here. I long to return there and put myself under the orders of my sovereign, to take my small part in the difficulties which must soon break out. Continue, my dear friend, being devoted to our Emperor, and be sure that, for the time being he loses sight of you, he is not able to forget the devoted services you have ren- dered him. If you can give me details of the situation, I trust in your good friendship you will do it. Remember me kindly to Lambley and Sierra, and believe in my affectionate sentiments. F. ELOIN. For true copy from the original : IGNO. MARISCAL. [Enclosure No. 4. — Translation. ~\ Mr. Consul : According to his Majesty's order, I beg you as soon as possible to place the emperor Maximilian in possession of the telegram in cipher hereto an- nexed. The orders of his Majesty are to despatch it telegraphically by way of New Orleans, Florida, and Havana, and thence by Vera Cruz, following the telegraph, to Mexico. As for the despatches herewith, please also to have them reach Vera Cruz by the readiest means. Receive, Mr. Consular Agent, my cordial salutations. ' F. ELOIN, Counsellor of State on service. Mr. Rosas, Consular Agent of the empire of Mexico at New York. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 163 No. 54. * Mr. Setoard to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, October 15, 1866. Sib : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 10th instant, containing various documents which were intercepted, addressed to the Prince Maximilian, for which be pleased to accept my thanks. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don M. Romero, Sfc., fyc, Sfc. No. 55. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, October 12, 1866. Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, the documents expressed in the accompa- nying index, some of which have lately come from Mexico, giving the state of affairs in that republic. I think proper to call your attention to the documents numbered 2, 4 and 6, where you will find that the French agents in Mexico con- tinue organizing their companies of so-called Mexican chasseurs, with the soldiers and officers of the French army. In documents marked 1 and 3 you will see that when the so-called govern- ment, created by the intervention, has occasion to select subaltern agents for any purpose whatever, it takes Frenchmen, as you may readily suppose ; and yet the French government calls the state of things it has created in Mexico the national government. It apears also from a circular of the French general, Friaut, intendant gene- ral of the expeditionary army, and appointed minister of finance for a short time by the usurper, that the sub-intendants of the French army were authorized by him to a*ct as sub-intendants, inspectors or controlers for the so-called empire. I accept this occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc, Sfc., fyc. 164 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Index of documents sent hy the Mexican legation in Washington to the Depart- ment of State of the United States, tcith the note of this date, on the present state of affairs in Mexico. No. Date. 1866. July 18 Contents. July 8 Aug. 2 Sept. 6 Sept. 10 Sept. 10 Sept. 16 Sept. 27 Sept. 30 Circular No. 190 of the minister of finance of the so-called empire, appoint- ing various Frenchmen to direct the assessment of houses and lands for a direct tax. Order of the day issued by the French general, Neigre, on the 29th of June last, incorporating the Belgian legion in Mexico with the ninth battalion of the so-called Mexican chasseurs. Circular of the French general, Friant, authorizing the sub-intendants of the French army to act as sub-intendants, inspectors, and controlers for the so-called empire. An official relation, from the war department of the so-called empire, of the military despatches issued from the 25th of August to the 5th of September, from which it appears that only French officers have been appointed to command the corps of Mexican chasseurs. Correspondence from the city of Mexico, with general notices of the situa- tion. Correspondence from Vera Cruz, mentioning the enlistment of the greater part of the eighty-first of the French line into the corps of Mexican chasseurs. Speech of Maximilian at the anniversary meeting of the independence of Mexico, declaring he will not quit his post. Decree of Maximilian, ordering the confiscation of the property of the patriots who are fightirjg for the independence of Mexico. Letter from Vera Cruz, mentioning the return to Orizaba of the eighty-first of the line of the French army, that had gone to Vera Cruz to embark on the steamer Tampico. Washington, October 12, 1866. IGNO. MAEISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 1.— Circular 190.] Department of Finance, Mexico, June 18, 1866. His majesty the emperor has been pleased to suspend for the time being the appointment of director general of direct taxes, and in the mean time appoints that official as assessor of city and conntry property for the purpose of direct taxation, which he orders to be done throughout the empire, under the direction of the treasury inspectors, and according to the territorial division expressed below: : , Mr. Le Maistre will direct the work in the department of the valley of Mexico, Tula, Toluca, Tulancingo, Iturbide, Queretaro, Jalisco, Autlan, Colima, Mazat- lan, Matamoras, New Leon, and Coahuila. A credit of $15,000 is opened to defray the expenses of the assessment in these departments. Mr, Delabaume will direct the work in the departments of Puebla, Tlaxcala and Vera Cruz. For this expense a credit of $1,500 is opened. Mr. Thebault will direct in the department of Guanajuato ; and a credit of $2,000 is opened for the expenses. Mr. Derenty will direct in the departments of Aguas Calientes, Zacatecas and Fresnilla, at the expense of $2,500. Mr. Sauvalle will direct in the departments of Durango and San Luis Potosi, at an expense of $1,500. These inspectors shall nominate controllers to act under their orders in the departments where they are appointed, who get their CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 165 commissions from the treasury department, and receive a salary specified in their commissions. The open credits will be paid to the orders of the chief inspectors, who are required to give an account of the sums they receive. This I make known to you for your information and consequent action, so that you may give the neces- sary aid to the persons appointed as it may be required. E. VILLALVA, Sub-secretary of Finance. It was circulated among the civil prefects of the departments and imperial com- missaries of the territorial divisions. [Enclosure No. 2. ] Mexico, July S, 1866. A serious spell of sickness prevented me from writing to you by the last steamers, but you have lost nothing by waiting, for I have some important news to communicate. In the first place you must know that the Belgian legion, after a mutiny at Monterey, was disbanded and incorporated with the ninth battalion of Mexican Hunters. This news, which caused a great sensation in Mexico — particularly in the Belgian colony — was followed by a report of the arrest of Colonel Vandersmissen, which turned out false. As to the act of insubordination committed by our countrymen, many causes were given for it. The pretext was a delay of some weeks in pay, but dissat- isfaction had prevailed for some time. The Belgians complain that none of the promises made them on their departure from Belgium have been kept. Some say the bounty money has never been paid them. The Tacambaro prisoners claim their back pay during the time of their captivity. There was, in reality, no outbreak, but seditious words were uttered in the presence of the commander by angry men, ill paid, badly clothed, and, perhaps, excited by drink. The order issued by General Neigre the next day, the 29th of June, fixes the future position of this Belgian corps : "His majesty the emperor Maximilian has decided that the Belgian contin- gent as now organized shall be disbanded. " A battalion of cazadores shall be formed of the elements that compose it, and shall be called Battalion No. 9 of the Empress's Hunters. Soldiers that en- listed for six years will be compelled to remain in the service of the emperor of Mexico till the expiration of their term of service ; and also those officers who were only soldiers at the time of their arrival, and not officers in the Belgian army. Those of them who wish to quit Mexico will be discharged, but will not be sent back nor indemnified by the Mexican government. " The Mexican government will retain the officers in the same grade they had in the Belgian contingent as Mexican officers. Officers of the Belgian army who obtained a two years' leave from their government to serve in Mexico will be consulted personally to know if they wish a continuance of leave in order to serve in Mexico. " Those wishing to remain will be put into the battalion of Hunters ; those who desire to return to Belgium will be sent to Mexico. As there will be no colonel in this new organization, Mr. Vandersmissen cannot belong to it ; he must, therefore, present himself in Mexico and receive orders from his majesty the emperor. " Marshal Bazaine orders General Douay to disband the body immediately and to proceed to its reorganization anew. "B. NEIGRE, " General Commanding ilie Auxiliary Division." 166 CONDITION OP AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 3. — From La Sociedad. — Mexico, August 28, 1866.] TREASURY DIVISION. The following was published in Zacatecas : DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE — MILITARY SUB-INTENDANCY — TREASURY IN- SPECTOR OF THE STATE OF GUANAJUATO. Leon, August 2, 1866. To the Citizen Prefect : The military intendant, Mr. Friaut, appointed minister of finance, charges me to send you the following despatch, which was received by telegraph : "The minister of finance gives full power to sub-intendants or officers to per- form the duties of sub-intendants, inspectors, and controllers in all the offices of finance, each in his respective department. The prefects will accredit these officers to the chief of the bureau. "FRIAUT, Minister of Finance." Accept, Mr. Prefect, the assurances of my high consideration. DAMARTIAS, Military Sub-inspector of the Treasmy in the Department of Guana juata. 1 Enclosure No. 4. — From the Diario del Imperio, September 6, 1866.] Official military despatches, War Department. — Despatches sent from this de- partment between the 21th of August and the 5th instant. APPOINTMENTS. Luis Rovichon, sergeant of the French army, as assistant depositary for the fifth battalion of the line. Sergeant Adrian Page, sub-instructor for the same corps. . Carlos Victor Francois, sergeant of the French army, as assistant treasurer for the twelfth of the line. Carlos A. Coffer, of the same grade in the French army, as sub-instructor for the same corps. Carlos A. Maunier, same rank, as assistant depositary for the same battalion. Isidoro E. Breset, same rank in the French army, as assistant treasurer for the sixth battalion of the line. Luis E. Trorey, of the same grade in the French army, as sub-instructor for the same corps. For the first battalion of hunters — promotions. — Commander F. A. L. Desan- dre to be lieutenant colonel ; Captain Miguel V. Bellin to be battalion com- mander. Second battalion. — Commander L. A. D. Chabrol to be lieutenant colonel, and Captain Gustave Badon to be battalion commander. Third battalion. — Commander Carlos Leon Guillemain to be lieutenant colo- nel, and Captain Luis J. Lanes to be battalion commander. Fourth battalion. — Commander Juan F. Herbe to be lieutenant colonel, and Captain Julio Bonet battalion commander. Fifth battalion. — Commander Emile Layn to be lieutenant colonel, and Cap- tain Juan S. Lanause commandant. Sixth battalion. — Commander Leon Didier to be lieutenant colonel, and Cap- tain Simon Sorlieu commandant. Seventh battalion. — Commander P. L. Maurant to be lieutenant colonel, and Captain B. A. Poviel commandant. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 167 Eighth battalion. — Commander Zacharias If. Festal, to be lieutenant colonel; Serjeant Juan P. Forche, sub-lieutenant of the battalion of the line; Sergeant Juan F. Jenni, sub-lieutenant in the same corps; Francis Finelli and Pablo Fisian, sub-lieutenants in the fourth battalion of hunters; and Captain Manuel Aviles, of the aids, to be captain of infantry. [Enclosure No. 5.] City of Mexico, Monday, September 10, 1866. Up to tbe present time Napoleon has not given any orders, either direct or indirect, countermanding the order for the evacuation of this country by his ex- peditionary corps. Every idle rumor from Paris is construed into a favorable circumstance by the insignificantly small party of imperial Mexicans. Men like Seiior Don Jose Maria de Landa, who were directly instrumental in securing Napoleon's inter- vention in Mexican affairs, are very deeply interested in all the phases of Mexi- can politics. Such men fear — and they have publicly expressed their fears — that the return of the liberal or republican government will be the signal for the confiscation of their estates and exiling them to some inhospitable portion of sterile Yucatan, where now so many patriotic liberals are banished to by the monarchical power temporarily residing at, and presiding over, the " halls of the Montezuraas." A very large majority of the wealthy Mexicans who have been identified with the imperial farce during the last four years are realizing their property, preparatory to going abroad and viewing the settlement that must shortly take place here from a secure and hospitable stand-point. Many have already gone. Xo great emigration of the Mochos may be counted upon, for the adherents of the empire are very few, and have been growing less and less during the last twelve months. There are not a dozen families of the capital that are avowed imperialists, and we allege, after much careful observation, that there are not twenty wealthy men of Mexico who would gather round Maximilian in an hour of trouble. So destructive has been the policy pursued by the emperor while here that it is asserted there is not a merchant nor even a French dealer in the. country (and there are thousands of French merchants and miners) who does not desire him to abdicate and evacuate the country. NATIONAL BANKRUPTCY. Commerce is paralyzed. The so-called government is a bankrupt usurpa- tion, hourly threatened with overwhelming numbers of outraged patriots, who, though poorly clad, still more poorly armed, without pay or hope of reward, are gathering round their chie/tain's standard, to overwhelm and crush, with one powerful blow, the enemies of their country's liberties and sacred rights. EXECUTIONS. The imperialists have hung and executed by bullet and garrote without trial ; they have branded the liberals as brigands, outlawed them, confiscated their homes and desecrated their land, and no wonder that the friends of the monarchy are fearful and dread the change of government, that cannot, at the furthest, be postponed until January, 1S67. The tone of the imperial press is very mournful. Not a day passes without rumors of the pronouncing against the empire of influential leaders, the evacu- ation of cities, and the gathering of the liberals. 168 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 6.] Vera Cruz, September 10 — 10 p. m.; 1866. To-day those who study the changes in the situation with great care exhibited a very considerable degree of uneasiness in consequence of some strange reports which were received from the interior. To-day it was generally said that the eighty- first French regiment of the line was en route for Vera Cruz to embark at once for Europe, but on investigation it was found that only one battalion of said regiment was coming down, and that the remaining portion (from 1,500 to 2,000 men) were ready to take up the flag of the empire (dropping the flag of France) as soon as the battalion particularly specified above left Mexico. We know it to be a fact that France's money is being expended in large amounts, in every direction, to increase the strength of the imperial army. And we also know that, notwithstanding the several moves already made, there is nothing to show that it is the sincere intention of France to leave the country. In to-day's issue of La Revista, of this city, we find the following : The last news from Europe relative to Mexican affairs contradicts some of the reports received by the Sonora. * * * The French government permits the enlistment in France of volunteers, and will give to the imperial government of Mexico arms and munitions of war. The return of the expeditionary corps, nevertheless, will take place as has been stated. Those who have studied the very latest developments are asking : " What difference will it make to the United States government whether Maximilian is supported by French regiments, directly known as such, or French regiments in disguise under the colors of the empire if" [Enclosure No. 7.] Maximilian's speech on the 16th of September, 1S66. Mexicans : Now for the third time, as chief of the nation, T celebrate with you with pleasure and enthusiasm our great and glorious family festival. In these days of patriotic remembrances it is always a necessity on my part to ad- dress frank and faithful words to my patriotic fellow-citizens, and to participate with them in the general rejoicings. Fifty-six years- have passed since was heard the first cry of our nation's new birth. It is a half century during which Mexico has been struggling for her independence and pacific consolidation. The time seems long, undoubtedly, for patriotism is justly impatient, but in the his- tory of a people just coming into life it is simply the period of a severe appren- ticeship, which every nation must undergo if it wishes to be one day great and powerful. Without blood and without affliction there are no great human tri- umphs, no political developments, no durable progress. The lesson which this first period of our free history addresses to us is tkat of ultimate sacrifices, of cordial, generous,. and frank union, and, more than all, immutable faith in our success. Let all loyal patriots support with energy, each in his sphere, the great work of regeneration. Then my labors will not be sterile, and I will be aide to follow, conscientiously, the difficult path on which I have entered. Let them have confidence and good will, in order that we may one day reap the fruits so desired of peace and prosperity. I am still firm in the position which the votes of the nation have made me occupy, notwithstanding all the difficul- ties, and without failing in my duties ; for it is not in adverse moments that a true Ilapsburg abandons his post. The majority of the nation elected me to defend its most sacred rights against the enemies of order, property, and true independence. The Almighty should, therefore, protect us, it being a sacred CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 169 truth that " the voice of the people is the voice of God." This was shown in a miraculous manner at the time of our first national rising; it will be shown in the present regeneration. The great heroes of our country look upon our efforts. Let us follow their immortal examples without vacillation, without distrust ; and to us will then belong the enviable task of consolidating and crowning the work of independence, which they began with their precious blood. Mexicans ! long live our independence and the memory of its glorious martyrs ! [Enclosure No. 8.] Maximilian, emperor of Mexico : With the advice of our ministerial council, we have determiued to decree and have decreed as follows : Article 1. All property belonging to persons now residing out of the coun- try, or in places held by the disaffected, who oppose the imperial government adopted by the people of Mexico, shall be administered in each district by a special committee composed of the municipal alcalde, the collector of revenue and a proprietor named by the prefect. Article 2. The sale of this property is forbidden while the owners remain in the ranks of the enemies to order and the empire. Article 3. The revenue from this property shall forma special and separate fund for the exclusive benefit of the families that have suffered by the war which the disaffected are waging against the empire. Article 4. The accounts of this fund shall be kept in the treasury depart- ment. Article 5. At the end of each month the amount received shall be distrib- uted among the families whose wants are considered just and well founded. The distribution shall be determined by the council of ministers. Article 6. Our ministers of government and finance are charged with the execution of this decree in the part that concerns them. Done in Mexico on the 27th of September, 1866. MAXIMILIAN. By the emperor : TEOFILO MARIN, Minister of Government. By the emperor: JOAQUIN TORRES LARRAINZAR, Acting Minister of Finance. [Enclosure No. 9. ] Extract of a private letter dated Vera Cruz, Septe?nber 30, 1S66. The eighty-first regiment French infantry arrived at Vera Cruz on the 26th of this month, ready to embark on board the steamer Tampico, the first of the transports which is to bring the army back to France. The others are the Rhone, the Calvados, the Giroude andl'Avegron, now on the eve of sailing from Havre to Vera Cruz. During the short stay of the eighty-first at Vera Cruz telegraphic despatch from General Bazaine came, ordering the regiment to fall back upon Orizaba, where it has actually gone. As an explanation for this retrograde movement it is stated that marshal Ba- zaine had received a telegram from Europe by the Atlantic cable via New Or- leans and the steamer Sonora, by which he had been advised that General de 170 CONDITION OF AFFAIES IN MEXICO. Castelnau was on his way to Vera Cruz, and that the wishes of the French government were to suspend the embarcation of the French troops until he had arrived. This, of course, has given rise to several comments, which, resting on no foundation, are not worth reproducing here. The Rajaro Verde of August 1 says of the eighty-first regiment, stationed at the city of Mexico : " A French officer assures us that, in fulfilment of or- ders, this corps will leave for France in November ; but as all who wish can remain in the service of Mexico, it is said that of nearly all the battalions only the colonel and the musicians will embark at Vera Cruz for their mother coun- try. We do not hold ourselves responsible for this statement." No. 56. Mr. Seward to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, November 15, 1866. S[R : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 12th ultimo, containing various documents relating to the state of affairs in Mexico, for which be pleased to accept my thanks. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. Senor Don M. Romero, fyc, frc., fyc. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. No. 57. Senor Romero to Mr. Hunter. [Translation. ] Mexican Legation, Washington, November 5, 1866. The minister of the Mexican republic presents his compliments to William Hun- ter, esq., and has the honor to transmit several late articles from the Paris press relating to Mexican affairs and containing important information, showing the change of public opinion in France in regard to that delicate question. [Enclosure No. 1. — From La Liberty. — Translation.] THE EVACUATION OF MEXICO. Paris, October 3, 1866. The recent news from Mexico is of a serious nature that does not surprise us' but requires prompt action on the part of the government. Why should we be longer deceived by words and illusions 1 Everybody believes that the Mexican empire is near its end, and we need not try to prolong the agony of a dying government. The truth is we had better wind up the unfortunate affair at once. It is plain that France only makes additional sacrifices in endeavoring to carry out an expedition that should not have been commenced. To keep up the em- pire we must support Maximilian with fifty thousand men and five hundred mil- lions of francs, and risk a profitless war with the United States ; and it is certain France will not consent to such a sacrifice, so the business better be closed up CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 171 at once. First, let Maximilian resign. On this point there will be no trouble. He accepted the place reluctantly, and will give it up without hesitation. His ignorance of the country, and what he was to undertake, will excuse him before the world. "When Maximilian is gone France will be in the same position towards Mexico that she was before the vote of the notables electing him ; that is, she will front an enemy, with whom she will have to treat on the best terms. She will not venture to start another government, but will treat with Juarez, because he is our opponent, and his re-establishment is the only way to get out of the difficulty. But will Juarez grant us the conditions we want? We are not sure, but it is certain he will purchase our evacuation on the best terms. Another question is, will Juarez's terms be enforced by Mexico ? We fear not. But as it would be the same with any oiher ruler, better trust him. What he can grant is the lives of our countrymen, and that is of the most importance at present. The Mexican expedition will be a serious loss in money, and it will be a check to our progressive policy, but it cannot be prevented. But we must not shock the world with the sad sight of our murdered country- men, when it is known the expedition was got up to protect them. That would be worse than all, and our last duty now is to prevent it. We have conquered the Mexicans wherever we have met them, and all we have to keep us there is our regard for Maximilian. Let him abdicate and re- store us to our liberty, and all that will remain for us to do will be to secure the safety of our countrymen. But the most important, what is absolutely necessary, is a prompt and ener- getic decision to put an end to the crisis instead of prolonging it. CLEMENT DUVERXOIS. [Enclosure No. 2.] THE MEXICAN EMPIRE. The following telegram from the emperor Maximilian was handed to the Patrie yesterday by the Mexican legation : [Yalentia, October 9, 1 o'clock a. m.J Chapultepec, September 27. To General Almonte, Paris : - You will inform the legations that excellent spirits prevail among all classes. The cabinet is formed at last. "We are on the best terms with our allies. The railway is open to Apizaco. MAXIMILIAN. [Enclosure No. 3.— From the Standard of October 10, 1866.] THE MEXICAN DEBT. October has come and the holders of Mexican bonds are asking if their ar- rearages are to be paid. The empress Charlotte's late visit to Paris ; the interviews of that young, intelligent and courageous sovereign, evidently on a secret mission ; the last ex- aggerated accounts from Mexico, from United States correspondents, without doubt, have excited all sorts of suspicions. These questions are put : 172 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Is the French government responsible for the principal and interest of the Mexican bonds ? What is the extent and character of that responsibility 1 We have already said what we think of the duties of France towards Mexico ; we will now examine its financial responsibility for the loans negotiated by the State. In the first place, we must consider the origin of these loans, the part our government took in their issue, and the use made of the sums realized. As regards the use of the funds, we will borrow from an article of A. Cochut in the Temps, which is known not to favor the Mexican expedition. Maximil- ian accepted the empire by the treaty of Miramax. In one of its clauses it says : France shall be paid the expenses of the expedition, for all private claims, and the war shall be carried on by the forces of the new empire with those of the allies. By virtue of that clause the Mexican government negotiated a loan of 16,762,000 francs, in six per cents., at 63 francs, in 1864 ; 6,600,000 of this went into the treasury for indemnities. The rest was raised in London and Paris, and amounted to 102,000,000. In 186/) there was a second loan, 500,000 bonds at 340 francs, giving a total of 170,000,000, both loans yielding 272,000,000; expenses to be deducted, 26,000,000, leaving a net profit of 246,000,000. The sum was used in this way : For reimbursing the principal in fifty years, 34,000,000 francs ; interest, premium, &c, 54,000,000 francs ; the old Mexican debt paid in London, 22,000,000 francs ; to the government, for war expenses, &c, 102,000,000 ; making the entire sum realized on both the loans, 212,000,000 francs. Of this Mexico got only 34 millions, with the 22 millions paid to London. Thus France made one hundred and two millions out of the Mexican loan. The 6,600,000 in the treasury of the '64 loan were exchanged, in 1865, for 174,000 bonds of the second loan, and 60,000 of them were recently sold. This seems to be assuming a responsibility for the loan. According to Cochut, then, there are. yet 114,000 bonds in the treasury un- sold ; 47,000 are reserved to pay French claims, leaving 83,000 to the credit of the Mexican commission. 756,000 bonds, making the sum of 192,000,000, have been put into the French treasury by individuals, to pay the expenses of the expedition. It seems to us the French government ought to be responsible for the people's money used by it for the Mexican expedition. Now, if the Mexican empire fails, the French .creditors lose, and the govern- ment ought to pay them. We do not hesitate to say, then, that we are in justice bound for the Mexican bonds to French creditors. If Mexico cannot pay, France must ; that is the short of it. Let us look into the Moniteurs of the 11th and 12th April, 1S65. Here we find the report of Mr. Costa encouraging the new monarchy, and the minister of state repeats it to the public ; but he takes care to add : " It is not a question of responsibility for the Mexican loan." It is plain the French government is not legally responsible for the loan. But the bond-holders reason after this fashion : The government authorized the loan, and employed its officers to negotiate it; it formed a Mexican finance commission to act for its interests ; a minister of finance was sent to the emperor Maximilian ; the useless bonds of the first loan were exchanged for good ones; it paid the troops in Mexico with our money; old Mexican debts were paid in London with our money ; for these reasons the French government is responsible for the Mexican loans. We will speak plainly. We cannot deny that Mr. Costa's report, the support of the plan before the legislature, the authorization of the government, the Mexican commission, had a certain influence on the sale of the bonds ; but the twelve per cent, interest and the prizes had a greater. The government ought not and will not deny its CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 173 responsibility in this affair ; but to charge the French people with the entire burden of those loans would be too much. The fact is this : France favored the issue of the loans, hoping to establish a new nation as the result of its expedition. It used a large portion of the money raised to pay the expenses of the expedition and put down Juarez. It took part in the loan, and is certainly liable as far as the advantages it derived from it. If the bond-holders have not the law on their side, at least they can rely upon the honesty and justice of France in all her transactions. A. DE FEULGOEL. [Enclosure No. 4. — From the Opinion Nationale, Paris, October 11, 1866.] THE END OF THE MEXICAN BUSINESS. Of all affairs occupying the public at present we may truly say that none hang so heavily on the mind as the prospective and much desired end of the Mexican expedition. We do not intend to go over an affair we have so often discussed, but we have a fact to state : our flag is about to quit the shores of Mexico. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, in his despatch of the Gth of April last, closing his long correspond- ence with the United States, used these formal words : " The Emperor has decided that the French troops shall quit Mexico in three detachments. The first is to leave in November, 1866 ; the second, in March, 1867 ; and the third, in November of that same year. You will please inform the Secretory of State officially of that decision?' If this is not exactly a formal promise to the government of the United States, it is at least an official notice of a disposition to accede to the wishes of that government, and puts an end to a long correspondence on the important subject. We are assured that the evacuation will begin next month. But rumor says, since that despatch, the French government is convinced that with- drawing the army in parcels will leave the rest unprotected, and there is hope that the whole army will return in November. What will take place in Mexico after the army leaves'? If Maximilian is as firmly fixed as he says, he will have to depend entirely on " the good disposi- tion that everywhere prevails," and go on with his hard work of founding an empire. If, on the other hand, his government cannot get on without our aid, he will return to Europe with our army. At all events, he has played his part in Mexico ; our fear of a war with the United States is over, and we shall spend no more money for Mexico. We will then attend to our own business at home, and watch affairs in Europe. That will be quite enough to keep us busy, and our people's minds will be relieved from a great weight. But the relief would be greater if the government would say if it intends to secure two points of exceeding interest to Frenchmen, viz., will it protect our countrymen in Mexico, and will it pay the Mexican loan debts ? We don't know how we can protect our friends in Mexico after our army has left. That depends on circumstances ; but we hope the government will do its best to shield them amidst the anarchy that will prevail when our troops are gone. As to indemnification to the bond-holders, that is easy. It is generally believed the government will pay them. Most of the loan went into the trea- sury, and of course the government will repay what it took from the people. We cannot say for certain what the government will do ; but it must do some- thing, and that promptly. Quod fads, fac citius ! must be the motto, for two 174 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. reasons;, one is, all delay in financial matters causes loss. "If there is delay, the purchasers at a low rate will be gainers ; the other is, to bury the Mexican expedition as soon as possible in oblivion, and have its funeral preached to calm the world. AD. GUEROULT. [Enclosure No. 5.— From La Liberty Paris, October 12, 1866.] FRRXCH INTERESTS. To questions put by La Liberte, the Pays makes this reply on Mexican affairs : "We answer the questions in La Liberte after this fashion : The mental con- dition of the empress Charlotte is unfortunately very serious. This blow, adding to Maximilian's other troubles, will most likely cause him to relinquish his hard task. We do not want the public to be deceived by the despatch we published yesterday. Tiie French government is deeply interested in Maximilian's return from Mexico, and General Oastelnau is the bearer of definite instructions, though we cannot say precisely what they are. But one thing is certain, Napo- leon will never consent, at any price, to give up Mexico without securing French interests, let it cost ivhat it will. " PAUL DE CASSAGNAC." Such is the question, and now we will give the answer. The Pays agree with us that Maximilian must abdicate ; so we tell the Patrie the empire is done, ac- cording to the Pays's candid confession. But how are we to protect our country- men when Maximilian quits ? That is what the Pays cannot tell us. It says the government will not give up Mexico without giving the most complete guarantee to French interests. How is the government to do that ? we ask our honorable colleague. We see no other issue than that proposed in the treaty of Soledad, three years ago. Are the French interests the Pays alludes to in France or Mexico 1 If they are in France, why prolong the Mexican expedition 1 Nothing has been gained by it yet. We went to war for a few millions, and we have spent two hundred and fifty millions. First, the French claims, in- cluding Jecker's, amounted to a few millions ; now, they amount to many mil- lions. At first, Frenchmen were treated as well as any other foreigners in Mexico, now we don't know but they may be murdered to-morrow. That is the balance sheet ! After making the mistake of trying to found an empire, now it is down, let us resume our liberty of action. Must we be responsible for a new government that can be no better than the first ? Must we risk a war with the United States by staying in Mexico ? That is what the Pays means by saying the Emperor will secure French in- terests at all risks ! It wants a new sacrifice of men and money ; it wants a war with the United States. We do not regard French interests in that light. It was not to the interest of France to begin the Mexican expedition ; and when commenced, it was France's interest to stop at Soledad with England and Spain. When France was left alone, it was her interest to treat with the Mexican government after the capture of Puebla and the occupation of the city of Mexico. After founding a government and assuming a guardianship of it, France ought, to have lent it money at six per cent., and not have cheated it out of many millions. We have said this before, and not in passion or with a party spirit. Now we say there are but two roads to pursue in Mexican affairs : If we try to make Mexico a French province, we shall have war with the CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 175 United States ; if we withdraw with Maximilian and treat with Juarez, we shall have peace. As we have always been victorious in Mexico, we can retire with honor, which is of great importance. There remains then but one political mistake to correct, one debt to liquidate. " A money wound is not mortal," says the proverb. That is true, if it be properly dressed and not' allowed to mortify. CLEMENT DUVERNOIS. the rights of juarez. All the papers favoring French intervention in Mexico make much noise about the differences between Juarez and Ortega, and with strange inconsistency grant rights to the latter which they refuse to the former. For the benefit of history Ave will correct these mistakes. According to the constitution of the Mexican republic, in case of the President's death, the presi- dent of the supreme court succeeds to power. Now, in 1862, Ortega was presi- dent of that court, while Juarez was President of the republic. During that year Ortega was made chief of the eastern division of the army, and marched to defend Puebla. While besieged in that city, congress, mindful of the risks he ran there, deposed him from chief justice and put a lawyer named Ruiz in his place. When Juarez's time expired in 1865, extraordinary circumstances induced a large number of Mexicans to re-elect Juarez. Ruiz protested against that election. Ortega's protest was null and void, for he was no longer president of the supreme court, and had no right to the presidency of the republic. The government at Washington is right ; for as long as it has a minister accredited near Juarez, it will not notice the pretensions and protests of Ortega. H. PESSARD. [Enclosure No. 6.— From Le Siecle, Paris, October 12, 1866.] LET US FINISH THE MEXICAN BUSINESS. All the papers this morning are commenting upon the telegram sent by the emperor Maximilian to General Almonte, his representative in Paris. It seems all is going on well ; all the people are well disposed ; the cabinet is formed ; and the best understanding prevails between Mexico and its allies. There is no doubt about this, for the information comes from the emperor himself. Since things are going on so well there, why does not the French government take advantage of circumstances, put an end to the unlucky expedition, and withdraw our army ? What prevents it from giving this satisfaction to public opinion 1 Unfortunately the Moniteur keeps a sullen silence on this serious subject. Nobody knows what will be done, and guessers have full play. Foi eign papers are filled with Paris correspondence, purporting to be reliable, giving all sorts of plans and projects and impossible combinations, which the cunning use to the great damage of the credulous. We would like to know the intentions of the French government, not only in regard to our army in Mexico, but in regard to the Mexican debt, which is daily becoming more grievous to the bondholders. The obligations are depre- ciating, to the great injury of the original purchasers, and the silence of the government increases the trouble. Why not enlighten us on the subject ? Tins is the propitious moment. Maximilian says he has no more need of us, since harmony prevails among all classes of the population. Let the govern- 176 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. inent then agree with Maximilian upon a guarantee of French interests, and brin(' our army back as soon as possible, as it will have to be done sooner or later. The European horizon is gloomy : peace has hardly been signed between Prussia and Austria, when we hear rumors of another war. Prussian papers openly proclaim the warlike projects of the Berlin cabinet. To humble and degrade Austria, destroy her if necessary ; to bring Paris to her senses ; to impose laws upon the world ; nothing seems impossible to King William. Who knows how far the infatuation of a first triumph may carry him ] Only a few days ago Prussia tried to prevent Austria from appointing a certain min- ister. Prussia might go further, and France might be called upon to stop her in her fits of audacity and folly. But to do this France will want all her forces now scattered over the world. France is strong, but she must let the world know it for once. To do this, we must recall all our foreign expeditions. The convention of the 25th of September recalls our army from Rome ; and now we must bring back our troops from Mexico. We should not have gone to that distant country, and our presence is certainly not needed there now. Why delay ? If there are reasons for continuing the occupation, let them be known. But there are none. All the interests we have to defend now are the interests of the Mexican bondholders. Let the government think of that and decide. There is no time to be lost, for we are threatened from two quarters. The present condition of Europe requires all our strength at home, and our finances are damaged by the depreciation of the Mexican obligations. We must put an end to this. A decision is urgent, for many reasons, and Maximilian's despatch makes it easy. France has other and better business than weaning monarchies ; she has something more manly to do. The government was mistaken when it thought it could found a monarchy in Mexico. If Maximilian's despatch is true, the empire is fixed. France has done her work ; let her be gone. If Maximilian is mistaken, if France is deceived, if the Mexican baby empire is not viable, let us confess our error and retire, since we have done all we could ; we have reached the extreme limit of our sacrifices in men and money. What- ever process of reasoning be adopted, the conclusion must be the same. Let us finish this Mexican business ! [Enclosure No. 7. — From the Opinion Nationale.] Paris, Octoher 13, 1866. We read in the Pays as follows : " The mental condition of the empress Charlotte is unfortunately very serious. The unexpected attack has so much increased the difficulties of the situation, that it is doubtful if the emperor Maximilian will continue his thankless task. We do not want the public to be deceived by the despatch we published yester- day. The French government is deeply interested in Maximilian's return from Mexico, and General Castelnau is the bearer of definite instructions, though we cannot say precisely what they are. But one thing is certain — Napoleon will never consent, at any price, to give up Mexico without securing French interests. " PAUL DE CASSAGNAO." These lines give a special character to the paper publishing them, and to which we must call attention. The Pays, after publishing the despatch, says we must not be deceived by it, and assures us the French government is much interested in Maximilian's return ; hence we conclude the empire, founded and maintained by our soldiers, is lost. We are much pleased with this declaration of the Pays, if it be true, that the CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 177 French government has decided to give up an enterprise that has cost us so much blood and money, and which should never have been undertaken. Our inter- vention has lasted long enough. We have injured our finances and unfurled our flag in distant regions, risking a war with the United States, already too long, while events at our very doors called our strict attention. France is cer- tainly opulent and powerful; hut while so many changes are taking place in Europe, it is her duty to attend to interests at home. The regeneration of Mexico, by our arms, or by the efforts of Maximilian, is an impossibility, and we should have known it on the day that Spain and England gave up the expedition to us. It is never too late to do good; and the day that our soldiers quit that unlucky land will be a thrice happy day, even if it be the dying day of the Mexican empire. When the Pays says that the Emperor Napoleon will not give up Mexico "till our interests arc assured," we readily believe it; but it is easier to write this than to effect it. What does the Pays mean ? What will the Emperor do ? If the Pays knew, it should have told us. It seems to us that extreme means have already been used by the Emperor, for many years, by an armed and expensive occupation of a vast country without arresting the civil war for a single day or gaining anything but an increase of a debt against a government that is already insolvent. ARTHUR ARNOOLD. No. 58. Mr. Seward to SeTwr Romero. Department of State, Washington, November 13, 1866. The Secretary of State has the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a com- munication from the minister of Mexico of the 5th instant, containing several articles from the Paris press relative to Mexican affairs. Seiior Don M. Romero, Sfc., Sfc., Sp. No. 59. Senor Romero to Mr. Seioard. [Translation.] Washington, November 9, 1866. My Dear Sir : Believing you would like to see the detailed and authentic accounts of the infirmity that afflicts Madam Charlotte Leopoldine, ex-archduchess of Austria, I send you a copy of a communication from Don Joaquin Velazquez de Leon, called minister of Maximilian in Rome, directed to his master from that city on the 18th of October last, informing him of all that had happened up to that time. I may as well say the original of the communication is in my possession. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc, Sfc, fyc. 12 mex. 178 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Communication of Velasquez de Leon, minister at Rome, to Maximilian, in Mexico. Sire: I proceed to inform your majesty of the particulars of the unfortunate and unexpected events of the last few days. We could imagine many calamities to Mexico, but it certainly never entered our minds, when we were admiring the courage and heroic valor of her majesty the empress at leaving your majesty, enduring the dangers and fatigues of the bad roads to Vera Cruz, in the rainy season, in the midst of yellow fever ; crossing the ocean and coming as a great negotiatrix, to demand rights for Mex- ico and the execution of treaties, that she would be so ungraciously received in Paris as to affect her majesty's mind so seriously. The desperate condition of Mexico, a country so much beloved by her ma- jesty, undoubtedly had much influence in the mental excitement, but she showed some symptoms of derangement at Puebla and Acultzingo. The effects of her re- ception in Paris were so strong that she had to stop in Botzen, on the way to Pome, where she imagined she saw Paulino Lamadrid in disguise, playing an organ, and fancied herself surrounded by Napoleon's spies and traitors, who had poisoned her. On account of the unexpected delay at Botzen I did not meet her majesty at Orti, whither I had gone with Bishop Ramirez to receive her, because Seiior Degohado was sick. A committee from the pontifical gov- ernment also went to meet her. Telegraphic despatches on the way informed me that her majesty would ar- rive at Ancona, and we went there, where we heard she had stopped at Botzen. While there we visited the holy temple of Loretto. Her majesty the empress arrived on the 25th, and we left by an express train for Pome, where we arrived at 11 o'clock at night. At the first water station her majesty sent for me to come to her car, where she was alone with Madame del Barrio, her lady of honor, and asked me the state of affairs in Rome. Our conference lasted over two hours. Her majesty concluded by saying I was as well informed on affairs in Mexico as in Rome, and promised to act by my di- rections here. Her reasoning was very sensible and logical, and I did not once suspect that mental agitation that subsequently developed itself. On the 26th her majesty rested iu Rome, and the next day we called to see his Holiness. That same day her majesty condescended to send her grand chamberlain, Count Del Valle, to invite me to her table, and the same honor was extended to the committee and to his grace's chaplain, so we were all Mexicans at her majesty's table. In the morning, just as we were ready to start to the Vatican, her majesty saw from the Hotel de Roma, where she was stopping, that the cockade of her coachman's hat was not in order, and she reprimanded him with much excitement, and delayed us till past the hour fixed for our reception. This interview was solitary, as your majesty knows is the custom with sovereigns, and lasted one hour and eighteen minutes ; then her majesty pre- sented her suit to kiss the foot and hand of the holy father, and we retired till dinner was served, when her majesty ordered Mr. Castillo to be seated at her right, according to the court manual. I told her you said my place was there, next to the president of the council, as the oldest minister, though I had no portfolio, but I obeyed her orders. Her majesty was angry at table, and took neither sherbet nor coffee till we had all been helped. She fancied the coffee pot had a hole in it, and had it taken away from the table. On the 28th there were several incidents that seemed strange to the uninitiated, will mention one of them. I was sick in bed that day ; her majesty sent for CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 179 me three or four times, and finally ordered me to be brought before her in my bed. As that could not be done, she sent to see what was the matter with me. It seems she thought I had been poisoned the day before at her table. After receiving the diplomatic corps and other authorities, her majesty the empress went to visit the churches and monuments of Rome, in company with Commander Datti, his Holiness's private chamberlain of the sword and cloak, who was appointed to wait on her on that occasion. At 8 o'clock in the morning, on the 1st instant, her majesty the empress went out and I waited for her till 3. At oh I got a note from Cardinal Anto- nelli, telling me to come to the Vatican immediately. I was at the hotel with Castillo, and having no carriage ready I took the one our consul came in. He had been waiting since 1 1 o'clock in the morning to see her majesty. I met Cardinal Antonelli much afflicted, because her majesty the empress said she would not return to the hotel until the Count Del Valle, her lady of the wardrobe, and Dr. Benslaveck, who she said had poisoned her, had left the house. The cardinal perceiving her excitement without apparent cause, asked per- mission to write to me. " Yes," she said, " you may write to Velasquez, but I have no confidence in anybody but his Holiness." We contrived that those persons should leave the hotel, without scandal, and I then went to the Vatican and informed her majesty they had left according to her orders. She partook of the Pope's dinner, and wanted to stay in the Vati- can all night for fear of the persons mentioned, but I persuaded her to return to the hotel by 7 p. m. On entering her room, she perceived the keys were not in the door. Infact, the doctor had taken them away secretly, as he afterwards acknowledged, to lock her majesty in her chamber, in case of a violent attack. Missing the keys, she went straight back to the Vatican, and locked herself and Madam Del Barrio in a room under the Pope's, where she passed the night. The next day she amused herself in the Vatican gallery till noon, and then returned to the hotel and examined to see if the suspected persons were there. They had returned and had taken other rooms so as to be near her majesty, as they were responsible for her august person, her health, and her jewels. His Holiness sent his physician and the doctor of the San Giacomo hospital to consult her majesty's physician, and they pronounced her disease monomania. While her majesty was in the Vatican on the 1st, Aistonelli sent for the Count of Flanders and Count Bombelles, at her majesty's instance and with the Pope's consent. Luckily they were at Miramar, where they had gone by per- mission to visit their Austrian relatives. Castillo and I sent a telegram to our minister in Belgium to hurry the Connt of Flanders, in case he was there, and we sent your majesty word by the Atlantic cable the same day. When she was not on the terrible idea of poison, she conversed rationally, and nobody suspected her mental alienation. She never spoke to me of poison, for I did not see her in the Vatican, and since then she never mentioned the subject, but always received me in a friendly manner. The Count of Flanders and Count Bombelles arrived at 8 the next night, and resolved to take her majesty to Miramar next day. On the morning of the 8th she sent for Castillo to sign several documents which she gave him, dis- charging all her suit, and even Mr. Castillo himself, but of course he did not sign them. The physicians had agreed upon the necessity of her majesty's leaving Ptome immediately, on account of the effect of the sirocco on her nerves, and to isolate the august invalid. On the 7th her mijesty the empress left by a special train for Ancona, with the Count of Flanders, all her suit remaining in Home. A steamer was ready at Ancona, and on the morning of the 10th she arrived at Miramar. 180 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. The Count of Flanders, thinking solitude would be best for her majesty the empress, did not permit her to take leave of any one. In respect to family decisions, and for the good of her majesty, as well as to avoid responsibility, I requested Count Bombelles to give me a written state- ment of the physician's orders to the Count of Flanders, the relation of our sovereign, who had naturally taken charge of her in her present state of health. He gave me the document, and by reason of it her majesty's extraordinary committee was not present ; but as good Mexicans, Noriega and I went to the station to bid adieu to our unfortunate sovereign, who was now suffering for her love and devotion to Mexico, to offer her the most important service under the trying circumstances. She spoke to me with her usual amiability, and asked why my companions were not present. They remained away by reason of the doctor's orders, a written copy of which I send you. I told her majesty they were indisposed. She asked if it was on account of the rain, for it was raining at the time. The Count of Flanders then shook my hand, offered his arm to the empress and en- tered the cars with the Belgian minister and his lady, the Austrian charge and the Austrian and Belgian secretaries. The Belgian minister, Mr. Noriega, the secretaries and I followed, according to etiquette, from due respect and consid- eration to my sovereigns. I have lately heard that the idea of poison originated in Paris. While visit- ing the Tuileries, lemonade was given to her majesty and her lady, Madam del Barrio, and when she got back to the Grand Hotel she told Kichachirrach that they had poisoned her. On the 11th, her majesty's grand chamberlain left for Trieste, and Castillo started on the 12th. Before leaving he got a telegram from the legation in Paris enclosing your majesty's, giving the good understand- ing that reigned everywhere in Mexico, among all classes, the complete organ- ization of the ministry, &c. As soon as I received the despatch from Mr. Cas- tillo, I sent it to the Osservatore Romano for publication that day ; but as it appeared with the date of the 2d of September, instead of the 29th, the true date of the telegram, 1 had it republished the next day with the date corrected. Senor Barrio and his lady remain here to rest, but expect to start for Trieste soon, so as to be near Miramar when your majesty's orders arrive. Papers here publish extracts from those of the United States reporting that Santa Anna had raised a loan of three millions of dollars, purchased six steam- ers, and sent an expedition of two thousand men to the coast of Mexico. I received your majesty's communication of the 5th from Cuernavaca, and I see in the Diario del Gobierno of the 4th the appointment of Castillo as minis- ter to Home. He thinks it a temporary appointment, because, as he is not ac- quainted with affairs here, the negotiations of the concordat would be delayed, or would fail. "VVe have not received the letters recalling the committee, and it is unpleasant for me, who have always deserved the confidence of your majesty and the gov- ernment, to be brought down to a level with the rest and be compelled to quit Kome just at a time I was about asking leave to travel next summer with my family for my health, when I could write to your majesty from various places ; and at the same time that Ramirez and Degollado were urgent to get back to Mexico, we see ourselves in opposite positions ; they are to travel and I am to go back to Mexico immediately. I suspect this is a mistake of your majesty's secretary, in writing the letters, though I have no idea of disobeying your maj- esty's orders. I am sorry to learn at this moment that her majesty the empress even suspects the Count of Flanders, and will not see him. - I regret to send you such sorrowful news, but it is my determination to let your majesty know everything, as that is true frankness and loyalty, and the true way to serve you. I hear that the consul in Jerusalem and the Franciscan fathers there are suffer- ing for want of means. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 18 L Wishing your majesty all consolation, and now more than ever the special protection of Providence, I remain your majesty's most obedient servant, JOAQUIX VELASQUEZ DE LEON. His majesty the Emperor, Mexico. "Washington, November 9, 1S66. A true copy : IGNACIO MARISCAL, Secretary. No. 60. Mr. Scicard to SeJior Romero. Department of State, Washington, November 15, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 9th instant, containing a copy of a communication addressed to the Prince Maximilian by Don Joaquin Velasquez de Leon, with regard to the disease affecting the princess Charlotte Leopoldine, for which be pleased to accept my thanks. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. Senor Don 31. Romero, tyc., fyv., fyc. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. No. 61. SeJior Romero to Mr. F. W. Seicard. [Translation. ] Unofficial.] Washington, November 16, 1S66. My Dear Sir : Fulfilling the offer 1 made you some time since, to obtain authentic intelligence from my government about the reported shootiug of a son of the Marquis de Montholon, I wrote at once for that purpose to Mr. Lerdo de Tejada, who has replied to me, contradicting that rumor, as you will see in the letter (of which I send you a copy with this note) which that gentleman sent me on the subject under date of 20th of October last. I remain your very respectful and obedient servant, M. ROMERO. Mr. Frederick W. Seward, fyc, fyr.., Sfc. [Translation.] No. 478.] Dep't of Foreign Relations and of Government, Chihuahua, October 20, 1866. I have received your notes Nos. 625 and 630, of dates 20th and 21st of Sep- tember last, relative to the information which was confidentially asked from you by the Hon. Frederick W. Seward, acting Secretary of State, about the news published there of the death of a Marquis de Montholon, who was supposed to be son of the Marquis de Montholon, minister of France near the government of the United States. 182 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Such news was published in a newspaper at St. Louis, by inserting a letter which was said to have been received from a point on the frontier, in which assurance was given that the Marquis de Montholon had been taken in the State of Durango and executed by his captors. I can assure you that the fact so related is not true. In the State of Durango no one has been captured or executed who could be Marquis de Montholon, or other person who could bear that name. I suppose that the origin of that inaccurate report must have been a rumor set afloat in March or April of this year. Then it was said, that in one of the many encounters had near Mazatlan, in the State of Sinaloa, a son of the Marquis de Montholon died. A little time afterward it was cleared up, that the French commander or officer killed was not a son of Monsieur Montholon, nor bore that appellative ; and that the mistake originated in his having an appellative with some termination similar to it, and that he belonged to some family well known and respected. Although I have not now before me the notices relating to the person who died at that time, I can assure you that I saw them at the time, and in the manner I have related. Therefore I believe I can assure you that the notice published in the St. Louis newspaper, neither in the mode of publication nor otherwise, is in any respect accurate. I assure you of ray respectful consideration. LERDO DE TEJADA. C. Matias Romero, Envoy Extraordinary and, Minister Plenipotentiary of the Mexican Republic to the United Slates of America, Washington, D. C. Washington, November 16, 1866. A true copy : 1GNAOIO MARISCAL, Secretary. No. 62. Mr. Seward to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, November 20, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 16th instant, containing a copy of a note from Mr. Lerdo de Tejada, denying the truth of the rumor regarding the shooting of the son of the Marquis de Mon- tholon, for which be pleased to accept my thanks. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don M. Romero, Sfc, fyc, Sfc. No. 63. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Washington, November 20, 1866. My Dear Sir : I have the honor to send to you for your information copy of a letter which I received to-day from Vera Cruz, dated 1st of this month, and CONDITION OF AFFAIKS IN MEXICO. 183 written by a trustworthy person, containing various important notices of the causes which have hindered the embarcation of Maximilian at that port. I -am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward. [Translation.] Vera Cruz, November 1, 1866. Maximilian has not embarked, nor will he probably embark for some days. The French hinder his departure until he signs an act of abdication. An indiscretion of the commander of the Dandolo frustrated the embarcaLion of Maximilian, who was going off; and — you may wonder — without Bazaiue sus- pecting it ! This seems extraordinary, but is the case, notwithstanding. From his leaving Mexico the rumor ran that the Austrian was going off; but this did not go beyond rumor, and as, any way, the ministers were the first in giving assurance that the journey to Orizava was like the former one to Cuerna- vaca, and nothing on the part of Maximilian indicated the project of flight; thus you have the reason why in Mexico they did not give greater credit to the public rumor, and Bazaine slept at ease. But the Austrian had his plan ready, and would have gone off with his fol- lowing, but for the indiscretion of the commander of the Dandolo, as I have already said. This captain received a despatch from Maximilian at half past twelve at night, before last, warning him to have his frigate ready by five o'clock in the afternoon of the following day, at which time he would be here and em- bark at once. As soon as it dawned the Austrian captain ran to the house of the French commander, Monsieur Peyran, and in confidence communicated the message he had received, taking leave of him, and asking his orders for Trieste. Mr. Peyran hastened to the telegraph and communicated the news to Bazaine, who knew nothing of a journey so close at hand ; who immediately cut off all telegraphic communication from the public, and began to give orders to the French authorities at Orizava, Cordova, and Vera Cruz, and addressed Max- imilian himself, informing him that he had knowledge of his projects of flight, and making him understand that if he did not abdicate in form he would not let him embark. All this is true; it has happened, and I know it from a person very closely connected and in the confidence of Commander Peyran. Maximilian sought to deceive the French, and owing to the indiscretion of the commander of the Dan- dolo has been caught in his own net. The basis of the French to ground upon and justify his retirement, is abdi- cation. Maximilian abdicating, they declare their engagements at an end ; but Maximilian going off without abdicating or renouncing the throne, and declar- ing, as they say was his intention, all his " griefs against the French," these rest in a very bad position ; immense ridicule would have fallen on them, from all of which they have escaped. Why should you not be assured that this weak- ness of spirit of the Austrian will make him go through everything ; and he will sign, not one, but twenty abdications. His voyage has been postponed only a few days. In whatever way it may be, this ridiculous imperial farce must end ridiculously. I have been assured that from this day the French are masters of the reve- nues from this custom-house; they using, and none but they, the whole of the duties collected. 184 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. The political prefecture is at an end, and from this day the French superior in command is also political prefect ; or, better said, from this day forth there is none other than military administration. Washington, November 20, 1866. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. No. 64. Mr. Seward to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, November 29, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 20th instant, containing a copy of a letter addressed to you from Vera Cruz, with regard to the causes which are said to have prevented the embarcation of the Prince Maximilian at that port, for which be pleased to accept my thanks. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don M. Romero, fyc, fyc, Sfc. No. 65. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation] Washington, November 22, 1866. My Dear Sir : I enclose you for your information the copy of a communi- cation from Don Martin de Castillo, the so-called minister of foreign affairs and marine of Maximilian, written to him from Turin, the 6th instant, giving the views of public opinion in Europe in regard to his permanency in Mexico, and how much this is desired, "as much for the national and commercial interests of the moment, as for political equilibrium in the New World, so as to confine a certain nation to limits, in order to prevent its gigantic development in future." I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc., fyc, fyc. Letter from Senor Castillo in Turin to Maximilian in Mexico. Turin, November 6, 1866. Sire : I present your majesty my most respectful thanks for the royal letters of the 20th September, with which you have deigned to honor me, and inform you that the health of my august sovereign is visibly improving, which is gratifying to us, and gives us hopes of her speedy recovery. The information must have caused your majesty some anxiety. May the Lord's will be done. It gave much pleasure to read your majesty's speech at the anniversary of independence, in the paper you deigned to send me, which reached me some weeks ago, and renewed my hopes that your majesty would restore the nation- ality of the country, now suffering hard trials, in spite of the many obstacles in your way. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 185 I think there is a slight favorahle change in the European press, proceeding from the firmness and energy of your majesty in state affairs, and the recent reported triumphs of General Mejia. Now it is thought the empire has sufficient elements to suppress the revolution, and considering the inclination and decided wish of the people around Matamoras for peace and order, and the spirit of unity that reigns in different classes of society, it is believed the throne can he sustained after the departure of the French troops, which is greatly desired in Europe, as much for national and commercial interests of the moment as for political equilibrium in the New World, so as to confine a certain nation to limits, in order to prevent its gigantic development in future. Hoping the majority of Mexicans will sustain your majesty's noble efforts, and thus show their nation is not dead, and by their patriotism and energy gain a sympathy they need so much, we all look forward to a change for the better, after the French army leaves, which will give free action to the people, and allow them to recover from a crisis that may prove beneficial, instead of pre- judicial. I will attend faithfully to your orders about Prince Salvador de Iturbide,who, I think, had better continue his studies in England. Don Augustin must have gone to the United States, and I presume the rest of the family have gone too; I will inquire. Your majesty will excuse me for being brief in this letter, as it is to be sent by unsafe means, and I am afraid it may be intercepted like one of Mr. Eloin's. Count Del Valle is still in Miramar. General Uraga left Trieste for Paris on the first, and Mr. Barrio and his lady are waiting your instructions in Vienna, as lie wrote me on the second. As I cannot return as soon as I expected, I write to my brother to deliver to your secretary some documents that were left on my desk by Mr. Langlais, one of which is a sealed letter to Mr. Escandon, about the sum paid to France by Mexico for the Vera Cruz railway. In my humble opinion that affair ought to be thoroughly investigated, so that it be determined whether that considerable sum is to revert to the government, and Mr. Escandon relieved from its responsibility, or what is to be the result. I leave to-morrow for Pisa, the mild climate of which is much recommended for the lungs, and it is only a few hours from Rome, via Livorno, where I will await your sovereign orders. I beg your majesty to permit me to present my most respectful homage and gratitude, with which I have the honor to be your majesty's most humble and obedient servant, M. DE CASTILLO, Minister ad interim. Atri copy Washington, November 22, 1826. IGNACIO MARISCAL, Secretary. No. G6. Mr. Seward to Sefior Romero. Department of State, Washington, November 29, 1S66. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 22d instant, containing a copy of a letter of Don Martin de Castillo to the Prince Maximilian, with regard to public opinion in Europe as to the permanency of his position in Mexico. 186 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don M. Romero, Sfc, fyc, §-c. No. 67. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, December 14, 1866. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to remit, for your information and that of the government of the United States, a copy of a letter I have received from Vera Cruz from a trustworthy person, in which are given some interesting de- tails about the arrival of the Susquehanna at that port and the course which the so-called imperial prefect Don D. Burean took respecting the aids which said steamer needed, and the communication sent to the consul of the United States. I send also a copy of the printed • proclamation published on the 1st instant by the so-called prefect of Vera Cruz, in which he announces the resolution taken by Maximilian not to leave the country, but rather to return from Orizaba to the city of Mexico, to assume anew and indefinitely the pretended authority he has exercised, which indicates an absolute change of position so far, at least, as it had been presented. I avail of the occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc, §c, fyc. [Enclosure No. 1. — Translation.] Vera Cruz, December 1, 1866. * • sfs sjc -if •%. >j< The day before yesterday the American steamer Susquehanna anchored in this port. It blew from the north, and up till yesterday she communicated with the shore. The prefecture forbid the captain of the port from sending her pratique ; but as the command is with the French military authority, the order of the prefect was a nullity, as that authority sent pratique to the Susquehanna to improve her an- chorage, which was bad. The pratique brought on return a communication to the American consul, which was taken to the prefecture, but they dared not open it ; many shifts were resorted to, perhaps for the purpose of finding out what it contained ; after keeping it an hour it was sent to the consul, who, I think, will not rest quiet after the delay suffered by his communication. [Enclosure No. 2. — Translation.] Long live the empire ! Long live the emperor ! Vera Cruzans : One of the most grateful events for good Mexicans has just occurred to the nation. His majesty the emperor, who has made so many sacrifices for the welfare CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 187 and happiness of our dear country, has given the last proof of the interest he takes in it. When overwhelmed by the natural feelings which were still con- tending, and still are so in his mind, in consequence of the ill health of his august and noble spouse, our beloved sovereign, he thought for a moment that he ought temporarily to abandon the country to devote himself to fulfilling the sacred duty of offering to his worthy consort the cares she so much needs in the delicate condition in which she is. The emperor sacrifices himself for us, post- pones his duties as a man to those which his honor points out to him to be con- trolling, and in these critical moments, that the country may pass safely through, he solemnly declares that he will continue at the helm, and will contest without remission, until the last drop of his blood be shed in defence of the nation. Vera Cruzans, let us rejoice, let us give thanks to Providence for having saved the integrity of our territory, and with full outpouring of our hearts, let us hail the day of the resurrection of our nationality, on the eve of disappearing. Vera Cruz, December 1, 1866. No. 68. Mr. Seward to Se/tor Romero. Department op State, Washington, December 17, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 14th instant, containing a copy of a letter which you received from Vera Cruz relative to the proceedings of Mr. Bureau on the arrival of the Susque- hanna at that city ; also a copy of a proclamation he issued on the first of this month, to the people of Vera Cruz, for which be pleased to accept my thanks. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew the assurances of my most dis- tinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Seiior Don M. Romero, fyc, fyc, Sfc. No. 69. Se/wr Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Washington, December 21, 1866. My Dear Sir : I have the honor to remit to you various articles from the principal daily papers of Paris, published during the late days of November last, in which there is very ably discussed the important question, who is the responsible party, in France, for the ill results which the Mexican adven- ture has had. The semi-official press treats of throwing the responsibility on the opposition and on public opinion, while the independent journals attribute it to the Emperor Napoleon. I gladly avail of this opportunity, sir, to repeat that I am, very respectfully your most obedient servant, M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc., Sfc., fyc. 188 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No 1.— From La France, Paris, November 24, 1866. — Translation.] THE MEXICAN EMPIRE. The expedition to Mexico was inspired by a grand and generous thought, and under the circumstances in the midst of which it was carried out, was a political conception as ably prepared as energetically conducted. That England and Spain should associate themselves, from the outset, with France, must have been because they comprehended that the higher interests of civilization and pf justice called upon them to go so far to avenge the wrongs done to their subjects. The three allied powers well knew that there was something else to be done in Cen- tral America besides calling for an ephemeral reparation. They wanted to obtain, through the establishment of a strong regular government, essential guarantees against the revolutionary powers which, through all time, have been in conflict in those countries, and against the cupidity, hidden or avowed, which, by inva- sion of South America, might destroy the equilibrium of the whole world. France has been left alone in this work worthy the ambition of a great prince and a great people. Sagacity counselled perhaps to follow the course of the English and Spaniards, and to withdraw upon an appearance of satisfaction, without having secured anything in the present or settled anything in the future; but honor demanded energy, and, as always, when the flag of France is un- furled, honor alone is listened to. At the close of some triumphant military movements, the French army entered Mexico a short time afterwards, and were received as liberators by a population which had long grieved in disorder and anarchy ; and the Mexican nation, restored to freedom of thought, solemnly con- sulted, restored again the empire of Mexico amid the plaudits of Europe. The work of France then found for its accomplishment a mind bold in initiative, strongly imbued with the great ideas of our times, a strong mind, a brave heart, a choice intellect in the Archduke Maximilian of Austria. Impartial posterity will justly appreciate the self-devotion of this prince, who, braving difficulties and dangers, accepted the crown of Mexico and undertook to found, in a policy of order, of peace, and of progress, the future of a country whose past history had been so brilliant. If he has not been able to accomplish the noble self- imposed task, he will at least enjoy the ineffaceable honor of having generously undertaken it. He was, in fact, permitted to believe in his success. The French army protected the Mexican throne, restored by the national vote, and all respect- able men, all conservative interests, grouped themselves around Maximilian to aid and sustain him in his task. But at this moment, it must be admitted, an unlooked for movement of opinion showed itself in France. The public mind grew restless under the possible consequences of our intervention in Mexico. The feeling of the country, of which the opposition took hold with much skill, pronounced itself markedly each day more and more for the recall of our troops and the prompt closing up of this distant expedition. It was a regretable error. No serious danger then menaced the expeditionary army, nor the empire of Maxi- milian. No one would have dared to address to our country a humiliating injunction; and, as long as our flag sheltered the Mexican territory, no foreign power would have dared to intervene. But the public sentiment which arose among us had, beyond the ocean, an influence easily to be foreseen. It encouraged the hopes of all enemies of the Mexican empire, and discouraged the confidence of all its friends. The discontended found, within and without, gatherings on which they had not reckoned ; conservatives, disquieted about the future, ceased to act in favor of the imperial government, fearing to commit themselves further, and all the force that sustained the Mexican throne vanished at once. We avow, with a feeling of sadness which we do not seek to dissemble, that this was a fatal solution of this grand experiment ; but, at any rate, let us not aggravate CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 189 it by regrets or by unjust appreciations. The responsibility for the actual con- dition must not be placed in the wrong quarter. The Emperor's government had conceived a grand affair ; had pursued its realization with a perseverance worthy of the grandeur of the purpose and an elevation of views worthy of the policy of France. The array, on its part, had accomplished its mission with its traditional bravery. In Mexico it added new laurels to its crowning glory. It retires not before any conquering enemy, nor any menace. It leaves Mexico because a controlling will prevents it from finishing its work. This will is that of the country, which on all occasions has expressed a Avish to put an end to the Mexican expedition. It is that opinion which governs public authorities and the sovereign, and which, according to an august expression, " must always carry the final victory." Such is the truth ; and if it be possible to look at it without sadness, it should at least be looked upon without passion. But whatever be the issue of this glorious enterprise of civilization and of national regenerition, we cannot too much honor the generous prince who consecrated his most devoted efforts, and that noble woman — that touching empress Charlotte — whose grief and sorrows have shaken her fine intelligence. These vast misfortunes cast a funeral veil over the close of the Mexican empire, but leave no place for anything bat respect and sym- pathy in all quarters. J. COHEN. [Enclosure No. 2. — La Liberie, Paris, November 25, 1866. — Translation.] THE RESPONSIBILITY. The art of mixing up questions, and of casting upon others the responsibility for one's own acts, truly, at this time, makes astonishing progress. The journal of France which understands how to bedeck the reader with garlands, and bind with flowers the temples of the victims he is going to sacrifice, attempts to-day to play a scurvy trick on public opinion. He seeks to make it responsible for the ill success of our intervention in Mexico. Tolisten to "La France," the government happily conceived and admirably con- ducted this adventurous enterprise, which would have succeeded if public opinion , interpreted by the journal and deputies of the opposition, had not encouraged the hopes of the enemies of the Mexican empire, and discouraged its friends. Even to-day public opinion alone must be responsible for the evacuation of Mexico ; the opposition must bear the burden of the evils which fall on Maxi- milian. Was this not public opinion ? The government always, to believe " La France" in the matter, would have persevered and carried out the task under- taken. Here we perceive the tactics, and " La France" scarcely takes the trouble to conceal it. "History," says it, "disengaged from the prejudices and passions of contemporary time, will certainly dojustice intheendto the great purpose of which this great enterprise was the medium." Therefore, when history shall be written the check of Maximilian, the ruin of Mexican bondholders, the cordial under- standing between the United States and France compromised, so many millions spent, and so many lives sacrificed for the regeneration of Mexico, so many errors committed — all these will revert to those who from the first cried out, with as little success as Cassandra of old : " No interventions, no distant expeditions." In the name of history, which is invoked, we cannot allow such allegations to pass without protesting against similar allegations. " La France" speaks of public opinion absolutely as does " L'Etendard," and quite as justly. If public opinion is the cause of the present evacuation of Mexico ; if the votes of the citi- 190 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. zens are sufficiently listened to now, so that after four years of heroic, yet power" less efforts, the field is left open to Juarez, why has this public opinion, so weV- heard when the heavens were overcast, been so little attended to by the journal "La France," when at the commencement of the embarcation it foresaw the storm and predicted the tempest ? Has the journal " La France," yes or no, approved the expedition 1 Yes or no has it boasted of the infraction of the convention of " La Soledad ? " Has it or not attacked with vigor the journalists and the deputies, who, through forecast- ing patriotism, maintained that the result of the enterprise would not compensate the risks 1 Is it not still " La France" which, notwithstanding the affirmations of Mr. Rouher, has done everything to convince the holders of Mexican bonds that they had made a good investment ; that the sad recitals of the situation of Mexico were false, and that at all events the government had, in respect of them, come under moral obligations 1 And after holding this language for years, " La France" attempts to decline responsibility for events, and throws it altogether on other shoulders. No, a hun- dred times, no. At the outset we invoked the principle of non-intervention, and we placed our finger on the perils of the enterprise. The campaign commenced ; we, accepting the situation made for us, indicated the best measures for consoli- dating, if the thing were possible, the throne of Maximilian. When this thrcne Avas cracked throughout, we asked that the country should not suffer too much from this catastrophe, and in recommending to treat with Juarez we have in all conscience shown the best way to pursue to secure the safety of French interests still connected with Mexico. During this time what has this journal " La France" done ? Exactly the con- trary to what we were doing ; praising what we blamed, blaming what we praised ; putting aside our propositions as Utopian, and doing the indignant when in our devotion to the country we spoke of treating with Juarez. " The responsibility for the present situation," said ' La France' " must not be placed in the wrong quarter." That is our opinion ; let " La France" therefore take it on herself, and not en- deavor to make it fall upon public opinion, assuredly very innocent of the mis- haps of the emperor Maximilian. H. PESSARD. [Enclosure No. 3. — From L'Avenier Nationals, Paris, November 30, 1866. — Translation.] The Mexican expedition has twice failed of its purpose ; it failed at first with the three powers which undertook it in common ; then when the French govern- ment, refusing to ratify the convention of La Soledad, alone continued the war begun by three, and took under her protection the empire raised on the ruins of the republic. This double check the opposition had not only foreseen, but had announced; however, it maintained reserve, abstaining from reprisals too easy to be made, when it was unexpectedly called forth by the inconceivable accusations of La France. It was not possible to suffer the parts to be thus changed, and we were obliged, in recalling the facts, to cast back the responsibility for this expedition on those on whom it rests entirely. La France calls that denigra- tion, and adds : " Nothing is more sad than this system of denigration in view of the checks on our policy." What is sad is to see writers Avho, by their imperturbable approbation of an undertaking which miscarried and brought about such disastrous checks, descend to such controversial expedients, and seek to turn the bearing of opinion. If CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 191 they think to embarrass us they are mistaken, and so long as they do not get tired of misstating facts, we shall not weary of reasserting them. The provocations of La France place us between two difficulties ; to stir up, or to smother the discussion ; we would avoid the one and the other, but we would, in recalling facts, prevent a deceit upon public opinion, and a change of parts. At the outset the expedition was concerted between France, England, and Spain. What did those three powers want ? To appearance they had one com- mon and avowed object ; in reality each a purpose privily entertained, and in- determinate at least as to the means of attaining it. The common and avowed object was indicated by the very terms of the con- vention. The three powers had to claim from the Mexican government repara- tion for numerous and divers wrongs, and observance of engagements contracted and guarantees for the future. They did not bind themselves to acquire any portion of territory, or to seek any special advantage, nor to exercise any pecu- liar control over the domestic affairs of the republic, nor to make any attempt against the right of the Mexicans to choose the form of their government, and to administer it as they understood it. On the first arrangement the agreement was easy and might last ; vagueness and doubt begun with the second understanding. In fact, to declare that to the Mexicans should be left to make choice of their form of government, was to say that they regarded the government of Juarez as less regular than the future government, such as might be, that which afforded the surest guarantee. In this second arrangement lay the germ of difficulty of disagreement, each of the three powers being entitled to interpret it differently, according to its opinions or private wishes. Two things are equally incontestable : First, the three powers thought the presence of the. allied troops would lead on to a rising of the people, and the subversion of the government; next, it was evidently privately understood that the civil Avar in the United States should be taken advantage of to found in Mexico a government able to check the expansion of the great republic, suspected of wishing to absorb Mexico and Central America, at least as far the Isthmus of Panama. England, who only thought^of the preponderance of her commercial interests, left to the others, according to her wont, the greater part of the expense and responsibility. Spain, who made pretension to play the leading part, dreamed of making Mexico one of her dependencies, and if the throne should be restored in Mexico, of placing a Bourbon thereon. The French government, if it wished a monarchy, certainly did not want it for a Bourbon, which soon dissipated the views of Spain, and explained the strange part which General Prim made his troops play. The three governments were alike deceived in their expectations. The in- ventors of the candidature of the Archduke Maximilian had announced as cer- tain a general ■pronunciamienlo ; but the country did not stir, and, as General Lorencz acknowledged in his order of the day at Pueblo, the resistance sur- passed all anticipations; consequently, the calculations settled upon being found mistaken, it was necessary to think of new combinations, and to change the natural current of the expedition. Then it was that the opposition accentuated its protests, its notices, and called the government only to follow up "reparation of its wrongs." All was useless. The counsels of wisdom and sound policy were considered as acts of systematic hostility, as a want of patriotism. The majority of the legislative body, by votes, the official journals, royalist and clerical, by their approbation encouraged the government to follow up the expedition alone. Thus encouraged the govern- ment went to extremes; our army entered Mexico, the monarchy was re-estab- lished, and the Archduke Maximilian mounted the throne of Montezuma. To-day he is on the way to Miramar. 192 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. La France pretends that the opposition should glory in re-vindicating a share of responsibility in this great check. Why ! a part in the responsibility for an enterprise which it blamed in its first days, of which it pointed out the dangers, announced the result, and against which it has never ceased to protest? You don't speak seriously. If the expedition had succeeded you would have re- proached the opposition for its false calculations, its predictions confuted by events; you would have claimed all the glory for yourself. Well, then, keep all the responsibility for the check, for it is not you that it weighs upon exclu- sively. A. PEYRAT. [Enclosure No. 4. — From Le Temps, Paris, November 30, 1866. — Translation.] La France persists in charging upon our check in Mexico the shortcomings of the country. The enterprise was "grand," and the government had the honor of it ; the winding up was " sad," and the fault of this lies on the French people. Power " nobly sacrifices its wishes to the nation from which it ema- nates; " but those projects were unimpeachable; nothing was wanting to their success but agreement of opinion. " Even now, should our soldiers return from their glorious expedition before the purpose is gained for which the enterprise was planned, it is because public sentiment has spoken out in the chambers and elsewhere in a sense contrary to keeping up our intervention." Here you have what is well understood. All the annoying anticipations of public opinion have been realized; nevertheless, it is that which is wrong; it is that public opinion which has done all the mischief. The responsibility for the present state of things must not be misplaced. The government of the Emperor had conceived a great thing ; it pursued its realization with perseverance wor- thy of the grandeur of the purpose, and with a loftiness of views -worthy of the policy of France. The army, on its part, had accomplished its, mission with its traditional bravery. In Mexico it gathered fresh laurels around the crown of its glory. It has not fallen back before any conquering enemy, nor in presence of any menace ; it leaves Mexico because a higher will has uttered the wish that a term should be put to the Mexican expedition. So the matter admits no doubt ; not only is it public sentiment, perceived by the opposition, which, expressed out here for the recall of our troops, has caused "the vanishing at once of all the forces that sustained Maximilian; " but it is opinion, even opinion alone, that invited the withdrawal of our soldiers. This withdrawal is not brought on by the recognition of our powerlessness to found anything in Mexico ; even at this hour, by maintaining our intervention, we might achieve a glorious end for the expedition, and would incur no danger. But public opinion has pronounced for the recall of our intervention, and the authority inclines to it ; only as opinion has not had in this sense any legiti- mate reason which draws it out, either from the interior of Mexico, or from the possibility of foreign complications, or any other considerations, it follows that the wish of the country is purely a caprice, and an inexplicable caprice. The French people has shown itself unworthy of understanding and carrying through this great enterprise of civilization. Honor to every one, even Maxi- milian who flies ; but it must be imputed as a regrettable error to the nation this want of courage, this fatal winding up ! Such is the way they reason in a country of universal suffrage, and are aston ished to hear us say that such language is an injury to the country. " History CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 193 freed from contemporaneous prejudices and passions, will certainly do justice," France says, " to the great aim of which this glorious enterprise was the means." What, then, will history say of the people which refused association with this "grandiose attempt," except that it was a nation cowardly and degenerate? We supplicate La France to advance for us a little the hour of history, and not deprive us any longer of our appreciation of the voluptuous pleasure of admira- tion, so rare in these days. Let her show us the great aim, admirable yet con- cealed, for which the expedition to Mexico was to be the means ; let us know this unknown plan ; let her show it written out in authentic documents ; let her produce these official papers, of which history will have need to judge of this mysterious conception ; let her, in fine, tell us under what solemn cir- cumstance, through what authorized organ, the government invited the nation to concur in its vast projects by making them known to it ; for, if the nation was ignorant of them, how can you reproach it for not having adopted them with enthusiasm ? If the recovery of some debts and reparation for some inju- ries have been the sole causes assigned by our authority for the expedition, is that the reason why public opinion could divine the hidden causes 1 She has predicted what has happened. In return for all your splendid prophecies, " which," do you say to us, " has been realized 1 " There is a dictum to express that which opinion has always felt and always said since the outset of the Mexican affair : " The game is not worth the candle." The expression is vulgar ; but who can now say that the expression was not apt and just % The " last victory," you say, must always be carried by opinion. Is that enough % And who does not see that his triumph comes too late when produced, after a manner, at the last moment ? Who does not see that it is opinion that should carry things before it at once, and that it is necessary, in order that it be manifest in season, to count upon checks and mistakes, and to meet them all, those popular freedoms, without which it rests unknown and p >werless ? But no ! rather than draw conclusions from the event, you prefer to say that opinion went astray ; the error belongs to it and not to you. Ah ! you know well the fortune of Cassandra ; but the fable itself has not told us that after the fall of Troy there were still Trojans weak enough to wonder at the wooden horse, and to jeer at the daughter of Priam. [Enclosure No. 5. — From the Journal des Debats, November 28.] It would be high time to write dispassionately about the Mexican question now that fate has pronounced, and that it might be considered as almost within the domain of history. But really it is putting the patience of the enlightened portion of the community to a test far above its powers to frame, as has just been done, a regular indictment against the French people, whose faltering, we are told, has upset and disconcerted the grand designs of its government. A little memory is sufficient to enable the public to ascertain that popular opinion is no more answerable for the issue than for the outset of that undertaking, and that, on that question, as on all others, the government was left wholly unfet- tered. The votes of the chamber are there to prove it. The truth is, that pub- lic opinion, warned by that marvellous instinct of self-preservation which com- munities possess in the same degree as organized beings, felt alarmed at the con- sequences of the Mexican expedition, at the very time that that expedition was exposing us to a serious risk, which no serious interest justified the country iu 13 Mex. 194 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. incurring. The French public watched at first with more curiosity than appre- hension the attempt that was being made to found an empire in Mexico, and to establish an Austrian archduke on the Mexican throne. Without feeling any degree of interest in the regeneration of the Latin, or rather the IndoLatin, races in that distant region, without feeling the slightest desire to reduce to sub- jection a new Algeria, at such a distance from our coasts, the French public at first viewed with patience the Mexican expedition, regarding it as a kind of costly and risky experiment, which might possibly turn out well. That which changed the public feeling, which abruptly ended that relative indifference, was the aspect of the United States, relieved of the cares of their civil war, their open hostility toward the Mexican expedition, and their determination to oppose it. There can be no doubt that the sudden apparition of such an adversary would only have acted as a stimulant on public opinion, and roused the national spirit among us, if the French people had really thought that their interests or their honor were involved in the success of the Mexican venture. But the idea of going to war with the United States to solve in our own way the philosophical question of the regeneration of the Latin races, or the equally idle question of the relative advan- tages of a monarchy over a republic, was not calculated to become popular, and induce France to submit to such a heavy sacrifice of blood. It is from that day that popular opinion, deeply roused, was able to exercise indirectly some influ- ence on the decisions of the government. But let us be just. Even if that in- fluence had not existed, the final resolve of the French government would have been the same, for the simple reason that it never contemplated founding Max- i?nilian's throne at the cost of a icar with the United States. It is, therefore, in- sincere to say that it is the nation which restrained the government, which was cer- tainly wise enough to restrain itself. Instead of charging the nation with faltering, when, after all, it has done nothing to recommend and approve a retreat so neces- sary that it would be carried out even if public opinion were so ill-advised as to disapprove it, why not acknowledge that the Mexican undertaking was founded on two opinions, both of which events have shown to be wrong ] The first was that the great majority of the Mexican population would be favorable to the new empire, and that the dissidents could be reduced without any great difficulty ; the second — which was far more important as to the future prospects of the un- dertaking — was that the American Union was hopelessly destroyed, that the South would beat the North, and would form a bulwark for the new empire. These were the conditions on which the success of the empire depended. But, while the first was secondary — as with time, blood, and money, the Mexican dis- sidents must have been reduced to submission — the second was vital, as the idea of founding an empire at the gates of the resuscitated United States, and at the cost of a war with them, could never have entered any mortal head. In fact, fate has now pronounced, and it may be stated that if Maximilian's abdication be only dated yesterday, the real date of his fall goes back to the capture of Atlanta, and Charleston, and to the surrender of Richmond. His fall was even fore- shadowed by the two despatches by which England and Russia refused to join the French government to propose a mediation and an armistice between the fed- erals and the confederates. The failure of the Mexican expedition rests, therefore, on two errors of judgment, from which the expedition originated. Illusions were entertained as to the internal state of Mexico, and as to the probable issue of the war in the United States. That it would have been better not to have made these two mistakes all the world agrees ; but there is a newspaper which allows itself to be mastered by its zeal to such a degree as to pretend that if the expe- dition failed it is the country that is responsible for the blunder. It is enough to reply to that paper that it is mistake?, and that no one labors under that mis- take but itself. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 19i ^Enclosure No. 6, — From La Liberte, November 28, 1866. — Translation.] A LESSON, About ten months since La Presse, discussing the Mexican question with La France, the latter journal maintained that the expedition had fully completed its purpose, that purpose never having been to found a monarchy in Mexico, but only to obtain reparation from that government without scruple. La Presse in vain protested. On the approach of the debates in the legislative body, La France thought necessary to give the Mexican enterprise these moderate proportions. At this day, on the contrary, it is La France, taking the opinion sustained by La Presse ten months earlier, declares that the expedition to Mexico was a means, and that the end was very different. In truth, this controversy, which might have had an interest in the month of February, 1866, has only a historic interest in the month of November, for whatever the purpose it matters little to know, because the purpose failed. Was it purposed only to protect our countrymen, and to realize the pitiful sums due to us from Mexico? The object has certainly failed, for Mexico, in this month of November, 1866, owes more than she owed us. in the month of November, 1861 ; aud as for our countrymen, exclusive of there having died in five years a much greater number by war, connected with yellow fever, than would have died in twenty years of civil discord in Mexico, it is difficult to be- lieve that in the future they will be better protected, more liked, more respected than they were before. If it were purposed to re-establish in Mexico that clerical party, which, after having disturbed it for more than forty years, went out of power in 1857, and was definitively stricken down in the last months of I860, the object again failed, for hardly had we reached Mexico, accompanied by the principal leaders of that party, than we were obliged to turn it out rudely from the control of affairs. Was it intended to found a monarchy in the midst of republican America ? The return of Maximilian shows plainly enough how that succeeded. Was it purposed, in fine, to oppose a barrier to the ambition of the United States, and to the expansion of the Anglo-Saxon race in the New World ? Was it, in a word, the application, by means which are not our own, of the intercontinental policy, which we object to ? The precipitate departure of Mr. Campbell and General Sherman, the alliance more intimate than heretofore between the Mex- ican United States and the United States, show sufficiently that we have not succeeded. What, then, remains to us for these five years of efforts and sacrifices ? There remains one precious thing — a lesson. To France the Mexican affair teaches that the policy of intervention is pow- erless, and the system of permanent armies full of peril. To the government it teaches the sterility of the juste milieu system. The policy of intervention has not anywhere been exercised so actively as in the Hispano-American republics. The minister of European powers accred- ited to those republics had no other occupation than to plead the wrongs of their countrymen. Often government yields to avoid a conflict. Sometimes it resists, and ends in those military demonstrations which so often occur. But those demonstrations are powerless. This is demonstrated in the history of Mexico for twenty years, and if it be decided to act more energetically, you come to those blind alleys with no outlets which are called the conquest of Algeria and the expedition to Mexico. The only reasonable thing to do is, therefore, once for all, that our country- men, in expatriating themselves, act at their own risk aud perils ,- that they accept 196 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. in advance the chances, good or had, of expatriation; that they have, in conse- quence, no aid to expect from citizens who, not running the chances of the happy accidents of such enterprises, don't expect to suffer the ill consequences ; and this declaration should be absolute in the interest of all ; in the interest of those who, in self-expatriation, will make for themselves no dangerous illusions ; in the interest, above all, of France, who will not risk being drawn by her generosity into enterprises of no result. But that this policy should in earnest be adopted, a declaration is not sufficient; there must be a sanction; there must be disarmament. To desite that a government should maintain a large army, and to require that it should remaia inactive, is to require what is absurd and impracticable. It is to require what is absurd, because if you want a good army, it must be inured to war, and that it may be inured to war it must be that with intervals of five, ten, or fifteen years, which pass between two great European wars, there are lesser wars which keep the army in breath. It is to require what is impracti- cable, for a government with an army cannot leave it inactive for a thousand reasons which all the world understand very well. There must, therefore, be room for the manoeuvring of this military force and an off-drain for its need for action. Under the government of July, there was Algeria and Abd-el-Kader ; under the second empire, there is Mexico and Juarez. Frankly, where is the difference ? Has Mexico cost more men and more money than Algeria? No, only Mexico borders on the United States, while Algeria borders on Morocco ; that is all the difference. Suppose that Algeria bordered on a state as powerful as North America, it would have been abandoned long ago. Suppose Mexico had for neighbor only a state powerless as is Morocco, how many good reasons there would have been for remaining there. Those journals which wish the maintenance, the extension of armaments — armed peace, in a word — and which cry out bitterly against the expedition to Mexico, the Siecle, the Opinion Nationale, the Temps, who declare themselves partisans of the policy of intervention, and yet blame intervention in Mexico, are simply inconsistent. If the government had not its hands full with Mexico, they would probably have dragged it into Poland. Frankly, what would France have gained thereby, and in what respect is it less glorious to go and protect our countrymen in Mexico, than to go and protect the Poles in Poland. It is less dangerous, that is all. In what regards the policy of intervention, the lesson is therefore complete. It is not the less severe on the juste milieu. What were the two radical policies to be adopted toward America 1 On one side was our policy, that of non intervention ; on the other side, the policy set forth in tha letter of 3d July, a policy having for object to found in the Gulf of Mexico a powerful state, becoming the centre of the Spanish republics, and opposing a barrier to the expansion of the Anglo-Saxon race in the New World. Good or bad, our policy was precise ; good or bad, the policy of the 3d July had the merit of being a policy, and we do not even say that it would not have been grand, imposing. One policy having been put aside, what did sound logic counsel ? It counselled to follow up with resolution the policy of the 3d July. From the moment of action in an interest opposed to that of the American Union, the day should not have been waited for when peace, re-established by the capture of Richmond, would permit the cabinet at Washington to call upon us for the evacuation of Mexico. It was logic to recognize the southern con- federacy ; it was not logical to place the new government we were founding in Mexico in an impossible financial condition, and, in place of authorizing loans which would not have given her more than thirty millions disposables, it was necessary to guarantee a suitable loan. It was sound sense to say resolutely to the country : This is what you have to do; the indefinite aggrandizement of the North American republic appears to be to us a danger as great as the ambi- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 197 tion of Russia. We went to stop Russia at Sebastopol ; we go to Mexico to interpose a dike to the American fleet. For this we need many men and much money, for if France is not bound to undertake everything, she is bound to succeed in what she does undertake. The moment is opportune, for the dissen- sions in America furnish us an excellent opportunity ; the object is grand, it only needs the means to be in proportion to the object. The government we may found there must not be in dependence on a French general. We must give it the resources necessary for the organization of an immense country, whose natural resources are considerable, but whose disposable resources are nothing. In this way, would the undertaking have succeeded ? It is difficult to say after the affair is over, but we sincerely think it. We believe that if, in 1S64, at the moment when Doblado and a great many of the liberal leaders offered to rally round the empire, there had been in Mexico a government inde- pendent and furnished with sufficient resources, it could have been sustained How many years it would have lasted we do not know. What changes it might have undergone, we know not, but in any event it would have been founded, and the object of the expedition would have been achieved. In place of that, we adopted half-way measures. It has been said in the newspapers that Mexico had an organized army, and a well balanced budget. Twenty-five thousand men were sent to Mexico, when fifty thousand were needed to pacify that country ; two insufficient loans were allowed to be made, in place of guaranteeing at once in good faith a loan which would have, yielded abundantly at low interest the indispensable amounts. There is what La France has never ceased to praise, for it is the triumph of the policy of between two. When Mr. Jules Favre advised to make a finish of Mexico by giving it up to itself, and when Marshal Forey advised making an end of it by sending out a sufficient army, La France found fault with these two extreme opinions. " Neither re-enforcen or abandon," said that paper ; " a little action, and abandon at the end, that is policy." When we said don't lend money to Mexico, and when we said : " Don't authorize indirect loans and inadequate to usurious charges, but lend all that is wanted or don't lend at all ; guarantee the loan or don't guarantee it." La France cried out : " Wilful men, be si- lent, the truth is in the between two conditions. You are wrong to be willing not to lend to Mexico anything, and you are wrong to be willing to lend her too much. You know you are wrong not to authorize a loan ; you know you are wrong to guarantee one. It should be a small loan and a half- way guarantee." And yet at this day it is La France that boldly puts forward this question : On whom rests the responsibility for the check ? The check ! It is on you, only on you. It lies not on the army, always victorious in Mexico ; it is not on Maximilian, wanting in adequate financial resources ; it is not on us, who have never ceased to protest ; nor even on the primitive idea of the expedition ; it rests on the between two policy, which enervated the action of government without stopping it, and which, in place of having an understand- ing with the opposition to blame the undertaking, only allied itself with the idea of the government to render it powerless, by counselling half-way mea- sures in a business where the choice lay between inaction and action the most resolute. That won't hinder the juste milieu from declaring themselves the only political spirits of the age, but will the lesson profit the government or the country. In such case, costly as it may be, we shall not count it too dear. CLEMENT DUVERNOIS. 198 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 7. — From La Liberty, Paris, December 1, I960. — Translation.] PUBLIC OPINION. The journals which counselled the Mexican expedition, and afterwards wished it should continue in place of adhering to the convention of La Soledad, are na- turally much embarrassed in view of the results obtained. That which might best happen to us after five years of efforts and sacrifices is to obtain to-day the same benefits, the same guarantees, which were effected for us in 1561, and which then were repelled with disdain. There would still be a difference in favor of the convention of Soledad, because in 1861 we treated directly with the Mexicans, while at this day the United States will mix up in the contract in a manner to establish indisputably their controlling- influence over Mexico. A war undertaken for the purpose of placing a barrier against an invasion of the New World by the republicans of the North will then have had for result definitively the hastening of such invasion. This is sad beyond doubt, and we understand the journals which counselled the- expedition must be annoyed at the responsibility they have incurred; but what is almost laughable is the effort they are making to throw this responsibility on public opinion, which at first favoring the enterprise, afterwards manifested fears which did not permit the government to finish a work the success of which was assured. La France, who sustained the argument against Le Temps, would be obliging if she would let us know by what signs she recognizes the satisfaction or dis- content of public opinion. If we adhere to the letter of the constitution, public opinion has no lawful interpreter other than the legislative body ; but we would like to know what dif- ference there was between the approving votes of 1862, of 1863 and of 1864, and the approving votes of 1866 and 1866. Is it that the white ballots casts into the urns by honorable members should change their significance from one year to another 1 Is it that wishing to say in 1862 "We approve your policy," the same ballot would say in 1S65 and 1866, "Your policy frightens us ?" Upon what might one judge that the ballots had so changed their signification, and that " yes" no longer means "yes ]" La Prance would be still more embarrassed to explain that she is not embarrassed in justifying the advice she has been giving for five years. The truth is, the lawful expression of opinion is constantly brought out in the same way ; there is not a day when an attempt is not made to oppose the continuation of the Mexican expedition. The majority approved in 1862, when Mr. Billault, answering to Jules Favre, declared they could not be content with the treaty of Soledad, but had no thought of establishing an empire in Mexico ; the majority has remained unshaken ; since our troops have gone through a thousand perils, Mr. Thiers said, with reason, that the only wise thing to do was to treat with Mr. Juarez. The majority could not longer hesitate when they saw the establishment of the empire of Mexico give contradiction to the assertions of Mr. Billault. The majority has remained compact when a clear-sighted opposition anticipated difficulties between France and the United States. The majority, the lawful organ of opinions, has then fully, confidently, incessantly shared in the responsi- bility of the enterprise, not merely in its primitive conception and in its general bearings, but also in its various phases. Thus of these two which compose the chambers, one has been clear-sighted, the other has deceived itself. The constitutional opposition was not blinded for a single day ; from the beginning it foresaw the issue, and has every year given 1 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO 199 counsels that might soon close the enterprise. In 1S62 it voted for the treaty of Soledad. In 1864 it proposed to treat with the Mexican government ; it has always combatted the idea of the establishment of a monarchy in Mexico. While it was counted in favor of this establishment on the triumph of the con- federates over the federal cause, the left side never ceased to foresee the triumph of the Union ; and while illusions were entertained on the sentiments of Mexico and its immediate resources, the left never ceased to dissipate those illusions by stating the facts precisely, and producing the figures. Which of the two constitutional fractions of the chambers has given proof on this occasion of the greatest discernment and of true political skill. Has it been the fraction which voted with Mr. Jules Pavre and Mr. Thiers, or the fraction which voted afterwards on the counsels of Mr. Billault and Mr. Rouher ? Such is the question as it stands, and such it is well to place it before electoral France. As for rne, if entry to the chamber through the gate of official candidature, to go and take my seat on the benches with the majority, I had for five years approved the divers phases of the expedition, I should reason thus : I thought I did well. I would say I have no reproach of conscience in voting with Mr. Billault and Mr. Rouher. I thought I voted in the interest of the country ; but I see well I was mistaken, for T voted in 1862 with Mr. Jules Favre,and in 1865 with Mr. Thiers ; I would have spared my constituents many useless sacrifices and the government many a mortification. The conservative interest is therefore not that I always vote according to ministerial speeches; it means that I sometimes vote in accordance with the opposition. Perhaps po- liticians, who are themselves perfectly at home in Mexican affairs, sometimes give some foresight to the examination of questions of finance and the discussion of domestic questions. I shall this year listen to them with more attention, give them more confidence, and in some cases vote with them. That is what I would say if I was a member of the majority, and if I was an elector voting for the official candidate I should reason in an analogous manner. I have voted for the candidate my prefect recommended ; being conservative, I thought I acted judiciously. I have been told a liberal chamber will prevent the government from doing great things, and I have been willing to give to the government all its initiative privilege for whatever great things have been done since 1863, and which would have been hindered by the opposition of the chamber. I have sought a good deal in vain ; I don't see; I see no great vic- tories, nor in fine does the aggrandizement of Prussia pass for a victory of France, nor great public works, nor exceptional prosperity. On the other hand, there is the expedition to Mexico which has cost the life of many young conscripts, which has cost myself the value of more than two Mexican bonds, to say nothing of public outlays in which I have taken part, and for consola- tion I see myself on the eve of being called out to drill in the landwehr. If in place of voting for the official candidates we had voted for the liberals, should we have been worse off? I should have saved the amount of my two bonds, I should not be going to drill in the landwehr. But what less would I have in territorial grandeur and material prosperity ? What is there, that I do not ? In what have I weakened the government 1 I don't see that, either. What is the upshot of all this. The conclusion is that the discussion between La France and Le Temps to find out what responsibility rests on public opinion for the Mexican check is without cause in a country which, having the right of suffrage, is fully self-possessed. La France is wrong when attempting to attribute to a change of opinion a check to an enterprise which had the constant approval of the legislative body. Le Temps is alike wrong when it attempts to shift off from the country the responsibility which does rest upon it. It is necessary that an electoral country should well understand that it has not the right to complain Having had the power to stop what was doing, it has become fully responsible from what has 200 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. happened by not preventing it. It should not be that of this country, free in its vote, it should be said, " It is the fault of the government." It should be told severely : " It is your own fault, for a government based on universal suf- frage, necessarily yields to the will clearly expressed by the country, so that, in place of sending a majority favorable to the foreign policy of the government, you should have sent a majority, equally constitutional, but opposed to the policy of intervention, and the government would have abandoned these pro- jects." So settled, the Mexican check will appear to the people such as it really is : a moral victory of constitutional opposition to the majority, a victory of pru- dence over devotedness. CLEMENT DUVERNOIS. No. 70. Mr. Seward to Se/ior Romero. Washington, January 9, 1867. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 21st ultimo, containing extracts from some Paris papers relative to Mexican affairs, for which be pleased to accept my thanks. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Sefior Don Matias Romero, fyc, fyc, fyc. No. 71. Sefior Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation to the United States of America, Washington, December 22, 1866. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to enclose to you, for the information of the government of the United States, a translation into English of an article published on the 3d instant by the paper called Diario del Imperio, the organ in the city of Mexico of the ex- Archduke of Austria, Don Fernando Maximilian, and of a manifesto from him to the Mexicans, dated on the 1st. In these docu- ments is reiterated the determination of the ex-Archduke to remain in Mexico some time longer, which I communicated to your department in the note which I had the honor of addressing to you on the 14th instant. In both documents, and especially in the second, are at once noticeable the vacillations of its author as to what is best for him to do to get out with less dis- credit of the difficult positi n to which he is reduced. After having constantly as.-erted that he was called to Mexico by the will of the Mexican people, he now wishes to call on that very people to know whether it consents in his con- tinuing in the character he has assumed, and for that purpose he announces that he is going to convene a congress that may decide this point, and in which all parties may be represented. If the Mexican people have already expressed their will on this point, why should they be consulted again on the same subject ? Besides, that people, which, with arms in their hands, have been expressing their will in an unequivo- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 201 cal manner, would not lend themselves to participate in elections ordered by- Maximilian, should they be attempted ; since they do not recognize the right to convoke elections except in the national government, which exercises it in con- formity with the constitution of the republic. The complete accord which exists between the conduct of the ex-Archduke of Austria and the suggestions made to him by his counsellor, M. F. Eloin, in the letter which he wrote to Maximilian, dated at Brussels on the 17th of September last, is a very remarkable fact. I referred to this letter in the note I had the honor to address to your department on the 10th of October following. It seems to me, besides, that there is some inconsistency in the present desire of the Austrian ex- Archduke to have assembled in congress, for no less a pur- pose than that of deciding whether the so-called empire shall exist or not, the portion of the Mexican people which has not ceased to resist French interven- tion and all its consequences, with the provisions of his decree of October 3, 1865, which still remains in force, and which, as you well know, provides that all Mexicans defending the independence of their country shall be shot, deny- ing them even the rights which civilized nations accord to belligerents. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assur- ances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, 8fc, fyc, fyc. [Enclosure No. 1. — From Diario del Iinperio, (organ of the empire,) November 3.] OFFICIAL STATEMENT AS TO MAXIMILIAN'S ABDICATION. His majesty, anxious to facilitate the solution of the difficulties created by the present crisis, convoked, as is well knoAvn, his council of state at the city of Orizaba, and afterward called thither a majority of his ministers for the pur- pose of consulting them as to whether the way to accomplish such solution would not be to return to the people, from whom he received it, sovereign power. As his reason for such resolve, he called their attention to the state of the civil war now raging in the empire; to the possibility of a Franco- American intervention, for the purpose of bringing such war to an end by a change in the actual institutions of the country, and also to the broken-down state of their majesties' health. His advisers have not deemed these causes sufficient to make the emperor resign the supreme power in the present situation of the country. They have even besought him to remain at the head of the nation, and thus preserve the interests of society, threatened with destruction by revolutionists, and to pre- pare to defend, in every eventuality, the independence and nationality of Mexico, confided to his care. The appeal in behalf of interests so dear, thus made by the highest body in the state, could not pass unnoticed by his majesty, who glories in being the first of Mexicans. Determined to make any sacrifice for the benefit of his country, his majesty, before acceding to the wishes of his council of ministers and of state, awaited only their judgment as to the possibility of solving certain political questions relative to the convocation of a national congress based upon the most liberal as well as upon universal suffrage ; also relative to financial and military matters, and likewise relative to the opening of important diplomatic negotiations The council decided that these questions would be considered by them at once in the order of their respective importance, and at the present moment his majesty is taking into consideration their request. 202 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No 2.] Orizaba, December 1. Mexicans : Circumstances of groat magnitude relating to the welfare of our country, and which increase in strength by our domestic difficulties, have pro- duced in our mind the conviction that we ought to reconsider the power con- fided to us. Our council of ministers by us convened has given as their opinion, that the welfare of Mexico still requires our presence at the head of affairs ; and we have considered it our duty to accede to their request, announc- ing at the same time our intention i o convoke a national congress on the most ample and liberal basis, where all political parties can participate; and this congress shall decide whether the empire shall continue in future; and, in case of assent, shall assist in framing the fundamental laws to consolidate the public institutions of the country. To obtain this result, our counsellors are at present engaged in devising the necessary means, and at the same time arrange matters in such a manner that all parties may assist in an arrangement on that basis. In the mean time, Mexicans, counting upon you all, without excluding any political class, we shall continue the work of regeneration with courage and constancy, having been placed in charge of your countrymen. MAXIMILIAN. [Enclosure No. 3. — From the New York Daily Herald.] Orizaba, December 12, 1866. MAXIMILIAN'S HIDING PLACE. Rightly judging, as events have since shown, that Orizaba would be the next point aVappui in the Mexican revolution, I have made my way here, fortunately in time to witness the departure of Maximilian. It was a strange fortune that thrust this quiet, beautiful city of the mountains into notoriety. Its magnificent climate, never very hot and never uncomfortably cold, together with the grand- eur of the surrounding scenery, were probably the reasons that recommended it to Maximilian as his temporary place of refuge. Strategic merits it has none. Here the Austrian archduke whom misfortune has made an emperor has passed his time for the last month or two, writing voluminous despatches, which, like Mr. Toodle's letters, seem to have reached no one but the writer ; in chasing beetles and butterflies and in raising up for himself, on very insufficient capital, a great and undeserved reputation as a roue. He used to drive out daily, at- tended by only a few Austrian soldiers, and generally in the direction of Coco- lapa, where there are a large cotton factory and a paper mill, whose operations he found pleasure in watching, till the French, ill-natured and for no other reason, apparently, than to give him annoyance, threw a barricade across the road, with room only for a horse or foot passenger to pass through Thus cut off from his daily drive, Maximilian, who does not much fancy horse exercise, has took to pedestrianism, and twenty times a day he was to be seen in the streets, dressed simply in a hussar jacket and forage cap, his long lanky legs encased in tight- fitting breeches, terminated by Hessian boots, and with no mark of his rank except a handsome gold medal on his breast. I met him thus at least three or four times yesterday. He was attended by his master of the household only ; and, as he walked rapidly along, striding over the gutters and wedging his way among the barricades, few turned their heads to look after him, and fewer still paid him the slightest mark of respect. He looked careworn and muddled, but not in any way depressed. The building which Maximilian has occupied as a palace is an unassuming private building, two storied, as all houses are in this CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 203 volcanic country, and limewashed a dingy green hue. The front part is let out as stores, and a tobacconist and a dry-goods dealer hang out their signs under the imperial flag. THE DEPARTURE. Thus matters stood yesterday, when the rumors of Maximilian's projected return to the capital, which had for a long time prevailed, begun to assume a more connected shape, and gradually it leaked out that Maximilian would cer- tainly leave for Mexico city at six o'clock this morning. French troops were sent ahead to clear the road as far as Puebla, and all the Austrian troops in Orizaba were placed under marching orders. Long before daylight this morn- ing the march began, but it was considerably after six o'clock before Maximilian, attended by his ever present factotum, Father Fisher, stepped into his travelling carriage, drawn by twelve sturdy mules, and gave the word, "On to Mexico." Not a cheer was raised nor a hat lifted. The stolid Mexicans who happened to be on hand looked on and smiled and chattered placidly among each other, but neither seemed nor cared to understand the import of what was occurring. The imperial escort consisted of about two hundred Austrian cavalry, all told. He leaves behind him none but French troops in Orizaba. The issue is reduced to a game of checkmate between Maximilian and Marshal Bazaine* Maximilian returns to the capital, not with any strong ex- pectation of regaining the power he once wielded there, but to spite and thwart the French, whose treatment of him latterly he feels has been neither just nor honorable. bazaime's designs. From the first Marshal Bazaine hated and despised the archduke, who was sent out to take a position which he himself coveted. Maximilian instead of crushing him when he had the means, weakly sought to propitiate him by costly gifts. Bazaine went on consolidating his influence, till at last he got Maximil- ian in his grasp, and for the last few mouths he has held him virtually as a State prisoner. In every district not overrun by the liberals, Marshal Bazaine is emperor of Mexico, not Maximilian. He holds the troops and the purse- strings, and has left to Maximilian but the semblance of a sovereignty. More- over, facts are coming to light which seem to indicate a design on the part of Bazaine to hold on to his power at all risks, with or without the countenance of the French government. Vain, ambitious, and unscrupulous, he will stick it nothing to carry his ends. From sources of the best information I learn that within the last few days he has been endeavoring to open communication with the liberals, and even got together such liberal chiefs as he could find, in and around Mexico, and made overtures to them for their support. They rejected his proposals with contempt. Meanwhile every petty insult and contumely has been heaped upon Maximilian to induce him to quit the country. The barri- cading of his favorite drive is one of many such acts. MAXIMILIAN WANTING TO BOLT. It was while the irritation caused by these slights were fresh upon him that Miramon and Marquez and his council of state came to Orizaba and urged Maximilian to return to the capital. The French were daily pressing him to abdicate, and he, to thwart them, was seriously preparing to hurry down to Vera Cruz, incognito, and embark at once for Austria. The strong remon- strances of Mr. Scarlet, the British minister, against this undignified step alone prevented him from doing so, and resulted in the notable Oiizaba manifesto, al- 204 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. ready published in the Herald. Then it seems to have occurred to him that the proposition of Miramon and Marquez afforded him the best opportunity of spiting Bazaine and defeating the French; so back to the capital he has gone MIRAMON A FUGITIVE — MARQUEZ A FAILURE. His allies, Miramon and Marquez, will be able to afford him little assistance in his perilous undertaking. Miramon's arrest has been ordered by Bazaine, and he has fled to Queretaro, sixty leagues beyond Mexico city. Marquez is still in Orizaba, but all he has done towards raising the promised twenty mil- lions and army has been to arrest some two hundred laborers, whom he is keep- ing in prison till he can get arms to put in their hands, and to steal a few thou- sand dollars from the surrounding planters. MAXIMILIAN ON THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE. That portion of the President's message which refers to Mexican affairs was telegraphed to Orizaba immediately on its reception in Vera Cruz. Maximilian is said to have rather enjoyed it, as affording another chance to humiliate Bazaine. Vera Cruz, Becemher 14, 1866. FRENCH RE-ENFORCEMENTS. The French steamer Panama, which has just arrived here, has brought out two hundred additional French troops and three hundred barrels of gunpowder. SPECIAL ENVOYS. M. Eloin, the hero of so many mysterious missions, and a special courier from the French government to General Castelnau, also arrived by the steamer. The courier started at once by special train for Mexico city. The mysterious Eloin quietly booked his place in the diligence and is jogging along in the foot- steps of Maximilian. SEIZURE OF THE CUSTOM-HOUSE. The seizure of the custom-house here by the French troops, on Sunday last, has caused considerable excitement. Maximilian sent down an order for $50,000 ; the French authorities refused to allow it to be cashed ; the prefect protested, but a file of Egyptians cut his protest short. The seizure has been made under the convention of September last, but this convention, though it was temporarily agreed to by Maximilian, and was sent to France for approval, was never signed by him, and is consequently invalid. The French assert that they only intend to hold the custom-house for ten days. DISTINGUISHED ARRIVAL. Jake Thompson is wandering about the city looking considerably dazed. He booked by the French steamer for Havana, but as the vessel did not touch there he finds himself unexpectedly in Mexico. He can soon hunt up some friends here. Beverley Tucker is managing a hacienda at San Luis Potosi, and considers he has fallen into a good thing ; and General Price, Governor Harris, Judge Perkins and General Joe Shelby are all at Cordova. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 205 [From L'Estafette, December 2, 1^66.] BAZAINE. DANO AND CASTELNAU DEFINE THEIR POSITION. The official organ of the empire on the 29th of Novemher published an ar- ticle purporting to state the object of the emperor Maximilian in calling his ministers and council of state to Orizaba. Said article appeared in the non- official columns of that paper ; but it is well known that it had been trans- mitted over the telegraph by the ministry, with the order to publish at once. Public opinion was justly excited on learning that the emperor Maximilian gave as his reasons for an eventual abdication, first, the state of civil war in which the country is plunged; and, second, the possibility of a Franco-Ameri- can intervention for the purpose of bringing such war to a close through a change in existing institutions. This last idea may appear strange, put forth as it was from the midst of a council which has no safe places of assemblage except under the protection of French beyouets. It then becomes important to set forth the truth of the case. France has no wish to interfere in relation to the form of government which the Mexican nation may wish to adopt. Having sent her troops to Mexico for the protection of her own subjects, and animated as she is with the desire to put an end to the disorders from which all classes suffered alike, she would cer- tainly have preferred to see established that form which appears to her eyes as offering the strongest guarantees of stability. But far from having done any- thing whatever for the purpose of changing the existing institutions, she has made the most disinterested but unavailing sacrifices in order to maintain them. The trying crisis in which Mexico now linds herself can in no way be laid to the charge of France. Her agents have been kept entirely unaware of the sudden determination taken by the emperor Maximilian to leave his capital. Some of them had no knowledge of his having done so until informed by the notice published in the Diario official. No one is ignorant, however, of the fact that when only a few leagues away from Mexico city he wished to promulgate his act of abdication. And during the past month he reverted several times to the same notion, and refrained only at the most urgent instance of his suit. All this while the orders connected with his departure had been given, and vessels were awaiting him from day to day at Vera Cruz. Even the majority of Ins counsellors were kept in utter ig- norance of the real intentions of his majesty. The agents of France were neither consulted nor notified. However, the emperor Maximilian, having man- ifested to them a desire to obtain from them important concessions before taking any final step, they made every effort to grant the concessions asked. His majesty returned them his thanks for this, and, in view of an eventuality which at that stage appeared imminent, but which they had not been instrumental in bringing about, they consulted as to what measures might be necessary in order to secure the interests of all — Mexicans as well as foreigners — declaring that they would leave the Mexican nation to choose its own destiny, and they made no attempt or pretence to impose any form of government upon it. They could go no further ; and, in view of the action taken by the imperial govern ment, their duty becomes very simple. They do not wish to take any part in the proceedings of interested parties ; this would be to revive hatred and re- kindle the flames of civil war, wl ich they were endeavoring to extinguish. Henceforth they will confine themselves to the rigid execution of their instruc- tions, namely, to disengage in the most absolute manner, the responsibility of their government ; to look only to such interests as it is directly incumbent on them to protect ; and to prepare, in the shortest time possible, tbe complete evacuation of tbe expeditionary corps. 206 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. On the following day the Estafette published the following notice : "Some persons believe that the official communication which we published on Sunday emanated exclusively from the legation of Prance. We are authorized to state that the note referred to is the common act of the three high French authorities now resident in Mexico — that is, of Marshal Bazaine, the minister of France, and General Oastelnau." The same journal, as if to show that the French troops are in a hurry to evac- uate, gives the following : "Lieutenant Colonel the Marquis de Galiffet will take command of the contra guerillas in the Tierra Caliente. Colonel Dupin is to be appointed governor of the department of Vera Cruz. " This looks like vigorous action on the coast." No. 72. Mr. Seward to Sefior Romero. Department of State, Washington, January 2, 1S67. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 22d ultimo, containing a translation of an article published lately in the Diario del Imperio, and of a manifesto issued by the Prince Maximilian, show- ing his determination to remain in Mexico, for which accept my thanks. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. Sefior Don M. Romero, fyc, fyc, fyc. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. No. 73. Sefior Romero to Mr. Seward* [Translation.] Mexican Legation to the United States of America, Washington, December 27, 1866. Mr. Secretary: Refering myself to the note which I had the honor to ad- dress to the department, dated 5th October last, in relation to the answer I gave to an inquiry of General Regules, chief of the army of the centre of the republic of Mexico, about a continuation of hostilities against the forces invading Mexico, I have now the satisfaction of sending you copy of a communication which I have received from Mr. Lerdo de Tejada, minister of foreign relations of the constitutional government of the republic, dated at Chihuahua on the 16th of November last past, and marked No. 502, in which are approved the in- structions I gave on that occasion to General Regules. I avail of the occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, Sfc>, Sfc, fyc. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 207 [Translation.] DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN RELATIONS AND GOVERNMENT — DEPARTMENT OF RELATIONS, AMERICAN SECTION, No. 502. Chihuahua, November 16, 1866. With your notes ISTos. 660 and 679, dated 5th and 12th of October last, you sent me a copy of a communication which was addressed to you by General Regules, chief the army of the centre, about the conduct of the French along the line of his command, and a copy of the reply you gave him, as well as copies also of the note in which you gave notice of the former to Mr. Seward, and of his reply. The President of the republic, being informed of these, has approved of what you say to General Regules about the compromises of the French government with that of the United States as to the non-continuance of intervention in Mex- ico, which are not compromises in which the government of the republic has taken part, and in no way affect the war which the forces of the republic must continue to carry on as before against the invading forces. When there is oc- casion you can communicate to General Regules that the government has ap- proved your answer, and, in view of it, have considered it unneccesary to address to him a communication of like import on said affair. I protest to you my respectful consideration. LERDO DE TEJADA. Citizen Matias Romero, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary at Washington. Washington, December 27, 1866. A copy: C. ROMERO, Acting Secretary. No. 74. Mr. Seward to Sertor Romero. Department of State, Washington, January 2, 1867. Silt : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 27th ultimo, containing a copy of a note addressed to you by Mr. Lerdo de Tejada relative to some instructions which you gave General Regules, and the tenor of which you communicated to this department on the 5th of last October, and to beg of you to receive my thanks for the information. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurance of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Seiior Don M. Romero, 8fc., Sfc, 8fc. No. 2. MILITARY OPERATIONS OF THE NORTHERN DIVISION. List of papers. 15. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward (with 4 enclosures) April 8, 1866. 76. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 19, 1866. 77. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward (with 7 enclosures) April 25, 1866. 208 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 78. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 6, 1866. 79. Mr. Eomero to Mr. Seward (with. 4 enclosures) April 26, 1S66. 80. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward (with 18 enclosures) August 1, 1866. 81. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero August 8, 1866. 82. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward (with 25 enclosures) November 27, 1866. 83. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero December 8, 1866. No. 75. Sefior Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation to the United States of America, Washington, April 8, 1866. Mr. Secretary : For the information of the government of the United States* T have the honor to enclose you No. 11 of the official paper of the government of the republic of Mexico, published at the town of Paso del Norte, on the 8th day of May last, containing the official report made by the governor and military commander of the State of Coahuila to the minister of war, in relation to victo- ries gained over the interventionists at San Juan de Guadalupe, and the hacienda of San Carlos, State of Durango, by the forces of the republic, together with the reply of General Ignacio Mejia, minister of war. I avail myself of the opportunity to protest to you, Mr. Secretary, the assur- ances of my most distinguished consideration. M.ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc, Sfc., fyc. [Enclosure No. 1. — From the official paper of the Mexican government, No. 1J, volume 2, El Paso Del Norte, March 8, 1867.] GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE OF COAHUILA DE ZARAGOZA. The success of our arms at San Carlos and San Juan de Guadalupe, and the nattering prospect in the district of Parras, caused this government to attract the enemy's attention by sending to Monterey for Colonel Geronimo Trevino's forces, and proposing an attack on Saltillo or the city of Monterey itself. As the plan seemed plausible, an attack on Saltillo was fixed for the 15th instant. When the two hundred men were ready, (all we could arm in that quarter,) a despatch was received from the alcalde of Cuatro Cienagas, informing us of the arrival there of Colonel Jesus Gonzales Herrera, from Parras, with three hundred men, having been driven out by Briucourt in force, aided by other imperialists under Francisco, Trevino, and Maximo Campos. Of course this delayed our proposed expedition. Not many days had passed before we heard from that quarter. Mention was made of the burning of Matamoras and Soledad, in that district, and of many houses of good patriots in Viesca ; we heard of the murder of more than fifty innocent and unarmed persons, among them two men over eighty years of age, and a child of twelve. It was also said that Brincourt's division had gone back to Durango, and left only three hundred French in Viezca. As Colonel Gonzales had three hundred men with him, and could soon collect those dispersed by the French ; and as the troops of Jeanningros were scattered at Parras, Saltillo, Rinconada, and Santa Catarina, and there were only six hundred of the enemy in Monterey, we determined to attack that town. On the CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 209 3d instant six hundred men were sent to Bajan, to act in concert with Colonel Trevino and Francisco Naranjo, with all probability of success. I cannot omit to mention in this place, Mr. Minister, the honorable conduct of the people of this frontier. Considering the precarious situation to which they have been reduced by this foreign war, they have performed wonders ; supplies have been furnished abundantly to our troops ; clothing, horses, and arms to the forces of Laguna ; and $9,000 to equip troops for Colonel Naranjo. Besides this they equipped 300 for Victoriano Zepeda, and furnished powder and other munitions to some forces in the State of New Leon. Now the commander-in-chief will have the pleasure of starting on his expe- dition with men well clothed and well provided, and by the uninvited efforts of private citizens, prompted solely by feelings of patriotism and the desire to see foreigners driven from the land they have desecrated. I must also inform you of the lucky escape of Commander Victor Berlanga from an ambuscade, laid for him by the French in the State of Durango, with the loss of only a few provisions. I will give you the particulars of the last fight as soon as they reach me. I have the honor to inform you of this, that it may be communicated to the supreme chief of the republic. Independence and liberty! San Buenaventura, January 29, 1866. A. S. VIEZCA. Eduardo Musquiz, Secretary pro tempore. The Mimster of War, Chihuahua. [Enclosure No. 2.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, OFFICE OF WAR AND MARINE — SECTION FIRST. The citizen President of the republic has considered your communication of the 29th January, stating the plans for a new campaign, and the generous aid contributed by the people of the State, and is much pleased at such proofs of patriotism. He orders me to thank you and the citizens who have aided to fit out the expedition. He is indignant at the barbarous conduct of the French troops, who came to burn the houses of Laguna, because they were whipped at San Juan de Guadalupe and San Carlos, and General Brincourt came all the way from Durango to murder two old men and a child. Such deeds are evi- dence of the evils of intervention ; and these sanguinary and inhuman practices the French make use of to terrify the people will certainly be avenged. Independence and liberty ! Paso del Norte, March 6, 1866. MEJIA. The Governor and Military Commander of the State of Coahuila de Zaragoza, (wherever he may be.) Paso del Norte, March 6, 1S66. True copies : MARIANO DIAZ, Chief Clerk. [Enclosure No. 3.] GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE OF COAHUILA DE ZARAGOZA. Colonel Jesus Gonzales Herrera informed me in a despatch of the 22d ultimo, from San Fernando, State of Durango, that about the middle of the month he 14 MEX. 210 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. marched on Parras, with one thousand men, aided by Colonel Juan Vega, with all the men he could raise in the district ; on the way he received an insulting challenge from the French officer in San Juan de Guadalupe, so he determined to attack that place first. He ordered Colonel Dario Lopez Orduno forward with a section of his troops, and he began the assault with his usual impetuosity. But a mortal wound soon disabled him, and he was brought from the field in a dying condition. Victor Berlanga succeeded him in command, and soon gained a complete victory. The enemy left seventy killed and many wounded and prisoners. Three men who were placed over the city to govern it were shot by our forces. We next moved on to San Carlos, in the same State, where there were 300 French and a number of traitors. The attack was made, and the enemy fled, leaving sixteen killed, fifteen wounded and five prisoners. We also got eighteen fine horses. Though the soldiers were very tired, they pursued the enemy for several leagues. Colonel Herrera adds that he is now collecting his forces to move on Parras, which place he hopes to occupy in a very short time. It affords me much pleasure to communicate to you these favorable feats of arms for the information of the President. I will make honorable mention of the men who distinguished themselves as soon as I get the particulars of the engagement. Liberty and reform! Monclova, January 1, 1866. A. S. VIEZCA. Eduardo Muzquiz, Secretary pro. tern., Chihuahua. [Enclosure No. 4. ] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, OFFICE OF WAR AND MARINE, SECTION FIRST. Your report of the 1st January of the victories at San Juan de Guadalupe and San Carlos, in the State of Durango, by Colonel Jesus G. Herrea, has been made known to the President of the republic, and he orders me to say to you that he is satisfied with the important results of those operations, and the gal- lant conduct of the chiefs and men engaged in them. I have the honor to communicate this to you for your information and the gratification of all interested. Independence and liberty ! Paso del Norte, March 6, 1866. MEJIA. The Governor and Military Commander of the State of Coahuila de Zaragoza, (wherever he may be.) Paso del Norte, March 6, 1S66. True copies : MARIANO DIAZ, Chief Clerk. No. 76. Mr. Seward to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, July 19, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 8th of April, containing a copy of No. 11 of the official paper of your government, giving the correspondence of the military commander of the State of Coahuila with the minister of war of Mexico, on the subject of some mili- tary operations, and to thank you for the information. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 211 I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don Matias Romero, fyc., Sfc, fyc. No. 77. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, April 25, 18G6. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to transmit to you the copy of a note which I have just received from Senor Lerdo de Tejada, minister of foreign relations of the Mexican republic, numbered 167, and dated El Paso del Norte, 29th of March last, together with No. 13 of the official paper of the constitutional gov- ernment of the Mexican republic, of the same date, containing the official report and other documents in relation to the victory at Santa Isabel, on the first of March last, of the patriotic sons of Ooahuila and New Leon over a force of French and traitors, who were entirely destroyed. I also enclose a copy of the paper. I embrace the occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc, 8fc, Sfc. [Enclosure No. 1.] DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN RELATIONS AND GOVERNMENT — OFFICE OF RELA- TIONS, AMERICAN SECTION, NO. 167. Paso del Norte, March 29, 1865. I enclose you No. 13 of the official paper of the government of this date, con- taining the report of General A. S. Viesca, and other documents relating to the victory at San Isabel on the first of this month, by the patriotic sons of the States of New Leon and Coahuila, over a force of French and traitors, who were en- tirely destroyed. Accept my attentive consideration. LERDO DE TEJADA. Citizen Matias Romero, • Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the Mexican Republic in Washington. Washington, April 25, 1S66. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 2. — From No. 13 of the official paper of the constitutional government of the Mexican republic, Paso del Norte, March 29, 1866.] GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATE OF COAHUILA DE ZARAGOZA. After the detailed account I gave the department on the lStlf ultimo, I am now pleased to report another complete victory gained by our forces on the first instant, and the operations of my brigade and the northern cavalry under Colonel Geronimo Treviiio. 212 CONDITION OF AFFAIKS IN MEXICO. On the 16th of February last, a column of French forced me to evacuate Farms and take shelter in Laguna, to recruit there and finish the traitor Maximo Campos before the French could aid him. I did not succeed in this, because the traitors fled, and took a rapid circuit over the frontiers of Durango and Zacatecas, and then joined the French in Parras. I continued to watch that place while two French columns of eight or nine hundred men were approaching me from Durango and Chihuahua. I retained my position till the 27th February, when I heard that Geronimo Trevino and Francisco Naranjo were approaching Parras to aid me with their cavalry. I immediately divided my brigade into two columns, so as to march on Parras from different directions, and wait for the expected cavalry in the neighborhood. This was accordingly effected. On the morning of the first, my first column joined Colonel Trevino's cavalry at Santa Isabel, three leagues distant, having marched thirty leagues without stopping. Two hours after camping, we heard firing in our front. At first I supposed it was an accidental skirmish, but I was soon informed that the enemy had made •a formal attack upon our front. I soon agreed with Colonel Trevino upon a mode of defence, and in a very short time we were ready for the fight. Our advance of forty men, under Colonel Joaquin Garza Leal, bravely resisted the attack of 215 French and more than 400 traitors for two hours, and then fell back in good order to our camp, without the loss of a man. We then attacked the enemy with two columns of infantry on the left flank, sent one forward in the centre, and a company of cavalry to the right. The fight soon became general ; our brave men made an obstinate resistance, and finally put the enemy to flight, leaving the field strewn with the dead and .wounded, their baggage scattered around, and many prisoners in our hands. The northern legion and Parras lancers pursued them for some distance, as you will learn from the enclosed report of Colonel Trevino. I also enclose a list of our losses, and those of the enemy, as well as a list of the French pris- oners in our hands. No victory could be more complete than ours on that glorious day, and I take great pleasure in congratulating the President of the republic on the happy in- fluence this brilliant victory will have on our future operations. The behavior of our officers and men was all that could be expected from gallant Mexicans fighting for their honor and the liberties of their country ; every man did his duty ; all shared equally the dangers and deprivations ; and all rushed forward in full hope of the victory with which they were gloriously crowned. I can make no special recommendations where all behaved in a manner to merit the praises of their countrymen, but I must not omit to mention Colonel Geronimo Trevino, Colonel Francisco Naranjo, and Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Perez Villareal, who rendered themselves conspicuous for skilful management of their commands and their personal courage. I make this communication for the information of the President of the republic. Independence and liberty ! Curatro Cienegas, March 9, 1866. A. S. VIEZCA. The Minister of War, (wherever he may be found.) [Enclosure No. 3.] OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE FREE AND SOVEREIGN STATE OF COAHUILA DE ZARAGOZA, NORTH- ERN CORPS'OF THE REPUBLICAN ARMY, FIRST DIVISION OF CAVALRY. Colonel-in-Chief: I have the honor to inform you that, in obedience to orders from General Mariano Escobedo, in Linares, I started from Vivaldama with the CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 213 first cavalry division, of S00 men, in the direction of Parras, to join the attack on the traitor Maximo Campos, in that place. On the road I heard of your encounter with Oampos's forces, and that a col- umn of 200 French were coming to his aid from Saltillo I immediately con- ceived the design of attacking them on their march, but at Cahos I was informed they had already reached Parras, and were preparing for defence in that city. On receiving -a despatch from you I resolved, to march on to Parras, according to my first plan. I waited for the Ooahuila brigade at this place yesterday ; it arrived about midnight, and camped alongside of us. At three o'clock in the morning I heard that the enemy, 450 traitors and 215 French, were approaching. I immediately ordered a line of battle to be formed, and wait for the onset. The enemy soon approached rapidly. He was warmly received by the Mon- clova squadron, under Lieutenant Colonel Ildefonso Fuentes, and the northern legion. The combat soon became general. The enemy attacked the left angle of our line and tried to flank us with his cavalry, while a column of infantry doubled our right. The principal attack was bravely resisted by Colonel Naranjo and a part of the Coahuila brigade. I now ordered the cavalry under Lieutenant Colonel Joaquin Garza Leal and Emiliano Laing, and two infantry columns under Salvador Fernandez de la Cavada and Ruperto Martinez, to make the attack in front, while Colonel Pedro A. Gomez attacked on the left flank. The enemy soon began to retreat under this combined movement, arid we continued to pursue till nearly two-thirds were killed, and the rest surrendered at discretion. The field was covered with dead. All their horses and munitions of war fell into our hands. We found one piece of mountain artillery. I think it my duty to commend to your excellency all the officers and men who took part in this battle, though you were an eye-witness to their gallant conduct. I also send lists of the killed, wounded, and prisoners of the enemy, with the munitions of war which we captured from him on the field of battle. The list of our killed is also included. Accept the protest of my consideration and respect. Independence, liberty, and reform ! Hacienda of Santa Isabel, March 1, 1866. GERONIMO TREVINO. The Governor and Military Commander of the State of Coahuila de Zaragoza, Present. Cuatro Cienegas, March 9, IS66. A true copy : EDUARDO MUZQUIZ. [Enclosure No. 4.] REPUBLICAN ARMY, MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE OF COAHUILA DE ZARAGOZA. List of the hilled, wounded,, and missing of the republican forces in the battle of the first of March, and that of the enemy, with the prisoners and munitions of war captured. LOSS OF THE REPUBLICAN FORCE. Cavalry division. Killed. Lieutenant 1 Second Lieutenants 3 214 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. KilleJ. Sergeant 1 Soldiers 5 Total 10 Wounded. Colonel 1 Lieutenant colonel 1 Captain 1 Sub-lieutenant 1 Sergeants . . 2 Corporal 1 Soldiers 15 Total 22 Coahuila brigade. Missing 1 LOSS OF THE ENEMY. Second battalion of the foreign regiment. Killed 118 Prisoners 81 Total 199 Loss among the traitors. Killed 13 Prisoners 85 Total , 98 Munitions of war left by tlie enemy on the field of battle. Pieces of artillery, one; flags, one; carbines, sixty-six; rifles, fourteen; mus- kets, ninety-one; bayonets, ninety-two; cartridge-boxes, eighty-seven ; swords, ten; revolvers, ten; lances, fifteen; axes, two; saddles, nine; pack-saddles, eight; war-chests, three; flag-staffs, one; wagons, one; pack-mules, seventeen ; horses, twenty-seven. Note No. 1. — The piece of mountain artillery taken from the enemy is of the calibre of four inches. Note JS'o. 2. — Of the eighty-one French prisoners, there is one second lieu- tenant, nine sergeants, twelve corporals, and the rest soldiers. There are seven officers among their killed, including Commander Briant. J. CARRLLLO, "Lieutenant Colonel and Chief of Staff. Cuatro Cienegas, March 9, 1866. I certify to the above : VIEZCA. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 215 [Enclosure No. 5.] ARMY OF THE NORTH, FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION — OFFICE OF MAJOR GENERAL. List of officers killed and wounded in the battle of Santa Isabel, near Pan-as, on the first of March. Chiefs: Colonel Francisco Naranjo, second in command of the division, wounded; Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Perez Villareal, brevet major of the second brigade, wounded. Officers: Captain Antonio Magnon, wounded; Lieutenant Cayetano Guevara, killed; Ensign Pablo Ancora, wounded, and died two days after; Ensign Her- menegildo Farias, wounded; Ensign Fernando Macias, killed. PEDEO A. GOMEZ. Cuatro Cienegas, March 9, 1866. Cuatro Cienegas, March 9, 1S66. A true copy: EDOUARDO MUZQUIZ, Secretary pro. tern. [Enclosure No. 6.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — REPUBLICAN ARMY — MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF COA- HUILA DE ZARAGOZA. List of French prisoners, including wounded, of the second battalion of the for- eign regiment, taken on the glorious day qf the first of March. Second Lieutenant Montier. Sergeants : Garelle (wounded,) Echmann, Crala, Conston, Acombela (wounded,) Desbardes, Stenck, Pulois, Ceconni (wounded.) Corporals: Glame, Wensolbuk (wounded,) Connel (wounded,) Valf (wounded,) Holins (wounded,) Ferault, Menange, Gemonpret, Marval, Raulx, Bosquet (wounded,) Mathas (wounded.) Soldiers: De George, Reys, Clad, Ewing, Delimege, F. Muller, G. Muller (wounded,) Zulig, Keber, Chaumam (wounded,) Obnecht (wounded,) Mentha, Sonferce, Pace, Pella (wounded,) Cabout (wounded,) A. Muller (wounded,) Parture (wounded,) Dender, Rubber, Manzt, Schapel, Pauly, Albert, Mars, Stok, Antonio (wounded,) Marchant, Eschener, Bait (wounded,) Menges, Kaf- semberg, Slambak, Vorf'eld, Shoumaker, Balki, Charles, Schmilk, Paltriuieri, Creau, Mainzh, Heina, Wiltmaye, Kovber, Muller, Mies, Hensein, Rimoldi, Geringer, Meunos, Becker, Mudispacher, Heffneich, Bebaker, Aoss, Voigt, Zun- nier, Menthe (wounded,) Heilfreick (wounded,) Idatt (wounded.) Total, 81. F. CARRILLO, Lieutenant Colonel and Chief of Staff. Cuatro Cienegas, March 9, 1866. A certified copy; VIEZCA. [Enclosure No. 7.] )FFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE, BRANCH OF WAR AND MARINE — SEC- TION FIRST. Your report of the 9th instant has given the President of the republic great /satisfaction; he is rejoiced at the defeat of the French and traitors who dared 216 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. to attack us on the first at Santa Isabel. This great feat of arms, the result of your plans and your courage in carrying them out, is of great importance on the frontier, and will have a good influence on the success of our future opera- tions. The worthy and gallant behavior of the chiefs, officers, and soldiers, who took part in the conflict mentioned by Colonel Geronimo Trevino in his report, is properly appreciated by the President, and he instructs me to thank you for the part you took in the fight, as well as all others who acted so gallantly on the occasion. The especial recommendations you make in your report will be attended to by the government, with respect to the persons mentioned ; and the gallant con- duct of all will be remembered, that they may be noticed in their turn. The President wishes you to give the greatest care to the wounded, and make a list of those maimed or killed in the action, that they or their heirs may enjoy the corresponding pensions. The great sacrifices the people are making to sustain and increase the forces that are fighting for national independence, and the self-denial and patriotism of those who are serving personally, are the surest guarantees of the safety of the country. Independence and liberty ! Paso del Norte, March 29, 1866. MEJIA. The Governor and Military Commander of the State of Coaliuila de Zaragoza. Paso del Norte, Maxell 29, 1866. The above are authentic copies : MARIANO DIAZ, Chief Officer. No. 78. Mr. Seward to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, July 6, 1866. Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 25th of April last, containing copy of a note addressed to you by Senor Lerdo de Tejada, also No. 13 of the official paper of your government, for which please accept my thanks. I embrace this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most dis- tinguished consideration. Senor Don M. Romero, fyc, §r.., fyc. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. No. 79. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, April 26, 1866. Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to enclose you the copy of a note received yesterday from Mr. Lerdo de Tejada, minister of foreign relations of the Mexi- can republic, dated at Paso del Norte, the 30th of March last, numbered 175, CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 217 and a supplement to No. 13 of the official paper of the constitutional govern- ment of the Mexican republic of the same date, containing official reports of the complete victory gained by the national forces of Mexico, under General Ter- razas, in the capture of Chihuahua on the 25th of the same month. In the same paper, a copy of which I enclose, you will find an official report of tbe capture of Hidalgo del Parral on the 22d of March, by Colonel Vazquez, who took that city by assault. All the invading forces have finally been driven from the State of Chihuahua. I accept the occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurance of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc, Sfc., fyc. Acknowledged July 6, 1866. [Enclosure No. 1.] No. 175.] . Dep't of Foreign Relations and Government, Paso del Norte, March 30, 1866. In the supplement to No. 13 of the official paper of the government which I send, you will find reports of the complete victories gained by the national forces under General Luis Terrazas, in the capture of the city of Chihuahua, on the 25th of this mouth. You will also see a report of the capture of the town of Hidalgo del Parral on the 22d, by Colonel Agustin Vazquez, with the arrest of the pretended traitor, political prefect Julio Carranco. Thus you will see that the State of Chihuahua is now free from the enemy. Accept the protests of my attentive consideration. LERDO DE TEJADA. The Minister of the Mexican Republic. in the United States of America. Washington, April 26, 1866. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 2. — supplement to No. 33 of the official paper of the constitutional govern- ment of the Mexican republic] GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE OF CHIHUAHUA. I reached this place at nine o'clock yesterday morning, and the enemy sallied out to attack me very soon after I came in sight. He was instantly driven back, leaving one hundred prisoners in our hands, many killed, wounded, and missing, and one cannon. The city was then assaulted, and by noon the traitors were confined to their fortifications and the city captured. The forts were fired upon during the day, and were soon to have been assaulted ; but at eleven o'clock at night most of the officers and a number of soldiers managed to escape, leaving us three hundred prisoners and all the munitions of war. The fugitives took the road to San Pablo ; I ordered them to be pursued, and hope they are secured by this time. Our loss in killed and wounded is not great, considering the duration of the unequal contest. We lost nothing else. I will send a complete report as soon as I can get the particulars ; in the mean time I wish to recommend to the government the entire State brigade, its officers and men, and other officers whose services have been of the greatest importance. 218 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Please report this to the President of the republic, and congratulate him upon this triumph of the national arms. Independence and liberty ! Chihuahua, March 26, 1866. LUIS TERRAZAS. The Minister of War and Marine, Paso del Norte. [Enclosure No. 3. ] GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMA NDANCY OF THE STATE OF CHIHUAHUA. Colonel Agustin Vazquez, commander of the southern State line, reports as follows, from Hidalgo city, the 22d instant : " I reached the suburbs of Hildalgo city at noon to-day, with the forces under my command, and immediately marched to meet the enemy in the place. The fight soon began, and lasted till three in the evening, when the enemy sur- rendered, and I took possession of the city. " All my men behaved gallantly, and I recommend them to you for it. Our loss was insignificant, while the enemy's was great. " I will send a complete report as soon as it can be made out, and congratulate the supreme national government, as well as the State government, on this signal triumph. " I will continue to hold the place till I receive further orders from the su- preme government." I make this known to you for the information of the President of the republic. Independence and liberty ! Chihuahua, March 26, 1866. LUIS TERRAZAS. The Minister of War and Marine, Paso. [Enclosure No. 4.] • GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE OF CHIHUAHUA. The political and military chief of the canton of Rosales sent the following report to me yesterday : " Long live the supreme government ! Long last the independence of Mexico ! "As soon as I heard of the direction the fugitives had taken — the routed traitors had taken to the hills — I called together a few neighbors and started in pursuit of them. We succeeded in catching the so-called prefect, Julio Car- ranco, ensign Teofilo Cabezuela, a man named Miguel Vargas, who says he is a private individual, and fourteen soldiers. They are now confined here at the disposal of the government." This is reported for the information of the President, and to ask him what is to be done with the prisoners mentioned. Independence and liberty ! Chihuahua, March 27, 1866. LUIS TERRAZAS. The Minister of War and Marine, Paso del Norte. No. SO. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, August 1, 1866. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to remit to you for the information of the government of the United States the documents mentioned in the annexed in- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 219 dex, which show what have been the military operations of the army of the north of the republic of Mexico, from the beginning of April to the end of June last, in which such operations ended with the capture of Matamoras, after the complete victory obtained by the national forces over the enemy at La mesa de banta Gertrudis on the 16th June aforesaid. This is a very satisfactory occasion for me to renew to you, Mr. Secretary the assurance of my most distinguished consideration. ' Hon. William H. Seward. Index of the documents which the Mexican legation at Washington remits to the Department of State of the United States, with its note of this date, upon the military operations of the army of the north. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Contents. May 27 May 30 May 31 June 5 8 June 8 June 30 June 16 June 16 June 19 June 17 June 1 7 June 17 June 23 June 23 June 23 Proclamation of General Garza, chief of the forces of the south and centre ol lamauhpas, to the troops which sustained the usurpation of Maximilian. Umcial report ol General Albino Espinosa, quartermaster general of the army of the north, to General Escobedo, chief of said army, of the battle ol lanquecitos against Dupin on April 24, 1866. Proclamation of General Pedro Martinez, chief of the third brigade of cav- alry ol the army of the north, to the towns along the southern line of JNew Leon. Proclamation of General Escobedo, of the army of the north, on occasion of late events. The constitutional alcalde of Rio Blanco communicates to General Esco- bedo the outrages committed by the French in that settlement during the occupation by them. & The commander of the squadron of Eio Blanco makes similar communica- tion to General Escobedo. General Escobedo orders General Trevino, in command of the first division or cavalry of the army of the north, to make reprisals on the prisoners taken from the enemy. v Proclamation of Lieutenant Colonel Darius Garza, of the army of the north to the inhabitants of the second district of the State of New Leon on account ol the depredations committed by the French Introduction to the official documents on the victory of" La mesa de Santa Gertrudis. Official report of General Escobedo to the minister of war, of the victorv of La mesa de Santa Gertrudis. Proclamation of General Escobedo, congratulating the troops of his com- mand on their participation in such victory. Report in detail from General Escobedo to the department of war, of the same victory. Statement of the number of killed, wounded, and prisoners in the battle of La mesa de Santa Gertrudis. Statement of the armament and munitions taken from the enemy at the mesa de Santa Gertrudis. Account of the chiefs, officers, and soldiers taken prisoners from the enemy at the battle of La mesa de Santa Gertrudis. Capitulation of the city of Matamoras, by which it was delivered to the lorces ol the national government of Mexico. Proclamation of General Caravajal to the inhabitants of Tamaulipas, men- tionmg the occupation of Matamoras. Proclamation of General Garza to the inhabitants of Matamoras. Washington. August I, 1866. IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. 220 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 1.] The general commanding in chief 'the forces of the central and southern districts of Tamaulipas to the troops of any nationality sustaining the empire. Victoria, February 22, 1866. Soldiers : It is four years since you were brought here to fight us, who only ask to govern ourselves according to republican principles. You are made to believe that the ridiculous throne of Maximilian can be consolidated in this country, and you have not been told that we are so far from accepting it that the only emperor we ever had (Iturbide) paid with his head for the title he bore so short a time. Iturbide was a Mexican — was supported by Mexicans. He had in his favor the great renown which he justly obtained by making us shake off the Spanish yoke, and yet he fell. Do you think that a foreigner, sustained by foreigners, who comes from Austria, begging the protection of Napoleon III, to make himself emperor of a country which does not even know him, can long usurp the supreme power of our country % Soldiers, you have been misled. In lieu of a military promenade, which you thought to take through our country, you find that every one of our defiles swarms with liberal forces, always ready to oppose you. Many among you have come to make part of the so-called guard of the em- peratrez ; but, in place of the life of luxury which you expected, you are obliged to run over Mexico from one end to the other, to meet death at the hands of the audacious guerillas. French, Germans, Belgians, Italians, (I address myself to all foreigners who compose the imperial army :) Our country has magnificent lands, which only await laborious hands to repay with usury the trouble of cultivation. Abandon that army which wages such an unjust war upon us ; come where the defenders of Mexican independence are found. If you wish to share our toils, you shall enjoy the same privileges as the republican soldier. If you prefer your pass- ports for the north or any other foreign country, they shall be furnished you, with all the securities of our legislation. But if you wish to settle as peaceable citizens on any part of our lands, you shall be protected so that you may live quietly. Many among us formerly belonged to the French army and the foreign legion ; they can tell you how they have been treated. You will then see that I do not mislead you. JUAN J. DE LA GARZA, General-in-Chief of the Independent Forces of the. Central and Southern Districts of Tamaulipas. [Enclosure No. 2. — From the official paper of the constitutional government of the Mexican republic, No. 18, Paso del Norte, May 31, 1866.] ARMY CORPS OF THE NORTH. We take the following despatch from the official bulletin, of Linares : Soledad, April 25, 1866. I am pleased to inform you that I started on the 24th, at three in the morning, for Valle de Purisima, with a division of infantry and one section of mountain artillery. We left the sick and baggage at that place. The design of this march was to attack a force of French and traitors, con- sisting of 300 infantry, 300 cavalry, and two pieces of mountain artillery, under Dupin, that had arrived at Arroyo on the 23d. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 221 On the morning of the 24th, I arrived at the Tanquecitos and Soledad cross- roads, where I found General Aureliano Riveras, at the head of the San Luis cavalry brigade. Scarcity of water along the main road forced me to the Cha- vez pond, where I arrived at three in the afternoon. After a short rest, I went on to Tanquecitos. On the way, I perceived a great dust on the left of the road, near Jaramillo, and soon learned from scouts that it was caused by the enemy's cavalry returning from water. _ I immediately ordered citizen Aureliano Riveras, with 100 cavalry, to attack him, and cut off his return to the town, or to feign an attack and draw him into ambush, while I took possession of Tanquecitos and intrenched there. At half past five in the afternoon I ordered cannon to open on the place, to drive the enemy out. He soon returned the fire, but did not continue Ion-. Irusting to their strength, the French traitors dashed upon us, and we had to give back till we came to the infantry, when the battle became general I then ordered Colonel E. Mayer with the Zaragoza battalion to a stream where cavalry could only pass in two places. He started with the shout of hurrah tor the republic ! and very soon came up with the enemy. Iu the mean time I sent Colonel A. Flores, with a battalion of hunters and a company of sappers, to take the advance. They marched forward with the same shouts of confidence. _ Some of the enemy that had crossed in pursuit of our cavalry had to retreat in double-quick, and fell back to the protection of a column of infantry and a piece of artillery. But he soon returned to the charge, with a company of rifles, and came within a few yards of our lines. I had already begun to advance with the rest of the battalions and two pieces of artillery, trusting the left to Colonel L. Oasares, of the mixt battalion. I ordered an attack, firing in battal- ions, and it was so mortally destructive, the traitors soon retreated. 1 now ordered General Riveras to cross the river and drive the enemy back • and I gave a similar order to Captain Garcia, who commanded the escort The enemy now presented himself for the third time, but was so warmly received by our cavalry he had to retreat in great precipitation. Our victory was complete ; we held possession of the field ; but the darkness ot the night favored the enemy in his escape, and he carried off the greater part of his dead and wounded. We found ten Europeans killed on a small space ot ground; so we judge his loss must have been one-fourth. The trai- tors are generally one-half; and, as we did not find one of them dead upon the held, we think they must have deserted when returning from water, instead of joining the French. As my only object was to whip Dupin, and I knew he was expecting 300 men to re- enforce him, I started for this place, where I arrived at noon to day. m Uur loss was insignificant ; as soon as I learn it, I will let you know. A few side-arms and saddled horses fell into our hands. I cannot recommend any officer especially, as they all behaved courageously. After a march of fourteen leagues, over a rough road, without water or provisions, our brave fellows whip- ped an equal number of the enemy, better armed and provisioned. _ I congratulate you, general, on this national victory of the 24th of April, beg- ging you will make it known to the President of the republk^ & Independence and liberty ! Pv M ^ ALVINO ESPINOSA. Citizen Mariano Escobedo, General-in-Chief of the Northern Army Corps at Linares. . , Linares, April 26, 1866. A true copy : r J. G. DORIA, Secretary. 222 CONDITION OF AFFAIES IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 3.] Pedro Martinez, cavalry colonel, chief of the third brigade in the southern line of New Leon, to the people of Galeana, Yturbide, and Rio Blanco : Fellow-citizens : The convicts Pablo Basaldua and Juan Martinez have this day been sentenced to suffer the extreme penalty of the law, for treason to their country, in aiding and abetting its enemies in the destruction of its towns. The former deserted from the home company of Galeana Jose Maria Mufios, and joined the invaders, to guide them in their destructive expeditions. The latter was put in office by the enemy, and exerted himself as an informer against his countrymen, persecuting his own people, and even turning against his master. It is painful to be obliged to inflict the extreme penalty of the law upon sons of our own people, who have given many proofs of patriotism in the present con- test ; but even that fact aggravates the crime for which they must pay dearly, those who look upon this war as they have upon others, and think their crimes will go unpunished. No, my friends, treason must be punished upon the sacred soil of our liberties, and those are much mistaken who think they can fight for gain, but are not obliged to fight for the salvation of their country. You have already seen what you are to expect from strangers, who sack our towns to civilize, us, murder our defenceless families to teach us humanity, and commit all sorts of atrocities in the name of peace. This was recently done at Eio Blanco, where the bandit Dupin, the hyena of Tamaulipas, hung invalids and cripples, whose brothers had taken up arms in defence of their country. Can any one remaiu indifferent, after witnessing such conduct ? Do you not feel the blood mount to your faces, my friends, when you seethe foreigner insult you in your houses ? You have strong arms yet, and the advantage of a good cause. Where are the fortunes you labored for so hard I Gone! All passed into the hands of those who came to teach you to save, and to establish order and morality. You understand them now. You know the fine phrases they use to hide the thirst for robbery which they feel, and the iniquitous plan of their despotic master, the Emperor of the French. We must now pay them for the harm they have done us, and the only way to do this is to take up arms and fight our way to victory, leaving our families in the mountains till peace recalls them to their homes. Down with the infamous invaders and the hateful traitors ! And you, people of the southern part of New Leon, you who have not yet felt the invader's yoke, look at the fate of Galeana, Rio Blanco, and Yturbide, and see what you are to expect, if you do not rise at once to defend your rights and the holy cause of the independence of our mother country. Yes, fellow-citizens, war to the knife against the slaves of Napoleon, who are polluting our soil, who come to destroy our nationality and rob us of our wealth. Down with Maximilian, who has the effrontery to call himself emperor, and then kneels to his French master, begging him to oppress the Mexican people, and cement his throne with their precious blood. Down with the invaders and traitors ! Let us sustain our independence and the supreme magistrate of the nation. Hurrah for the republican army ! Galeana, May 22, 1866. PEDRO MARTINEZ. [Enclosure No. 4.] Mariano Escohedo, general of the republic and chief of the army corps of the north, to the troops of his command: Companions-in-arms : The enemy having prepared a great combination to fight our forces, and, as announced by his chief Doual, to annihilate us, CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 223 several Franco-traitor columns were set in motion on the march from Monterey, Saltillo, and Matelmala. The proposed operations were nullified in a few mo- ments, as may be said, for they were compelled to return to their former position, and suffered greatly in their transit from desertions. There is scarcely a bat- talion constituting the first cavalry division but what has lost some soldiers through desertion. This simple fact, laying aside their hurried countermarch, which can well be termed a flight, manifests how demoralized and tired of fight- in ' are those who have adhered to " the Austrian," and how anxiously they await the time when they can return to their homes, very sorry, as they are, that they ever came to this country to cement a throne which is in open opposition to the conviction and will of the Mexican people. That constancy and valor which are always the distinctive characteristics of great souls have ever animated the heroes of Paso de las Cubas, Villa de Gua- dalonpe, Monterey, San Salvador, and St. Isabel, and in many other combats in which the liberal arms were covered with glory. Soldiers ! The enemy has lost all hope of triumph. For this reason you see him flee whenever you approach. Despair has made its way in his midst, causing him to abandon his banners and seek yours. Forward, braves ! forward ! the republic has a right to expect great things of you yet. There are many forced marches to be made, battles to be fought, ene- mies to conquer, and injuries to avenge. Will you fall back now when the enemy has almost given up all hopes of conquest ? The valor you possess, the constancy and decision of your chiefs, and the good sense and feeling of the people everywhere, make us hope that you will not recede, and that you will not desist until you see your country happy and free. Then will you have fulfilled your duty, and history will record your actions, and the future generations will bless your names. MARIANO ESCOBEDO. Linares, Maxj 27, 1S66. [Enclosure No. 5.] CONSTITUTIONAL JURISDICTION OF RIO BLANCO. You have heard of the enemy's movement upon this valley through the com- munications of Colonel Pedro Martinez. He remained several days in Soledad, and then retired to Laja ; but this was only a feint to make us believe he had left. He returned on the 19th with 1,200 men, 600 of which were traitors, and took us by surprise. They remained eight days in the valley, and then went back to Soledad. They shot six unfortunates, viz: Isidoro Martinez, Xicolas Rodriguez, Mateo Ortega, Hijinio Flores, Gregorio Ramirez, and Pedro Melen- dez. They broke open the doors and sacked all the houses ; took all the corn they could find ; destroyed all the standing grain ; killed all the hogs and chickens in the valley, throwing the offal into the streets and public squares till the smell was intolerable, and threatened an epidemic. They broke into the judge's office, destroyed the archives, threw loose papers into the streets, broke the chairs and benches, and carried off all the arms they could find. They took the image of St. Francis out of the church and fastened it to a pole ; they despoiled the Virgin of Sorrows of her finery, and divided it among them ; and then laid the body of the saint upon the altar ! They killed a servant of Estauisiao Camacho, at Virgin ranch, and stole all the cattle in the surrounding pastures. They did the same at the farms of San Juan, Sandia, and Pequeiio. It is not known exactly how many cattle were taken, but the rough estimate is 3,000. The valley is completely ruined, and its inhabitants reduced to the greatest distress. They will have to go elsewhere to find food, as everything was taken or destroyed by the enemy. 224 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. The people of San Jose did not suffer so much, as their visitors did not num- ber more than one hundred French, who made their appearance on the 22d, and were soon repulsed and driven across White river by Captain Oamero. They caught a Spaniard named Jose Respaldiza, at Bocacil, and made him cut grass for their horses. They carried off Encarnacion Alvarez and Florencio Gonzalez from the valley. They tried to catch Commander Reyna, but he got out of their way. I send you this despatch from my farm of Joya de los Encinos, where I in- tend to stay till the enemy makes his appearance. Accept my respect and high regard. A. GONZALES. The Citizen Don Mariano Escobedo, Governor and General-in-Chief of the Northern Army. May 30, 1866. I certify that this is a copy of the original. Given at Paso del Zacate, on the 5th day of June, 1866. J. C. DORIA, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 6.] REPUBLICAN ARMY OF THE NORTH — FREE SQUADRON OF RIO BLANCO — COM- MANDER-IN-CHIEF. From the enclosed despatch of the chief official of this city, you will see the harm that the bandit Dupin has done here. Every family is in mourning; the house-doors have been broken, and the houses sacked. The people have suf- fered much ; there is no exaggeration ; the alcalde's report is true. You could not believe the devastation without seeing it ; everything is destroyed, and it is impossible to live here. Higinio Flores was sent to tell the French were coming, when Dupin caught him and had him shot. Isidoro Martinez was sick at home, and Mateo Ortega was not in service ; Gregorio Ramirez had a brother in our army ; they were all three shot. Nicolas Rodriguez had been ensign, and they murdered him. The other man they murdered was half-witted and nearly blind, yet they had him shot. I cannot sufficiently express my horror at these vile assassinations. I make this communication for consequent action. Independence and liberty! Rio Blanco, May 31, 1866. M. REYNA. The Citizen Mariano Escobedo, General-in-Chief of the Northern Army. Paso del Zacate, June 5, 1866. I certify the above to be a true copy of the original. J. C. DORIA, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 7. ] NORTHERN ARMY CORPS — GENERAL-IN-CHIEF. The repeated acts of cruelty and barbarism committed by the invading army, whose leaders have not regarded the laws of war, have compelled our supreme constitutional government to issue various orders and circulars, and, among them, the general order of the 15th of November to the army corps under my command. The substance of that order was that I should observe the same conduct towards their prisoners that the enemy showed to us, and this was CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 225 made known to them through some exchanged prisoners. General Douay, com- mander of the forces that devastated Rio Blanco, Galeana, and Linares, could but know what to expect from men he called bandits, thieves, and robbers if his men were taken prisoners by them. And now the alcalde of Rio Blanco informs me that six men were shot by the French without the least form of trial, though they were unarmed citizens. Humanity can hardly believe that chiefs of a civilized nation would commit such atrocities under a banner that boasts of the greatest enlightenment in Europe. But, now that Rio Blanco, Galeana, and Iturbide are destroyed, we must obey orders, and retaliate. Since the enemy desire it, I command you to execute six of the French pris- oners now in your hands within three hours after the reception of this despatch, in compliance with this order, and to make the execution known, and the names of the persons executed. Independence and liberty ! Paso del Zacate, June 5, 1866. M. ESCOBEDO. General G. Trevino, Chief of the First Cavalry Division of the Northern Army at Cerralvo. [Enclosure No. 8.] Dario Garza, cavalry lieutenant colonel of the republican army, chief of scouts in the northern army, to the citizens of the second district of the State of New Leon and his under officers. Friends and Fellow-citizens : The cut-throats and pirates sent to devas- tate our unfortunate country by that ambitious tyrant, Napoleon III, under the name of an army, to rob us, murder us, and establish a ridiculous empire, with the scion of a degraded house, no longer conceal their aims. The destruction of Galeana and San Pedro de Iturbide by Douay, the cruelty of Jeaningros at Allende towards old man Garza Valdez, are facts that speak plainly. Let us prepare to repel force by force, and let us make one more effort to escape his cruel mode of civilization by making victims of us ; we pre- fer death to dishonor and such enlightenment. Fellow-soldiers, it is your place to chastise his audacity; he will find us always ready to fight, and must acknowledge us worthy defenders of our coun- try Show him no mercy; give none to his traitor allies ; let Mexico struggle for her captured rights, and her name will be respected and admired by the entire universe. Subordination and discipline, abnegation and patriotism, are the virtues needed to make our enemies tremble at our approach, and repent that they had ever assaulted a free nation. Let us make one more effort, with faith and confidence, ana you may be sure I will be by your side, your companion and friend. Independence, the supreme national government and the republican army, forever! Toro Ranch, June 8, 1866. DARIO GARZA. [Enclosure No. 9.] The battle of Santa Gertrudis : a victory over the enemy on the 16th of June, 1866. The glorious victory of the 16th of June, over the traitors at Santa Gertrudis, is one of the most important of this war. If, in a military point of view, it is not so important as that of the 5th of May, no other can be compared to it in political and military consequences. It demoralized the escort of silver from 15 Mex. 226 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Monterey to Mier, and caused the surrender of Matamoras. News from the latter place, and intercepted letters, show how complete the demoralization was. There was desertion from the Belgian forces, and their number was so diminished that they were obliged to retreat in haste, not delivering the specie they had in charge. The surrender of Matamoras, from peculiar circumstances, was an unexpected event. It was certain the place was destined to fall into the hands of the forces fighting at Santa Gertrudis; but it was hardly believed the traitors would evac- uate the place when our forces were fifty leagues distant. This shows the great importance of the victory in a moral point of view. There was the greatest dis- order among the rebel troops when they left Matamoras ; that public opinion, hitherto suppressed by bayonets, was against them. The victory of Santa Gertrudis, and the consequent evacuation of Matamoras by the traitors, have given a solid basis of operations to the republican army. The immense supplies captured will help to organize a strong army that can carry the war into the interior as soon as Monterey is taken. The possession of Matamoras puts us in communication with the United States, whence the necessary arms and ammunition can be obtained. If we add to this the moral effect of the victory in other parts of the country, we can easily comprehend its importance to our cause. The defenders of the republic have hitherto been rep - resented as disorganized bands of robbers ready to run at the slightest notice; but it is now seen they form a regularly organized army, well disciplined. The late victory is a proof of this ; numbering less than the traitors, they attacked them and routed them completely. The enemy had every convenience for de- fending the convoy, or they would not have started with it. The elegant discipline of the liberal army is also shown in its conduct just after the victory ; the convoy was captured entire, and delivered intact to the commander. That shows the discipline of the republican soldier, and is the best refutation of our enemy's base calumny. They erected gibbets to hang our patriots as robbers. Before concluding, I must say something about the results of this signal vic- tory. It is not an isolated fact, but the result of mature patriotic deliberations. One year ago all the frontier was under the so-called empire, and those who sympathized with the national cause had to conceal their opinions or suffer the violence of arbitrary power. Yet in those trying times there were men who did not lose all hope. Solitary and alone they rushed into the combat, and con- tending with every difficulty, they raised armies and marclied ahead, inspired by patriotism and the hope of ultimate success. They routed the enemy fre- quently, and thus commanded respect. The victories of Paso de las Cabras, Santa Isabel, Catorce, and Valle de Purisima are so many laurel crowns upon the temples of the Mexicans who offered themselves a sacrifice to the republic. Let us trust to our faith in independence as long as there remain such men as fought at Santa Gertrudis. We will not despair in the hour of misfortune, but will encourage the desponding to fight on to the bitter end. Matamoras, 30th Jurte, 1866. EMILIO VELASCO. [Enclosure No. 10.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — NORTHERN ARMY CORPS— GENERAL-IN-CHIEF. I have the honor to inform you of the splendid republican victory at Santa Gertrudis, gained by my forces over the Austrians and traitors escorting a convoy of goods from Matamoras to Monterey. I had only 1,500 men, with the first Tamaulipas brigade, under Colonel Canales, while the enemy had 2,000. Trust- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 227 ing to superiority of numbers he attacked me in my intrenchments, where I was waiting. He had the advantage of artillery, too. The attack was violent, but my troops were not dismayed in the least ; we reserved our fire till the enemy came close, then fired and charged bayonet, driving him back in great confusion. The victory is complete, and though we have not yet struck our tents, we have picked up more than a thousand muskets and other arms, have captured all the' artillery, six field pieces, two mountain pieces, and any quantity of ammunition; leaving more than four hundred killed on the field, most of them Austrians, a great many wounded, and over eight hundred prisouers, two hundred of whom are foreigners. Our loss is only two hundred men killed and wounded. As soon as I can collect the particulars I will make a report of the battle. I cannot commend any one of my men in particular ; all did their duty, fight- ing like good Mexicans for the honor of the republic and our national indepen- dence. Please communicate this despatch to the supreme magistrate of the nation, and felicitate him, in the name of the army corps of the north and the first Ta- maulipas brigade, on this day's brilliant victory of the republic over its foreign enemies. Independence and liberty ! In camp, 16th June, 1866. M. ESCOBEDO. The Minister of War and Marine of the Mexican republic, (wherever he may be.) Camargo, June 17, 1866. A true copy : J. C. DORIA, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 11.] Mariano Escobedo, general of the republic and chief of the northern army corps, to the troops that took part in the battle of Santa Gertrudis : Companions in arms : The national arms are once more crowned with glory; your forced marches and untold hardships have not been useless, for the Austrians and traitors, though superior to you in numbers, have been forced to succumb to your courage and resolution. You have brought the usurper's Austrian mercenaries to your feet to implore your clemency, and you, fierce in combat but generous in vic- tory, like true soldiers of the republic, have been merciful to them. The men that appeared so mighty in your front not long ago exist no more ; those not killed are wounded and prisoners ; a few officers escaped, but their flags and treasures remain in our hands. Their chiefs, miserable cowards, had not the courage to brave death on the field of battle, but trusted their lives and safety to the fleet- ness of their horses. • F S j W soldiers ' the iuva ded republic confides its salvation to the courage of its children, and I am sure they will protect it or perish in the attempt. One year ago we were fighting without resources, almost without hope, with nothing but our patriotism to sustain us, yet our faith in the national cause never wa- vered ; now that the northern army is everywhere victorious , who will dare to oppose it ? Let us hasten onward, fellow soldiers, and capture Matamoras ; then we can have time to rest. We will leave a guard to protect our rear, and then Monterey and Saltillo will soon be ours ; the frontier will be freed from the odious presence of the invaders and their accomplices ; we will carry the war into the interior of the republic, and help our brothers to fight till our soil is rid of the slaves of Napoleon the Third. You know, fellow soldiers, we have always re- spected the law and the customs of society ; go on, as you have done up to this 228 CONDITION OF AFFAIES IN MEXICO. time, battling with the enemy and protecting peaceful citizens, and our cause will surely triumph in the end. Then you can settle down quietly with your fami- lies, and hold up your head in pride at having done your duty, fighting for na- tional independence and the honor of the republic. Camp at Santa Gertrudis, lQ>th June, 1866. M. ESCOBEDO. [Enclosure No. 12.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — NORTHERN ARMY CORPS — GENERAL-IN-CHIEF. According to my promise on the 16th, I have the honor to give a complete re- port of the battle of Santa Gertrudis, which you will communicate to the citizen President. I had already fixed my headquarters at Linares, wiien I was informed that the enemy from Matamoras and Monterey had united to protect a convoy of merchandise and specie between the two cities. Without knowing whether to credit the report or not, I took the necessary precautions of stationing a division of infantry at China, the second cavalry brigade at Paso del Zacate, and the first brigade between Monterey and Ceralvo. To cut off re-enforcements for the French column that had left Monterey, I ordered Colonel Pedro Martinez to threaten Saltillo with 300 cavalry, assisted by the governor of Coahuila with iiis available force, while Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Garcia should watch every entrance to Monterey, and prevent any communication. When my forces were thus stationed, I learned that 1,500 French and 500 traitors had left Monterey on the 7th. This report was soon confirmed by Gen- eral Geronimo Treviiio, who was watching them, and annoying them in every pos- sible way, blocking up the road, filling the wells and springs, and using every le- gal strategy to harass an enemy. In the mean time I was expecting to hear of the enemy coming out of Matamoras as an escort to a caravan of goods for Mon- terey ; but Colonel Canales, who was on the lookout, could obtain no such in- formation. I then determined to march out to meet the French, which I did on the 9th, stopping the first night at Aldamas. On the 10th I came within ten leagues of Ceralvo, where I remained the 10th and 12th, watching the enemy. The French got to Ceralvo on the 12th, and I learned from a captured messen- ger from Mejia to De Tuce, that they would not leave there till they heard the convoy had got to Mier. For this reason I changed my plan of operations, and by forced marches reached Santa Gertrudis, three leagues from the enemy, on the 15th. Knowing the enemy would be obliged to advance, as there was not enough water for his 2,000 mules, I prepared for battle in the following manner : I divided my forces into five columns for attack, and one for reserve. Colonels J. A. Flores and Luis G. Caceres, over the 1st infantry column of 250 men, with the 1st brigade. The second column, of the same number of men, was commanded by Colonels Miguel Palacios and Edelmiro Mayer. The third, of 300 men, by Colonels Francisco Naranjo and Adolpho Garza. Fourth, the Tamaulipas brigade, of 300 rifles, under Servando Canales and Julian Cerda, with two columns of cavalry. Fifth, composed of the northern legion, under Joaquin Garza Leal, and the' Lampazos explorers, under Juan N. Saenz and Higinio Villareal, all under the command of General Geronimo Trevifio. The reserve of 300 men, sappers, sharpshooters, and riflemen of the Rio Grande, was commanded by Colonel Salvador F. de la Cavada and Lieutenant Colonel Vicente Mariscal. Thus divided, the columns were sent into the field to await the enemy, who aoon appeared, leaving his baggage in the rear. On the 16th, at six in the acuorning, the enemy opened upon us with his cannon, while the infantry con- CONDITION OF AFFAXKS IN MEXICO. 229 tinued to advance slowly. My orders were implicitly obeyed ; the men lay flat on the ground, the cavalry concealed in a thicket of trees. The enemy con- tinued to advance till he got within rifle-shot of our lines, when I ordered my men to charge. This was done bravely ; the infantry continued to advance, till both armies had to combat with side-arms. The enemy feigned an attack on our left with two infantry columns, and attempted to surround us. Atthfc mo- ment I ordered the cavalry to charge, and General TreviSo made a bold assault on the right. This was so successful that the enemy was completely flanked on the left. The combat with side-arms was of short duration, having ended at seven in the morning, with the complete destruction of the austrio-traitor forces. I enclose a report of the killed and wounded (No. 1 ) on both sides, and ol the prisoners we have taken. No. 2 is a list of artillery, arms, &c, taken from the enemy. No. 3 is a list of the prisoners. The traitors are not included, be- cause they are incorporated into our ranks. No. 4 is a general sketch of the battle. ^ I cannot make particular recommendations, because, as I said, every man did hi3 duty. Convinced of the justice of the cause, our soldiers had no doubt of vic- tory, and marched forward certain of success. During the combat there were many personal encounters worthy of the greatest admiration. As a consequence of this glorious triumph of the national cause, the garrison in Matamoras is thrown into the greatest confusion, and, to take advantage of it, I will march upon the place to-morrow, hoping to be able to give you an early account of my expedition. Before concluding I must praise this army under my command for its excel- lent conduct and discipline, and recommend it to the notice of the citizen Presi- dent of the republic, with whom I rejoice at this signal triumph of our glorious cause. Independence and liberty ! Camargo, June 19, 1866. mi , M. ESCOBEDO. The Minister op War and Marine of the Mexican Republic, (wherever he may be.) Camargo, June 20, 1866. A true copy : F. 0. DORIA, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 13.] No. 1. NORTHERN ARMY CORPS — HEADQUARTERS. List of killed, wounded, and prisoners at the battle of Santa Gertrudis, on the IQth of June, 1866. KILLED. The loss in the republican forces was 1 colonel, 1 commander, 9 lieutenants, 17 sergeants, 23 corporals, and 104 soldiers— making a total of 155. Killed of the traitors : 1 lieutenant colonel, 2 commanders, 9 captains, 12 lieutenants, and 227 soldiers— a total of 251. The Austrians lost 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, and 142 soldiers— total, 145. A total in both armies killed, 551. WOUNDED. Of the republicans : 2 commanders, 1 lieutenant, 4 sergeants, 14 corporals, and 57 soldiers — total, 78. 230 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Traitors wounded : 2 commanders, 11 sergeants, 29 corporals, and 79 soldiers — making a total of 121. Austrians wounded : 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 1 sergeant, 7 corporals, and 33 soldiers — a total of 44. Number of wounded in both armies, 243. ! PRISONERS OF WAR. Of the traitors: 1 lieutenant colonel, 1 commander, 5 captains, 20 lieuten- ants, 51 sergeants, 57 corporals, and 723 soldiers — a total of 858. Austrian prisoners: 1 captain, 5 lieutenants, 9 sergeants, 8 corporals, and 120 soldiers — total, 14d. Prisoners in all, 1,001. Camp at Camargo, June 17, 1866. A certified copy SOSTENES ROCHA. Camargo, June 17 1866. F. C. DOEIA, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 14.] No. 2. List of artillery and ammunition, tools, arms, gun-carriages, cartridge-boxes, 8fc, taken from the enemy at the battle of the 16t7i of June, 1866. CANNON AND HOWITZERS. 24-pounder howitzer, mounted and in good order. 1 One 8-pounder, in same condition 1 Four rifled cannon do 4 Two rifled cannon, Prussian make, not mounted 2 Making a total of eight pieces 8 GUN-CARRIAGES. For battery 3 For ammunition 2 Total 5 TOOLS AND ARMS. Swabs, with shaft and ramrod for 8-pounders 8 Directing levers for same 8 Swabs for 24-pounder howitzers, and ramrod 2 Directing levers for same 6 Field buckets 6 Ammunition sacks „ 6 Cartridge-boxes 6 Punches 12 Housings 12 Spare lances, (one unarmed) 2 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 231 ARTILLERY AMMUNITION. Shells for 24-pounder howitzers 11 Grape shot for same Round shot for 8-pounders 20 Grape for same 16 Shells for rifled cannon, 4-pounders , - - • > 420 Solid shot for same 60 Grape for sai Patent fuze Grape for same 80 INFANTRY ARMS. Musket cartridges 12, 000 Austrian rifle cartridges 13> 0^0 Percussion caps 30, 000 ARMS. Percussion and Mississippi rifles 930 Bayonets for same 275 Bayonets without rings 280 Austrian rifles (calibre not known) 266 Slings for same 250 Lances with pennants — , 38 Sabres .■ - 5 ± MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. Infantry cornets 2o Infantry cornets, Austrian make 3 Clarionets 3 Bass drums ., 3 SOSTENES ROCHA. Camp at Camargo, June 17, 1866. Camargo, June 17, 1866. A certified copy: F. O. DORIA, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 15.] No. 3. List of prisoners taken on the 16th of June, 1866. Salvador Iglesias, lieutenant colonel of the cazadores de Queretero, a native of Mexico, (Yucatan;) Manuel Lozada, commander of battalion, same corps, Mexican; Mauricio Medelin, retired, New Leon; Augustin Gordillo, belonging to the engineer corps, native of Spain ; Juan Gomez Oalcerrada, captain in the infantry corps, Spaniard; Andres Pichardo, of Guanajuata; Benito Barcenas, captain, Mexican ; Francisco Alvaredo, captain, Mexican; Romulo Amarillas, captain, Mexican; Paulino Valderas, adjutant, Spain; Pedro Ceavez, adjutant, Spain; Jesus Garcia, lieutenant, Jalisco; Ramon Saavedra, lieutenant, Guana- juata; Jos6 Lara, lieutenant, Spain ; Francisco Velazquez, second lieutenant, Mexico; Pedro Rosas, second lieutenant, Mexico; Felipe Rivera, second lieuten- ant, Mexico; Desideris Saldana, second lieutenant, Mexico; Hipolito Varte, second lieutenant, Mexico; Pioquinto Estrada, second lieutenant, Mexico; Toribio Garcia, second lieutenant, Mexico; Prisciliano Torres, second lieuten- 232 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. ant, Mexico; Vicente Martinez, second lieutenant, Mexico; Santiago Gandara, second lieutenant, Mexico ; Lorenzo Perez, second lieutenant, Mexico ; Antonio Hernandez, ensign, Mexico; Simon Eodriguez, ensign, Mexico ; Vicente Lopez, ensign, Mexico; Dario Martinez, ensign, Mexico. Austrian officers and soldiers. Captain Federico Ludozice, cazador, Austria; Santiago S. Eoue, cazador, Poland; Antonio Adam, cazador, Austria; Felipe Saber, cazador, Germany; Francisco Bittner, cazador, Austria; Carlos Schmidt, cazador, Bohemia ; Miguel Balmutti, cazador, Austria; Julio Voit, cavalry, Austria; Luis Bernee, cavalry, Austria; Luis Snatzochina, artillery, Austria; Carlos Gobet, artillery, Austria; Jose Holfeld, cazador, Austria; Francisco Gottluher, cazador, Austria; Simon Vervucobit, cazador, Austria; Ugo Prohasha, cazador, Austria; Ferdinand Herhti, cazador, Austria; Manuel Edelsbacher, artillery, Austria; Eduardo Hassold, artillery, Austria ; Jose Jacober, artillery soldier, Austria; Juan Wald- shutz, artillery soldier; "Wenzel Fuchs, artillery soldier; Matias Mihula, artillery soldier; Jose Sroco, artillery soldier; Juan Kudjic, artillery soldier ; Francisco Krebinski, artillery soldier; Antonio Calli, artillery soldier; Miguel Barofs, artillery soldier; Ferdinand Garofs, artillery soldier; Francisco Pehafez, artillery soldier; Juan Roll, artillery soldier; Julio Remph, artillery soldier; Jose Gasi- gag, artillery soldier; Jose Pitez, artillery soldier; Longinos Lohez, artillery soldier; Mauricio Watez, artillery soldier; Antonio Rofset, artillery soldier, Austria; Juan Bradt, artillery soldier; Francisco Joseht, artillery soldier; Martin Hlict, artillery soldier; Gregor Baron, artillery soldier; Manuel Edels- bacher, corporal, Austria; Eduardo Haisold, Jose RusfF, Sustar Knie, Ferdi- nand Fogu, Heinrich Muller, Carlos Pipink, August Moluar, Alexander Baum- kirchner, soldier ; Ferdinand Maurfer, soldier; Franz Eckert, soldier; Frederick Schonberger, soldier ; Carlos Roster, soldier ; Jose Gufo, soldier ; Miguel Schoef- fer, soldier; Juan Woneck, soldier; Carlo Michalka, soldier; Carlo Norback, soldier; Miguel Genmeides, soldier; Antonio Koniak, soldier; Juan Servoboda, soldier, Austria : Francisco Tra, Matias Garbuski, Francisco Silz, Antonio Anderuhuka, Jose Rofiner, Carlo Grifiler, Matis Cealik, Andres Sevak, Miguel Zokrzenoski, Josh" Tellenak, Jose Metnez, Ignacio Schantaker, Francisco Tiro- her, Francisco Koih, Leopold Jolf, Francisco Fuhzer, Francisco Hora, Fran- cisco Krirvoruk, Jose Levada, Ignacio Dobrogoloki, Anton Kaltenbik, Vincenz Kautzki, Anton Klutz, Juan Silmids, Francisco Barenbank, Tomas Anto- millo, Jose Cirigatti, Dominick Sartori, Jose Bekars, Jose Paradiso, Benjamin Fosalusa, Francisco Herdina, Andres Schussner, Juan Wenderslads, Luis Gmeindl, Jose Remes, Jose Erotka, Dionio Tavan, Alvert Crefmer, Antonio Grill, Julio Wetzelhofer, Jose Kula, Matias Doehnal, Francisco Goldriech, Pedro Kautzer, Jacobo Reger, Jose Chodera, Francisco Flugler, Juan Bachaiz, Juan Womiak, Casparo Potroni, Juan Moos, Juan Haure, Antonio Bolondez, Franz Bagaiz, Jose Ruspinetz, Juan Kerosine, Francisco Hadaie, Auguit St. Poul, Jose Homser, Jose Sergety, Eugen Gnet, Andre Alsenasik, Antonio Uretsehez, Wenzel Greezi, Alveit Golenz, Martin SchifHer, Gustav Hajek, Miguel Benveld, Jacobol Anisehka, Anton Mesaco, Stefan Balogh, Georfe Strebel, Jose Miklovick, Juan Abraham, Jose Schemi3ser, Juan Rifsko, Moaio Janisikek, Joseph Kopza, Juan Komarizin, Jose Steiner, Wenzel Schimek, Carl Koristek, Anton Rusel- huba, Humuch Burga, Josef Fidler, Ferdinand Bernam, Jose Soasihet, Juan Tillioly, Jose Oatterte, Jose Snuts, Jose Molier, Jofs Rots, Jose Maria Borell, Alejandro Almidu, Francisco Slama, Eduardo Langer, Stanislao Szeredinzy, Julio Rauch, Francisco Zach, Augusto Langenman, Francisco Turner, Leon V. Vorea, Jose Gamirosei, Paulo Palue, Francisco Hlumisei, Vincenzia Dreblich, Francisco Urban, Antonio Paulich, Antonio Krans, Vincenzia Glos, Antonio Dosranea, Jose Kobre, Miguel Losei, Jacobo Flux, Matias Gafsner, Jose Cami- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 233 davo, Wenzl Trief, Francisco Geppert, Paulo Wancho, Venxl Hersehmam, Francisco Tabik, Federico Bartha, Hose Renner, Bartolome Mialea, Francisco Neulinger, Miguel Zupro, Macsimilan Cservenka, Francisco Horvalh, Matias Baumearmer, Juan Duhzek, Francisco Szabo, Juan Berger, Antonio Pehgar. Camp at Camargo, June 17, 1866. A certified copy SOSTENES ROCHA. Camargo, June, 17 1866. F. C. DORIA, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 16.] Agreement for the surrender of Mat amor as. In the heroic city of Matamoras, on this twenty-second day of June, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six, at a meeting of citizen General D. Thomas Mejia and a commission of the people, consisting of Senors D. Augustin Men- cheaca, D. Juan Prado, and D. Antonio de la Garza Chapa, of the first part, and citizen General D. Juan de la Garza, acting under the authority and in ac- cordance with the instructions of the citizen governor and military commandante of Tamaupilas, General Jose M. J. Carvajal, for the purpose of treating for the surrender of the plaza, after the usual formalities, agreed upon the terms con- tained in the following articles : Article 1. General Mejia is to deliver up the plaza of Matamoras within forty-eight hours to the citizen General Juan de la Garza, commanding the division operating against Matamoras. Art. 2. The reception of the plaza will be according to the usual formalities, including the forces and armament of the plaza. Art. 3. General Mejia shall be permitted to withdraw with the troops of his division unmolested by the road to Bagdad, with two rounds of ammunition. Art. 4. The lives, property, and interests of the citizens are guaranteed, and they shall not be molested for their previous political conduct or opinions. Art. 5. The government of the State reserves the right to investigate the conduct of those who have taken the more prominent part against it, for the satisfaction of public justice. For the enforcement and carrying out of the foregoing agreement, we hereby sign in triplicate. THOMAS MEJIA. JUAN PRADO. ANTONIO DE LA GARZA CHAPA. ARGOSTIN MENCHACA. JUAN JOSE DE LA GARZA. Ratified at general headquarters, Ranchito, June 23, 1866 — three o'clock a.m. CARVAJAL. [Enclosure No. 17.] The general of division Jose Maria J. Carvajal, governor and military com- mandant of the State of Tamaulipas, to its inhabitants: Fellow Citizens : The city of Matamoras is free from the oppression im- posed on it by the force of the invader, and republican rule is once more estab- lished therein. The enemy, convinced that he had not the support of the public, has delivered the plaza into our hands. This success is the prelude to the com- 234 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. plete triumph of the national independence on this frontier, and will in due time lead to carrying the war into the interior of the republic for the defence of our brothers. To this end all patriots would contribute. The country requires sacrifices from her sons. All good Mexicans, though they may have been divided by dis- sensions and revolutions, can meet under the national banner. Citizens, I solicit your concurrence. My chief desire is to sustain the cause of independence, receiving all of its faithful defenders, without distinction of party, that we may show ourselves worthy of liberty, that we may maintain unity, and that previous dissensions may be forgotten. To this end I shall make war solely against the French and the traitors. The inoffensive people shall have the amplest guarantees, and my firm deter- mination is to respect all persons and property in conformity to the law of nations. Confident that my patriotic intentions are appreciated, I expect the aid of the people, that a complete triumph may be attained. The support of the people will be all-sufficient to enable me to combat the enemy, and confident in that support, I shall not hesitate in making the greatest sacrifices. JOSE M. J. CARVAJAL. Headquarters at Ranchito, June 23,. 1866. [Enclosure No 18.] PROCLAMATION OF GENERAL GARZA. The citizen Juan Jose de la Garza, chief of the first division of Tamaulipas, and provisional commandant of the city, to its inhabitants : Fellow-Citizens : My taking military command of the city has been for the purpose of protecting the citizens in their life and property. Exemplary punishment will follow any disorder, without distinction of person, for it is not private individuals, but the competent authorities, that are the judges of the proper course of procedure. All enjoy the guarantees which the law allows, and in no way shall these be violated. Far from this, I shall endeavor to re-establish confidence, and the efforts of all good Mexicans should be directed to the same end, and the salva- tion of our independence. Without the first the second is impossible. Mexicans, the epoch of our regeneration begins ; union under the banner of Fidalgo, war upon the French and traitors, the triumphs of our independence and nationality, are the ends which we should have in view. The frontier at all times has been the constant defender of liberty. Her sons gained the glorious battle of Santa Gertrudis ; a wide field is open to us to fight for our nation's cause ; patriotic Mexicans will not recede from their undertaking. To participate in the glories and dangers is the highest wish of your companion and friend, JUAN J. DE LA GARZA. No. 81. Mr. Seward to Senor Rotnero. Department of State, Washington, August 8, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 1st instant, containing an interesting account of the military operations in CONDITION OP AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 235 Mexico from the beginning of April to the end of June of this year, for which be pleased to accept my thanks. I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Seiior Don Matias Romero, Sfc, Sfc., tye. No. 82. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, November 27, 1866. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, the documents mentioned in the annexed index, mostly taken from the official paper of the government of the Mexican republic, and containing chiefly official reports of military operations in the northern military division of the Mexican republic, from June to September of the present year. I avail myself of this favorable occasion to repeat to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc, fyc, fyc. Index of documents sent by the Mexican legation in Washington to the Depart- ment of State of the United States, with the note of this date, relating to the military operations of the northern army of the Mexican republic from June to September , 1866. No. Date. 1866. 1 June 29 2 June 25 3 June 29 4 Aug. 4 5 6 7 Aug. 7 Aug. 26 Aug. 12 8 9 Aug. 1 3 Sept. 12 10 Aug. 13 11 Oct. 2 12 13 Aug. 12 Oct. 2 U Aug. 13 Contents. Official report of General Escobedo to the minister of war, in relation to the capitulation of Matamoras made between General Carvajal and Tomas Mejia. Opinion of the quartermaster general of the army of the north on said ca- pitulation. Text of the capitulation. The minister of war to General Escobedo, informing him that the govern- ment disapproves of the capitulation agreed upon between General Car- vajal and Don Tomas Mejia, and ordering General Carvajal to be tried by court-martial. The appointment of General Tapia as governor of the State of Tamaulipas. General Tapia to the minister of war, accepting the office. An act drawn up in Matamoras rejecting General Carvajal as governor and making Colonel Canales governor for the time being. Proclamation of Colonel Canales. The minister of war informs General Tapia that the government disapproves of the events that occurred in Matamoras on the 12th. Colonel Canales to the minister of relations, communicating to him all that happened in Matamoras on the day of the 12th. Reply of the minister of relations to the preceding. Colonel Canales communicates the events of the 12th to the minister of war. The minister of war's reply to Colonel Canales's note. Colonel Canales communicates the capitulation of Tampico to the minister of war. 236 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Index of documents sent by the Mexican legation, fyv. — Continued. No. Date. Contents. « 1866. 15 Aug. 13 Text of the capitulation. 16 Oct. o The minister of war informs the governor of Tamaulipas that the capitula- tion is approved, with certain restrictions. 17 Aug. 22 Tampico correspondence, giving details of the political situation of that port. Official report of General Arce on the occupation of the city of Nazas, in 18 Aug. 8 the State of Durango. 19 Aug. 16 Reply of the minister of war to the above despatch. 20 Aug. 5 Official report of General Escobedo to the minister of war on the occupa- tion of the cities of Monterey and Saltillo by the forces under his command. 21 Aug. 28 The minister of war's reply to the above despatch. 22 Aug. 8 General Escobedo's proclamation. 23 .Aug. 8 Official report of General Viezca on the occupation of the city of Saltillo, the capital of the State of Coahuila. 24 Aug. 21 Reply of the minister of war. 25 Aug. 8 Letter of General Viesca to the President of the republic, on the submission of the traitors Quiroga and Campos. IGNO. MARISCAL, "Washington, November 27, 1866. [Enclosure No. 1.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — NORTHERN ARMY CORPS. By the enclosed documents you will hear of the capitulation of the traitor Tomas Mejia to General Juan Jose de la Garza, and the terms of the same, to- gether with the remarks of the quartermaster general of the army under my command on that subject. When I reached this place, citizen minister, I could have annulled the stip- ulations between the traitor Mejia and General Garza, as the latter had no power to negotiate with a traitor who had done so much harm to the nation ; but I wanted to confine myself to the chief duty of making war on the enemies of my country, and for that reason I wrote to the governor general that I was dis- pleased with the act, for General Garza and Carvajal came from abroad to Mexico, and had no right to let Mejia off, helping him away and securing him from danger j therefore I protest, in the name of the army of the north and of the supreme government, against the offence. If General Garza and Carvajal had not contributed to Mejia's evasion, he might have got away alone, without a soldier, for I was marching upon the town ; now he can go on with the war, and the blood of our soldiers, shed on the battle-field in defence of their country, will be sterile in its results. In fine, citizen minister, when the traitor Mejia was in a bad fix, after the glorious vic- tory of Santa Gertrudis, two Mexican generals, living in the United States of the north, went over into Mexico and assisted him to get away. Let me call your particular attention to this fact, and ask you to make it known to the President of the republic that he may decide upon it. Independence and liberty ! Port of Matamoras, June 29, 1866. M. ESCOBEDO The Minister of War and Marine of the Mexican republic, (toherever he may be.) CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 237 ["Enclosure No. 2. ] MEXICAN REPUBLIC, ARMY CORPS OF THE NORTH — GENERAL-IN-CHIEF. General Santiago Tapia, quartermaster of the army of the north, reports to me on the 25th as follows : "Eemarks on the terms of capitulation between General Juan Jose - de la* Garza and the traitor Mejia, addressed by the quartermaster of the army of the north to the general-in-chief of the same: " Citizen General : The undersigned, believing it to be of great importance for the political future of the country— the capitulation made by the traitor Mejia to General Juan J. de la Garza has reflected upon it seriously — and taking it in a military point of view as well as political, patriotic, and humanitarian, expresses his opinion, supported by the justice and testimony of his own con- science, regretting that his limited capacity does not allow him to do full justice to the subject. " The citizen General Garza, in communicating with the enemy, did not act according to the precepts of military law, for he was in a foreign country without forces to threaten Matamoras, and was" in no condition where the laws of war permit a capitulation like this which we are discussing. Moreover, as your army was near the before-mentioned place and had just gained a victory, and was on the way with ample elements to destroy the enemy that garrisoned Matamoras ; and as the affair of Santa Gertrudis had caused a panic, and the enemy was far from aid, among hostile people,, and did not even trust their officers and chiefs, it was General Garza's duty to let you decide upon the pro- posals made by the traitor Mejia. " It is certain the place could have been occupied without conditions, for I am sure you would not have compromised with the traitors, but would have executed our laws upon them. " Considering these circumstances, the citizen General Garcia ought not to have interfered, but should have delivered the enemy up to the chiefs who are sus- taining the rights of their country by force of arms. Now, taking into consid- eration the power citizen General Garcia was supposed to have to act in the manner he did, it may be observed he forgot in a lamentable manner that Gen- eral Car vajal, being abroad, had no rights of any kind in the political or military affairs of our country, and therefore could not legally accept any obligation, or assent to any act that did not benefit the country. " If those citizens had wanted to do a positive service to the country, they might have collected what forces they could around Matamoras, and annoyed the enemy, even at a distance, and prevented his escape by land. But instead of that, General Garza allowed Mejia to triumph unexpectedly by getting off with his troops, arms and ammunition ; and so the traitor escaped, and will probably go to Maximilian and make him believe it was by strategy he got away, instead of by an error of General Garza and his aids. " In this case positive advantages were sacrificed for the pleasure of holding Matamoras a few days, greatly to the national injury ■ and Garza violated the laws of war by granting honors to traitors, that should only be granted to loyal and worthy enemies. I will not analyze General Garza's conduct in hastening the capitulation mentioned, because I think him incapable of wishing to appro- priate to himself the honors of a victory gained by others, and where he was not even present ; but I regret his treatment of an enemy undeserving the rights of war. J & b " The political aspect of the capitulation contains ruinous principles, those of leaving criminals unpunished, when the laws of the country are strictly applica- ble to the traitorous offenders. " The pardon of Mejia will encourage traitors, and destroy all political morality 238 CONDITION OP AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. and hereafter any one may trample on the laws with impunity. If traitors are thus permitted to treat with loyal leaders, and all adherents of the empire are traitors, it establishes a fatal precedent that will do great injury to the country, leave traitors unpunished, and allow any one to scoff at national justice. "It is demonstrated that in wars like the one we are now waging, all nations adopt a fixed policy towards foreign enemies and invaders, and traitors who aid fhera ; and these principles or that policy have not been observed in Mejia's ca- pitulation, for he and his contemptible adherents ought to have forfeited their lives upon the scaffold. The enemies of our country attribute to the republican party all sorts of mean aspirations, and say we are acting to gratify exaggerated passion ; but does such lenity prove it ? Fortunately for the good name of Mexico, frequent acts of abnegation and endurance, united to the greatest un- selfishness and sacrifices of large fortunes as well as private interests, dear to the heart of man, have been offered as a holocaust by our brothers upon the al- tars of the country, and they refute all those truthless and undeserved asser- tions. " Reflecting on the strange way in which Matamoras was occupied, I have sometimes thought the authors of the plan believed they were acting humanely in compromising with the traitors and not shedding their blood, when they were in a very perilous position, not considering that Mejia with those resources in his hands now, with perfect liberty to use them by virtue of the treaty of capitula- lion, may cause the ruin of numberless families ; for his ferocious nature will impel him to dash upon the friends of those who spared his life, with more bit- terness than ever ; and in a few days he will begin operations in the direction of Tampico, on the forces of the patriotic Colonel Ascencion Gomez, and then the nation, the mothers, widows and orphans, who are mourning the loss of dear relatives and cherished friends, will curse those who are truly to blame for the calamities. " 1 have here given my opinion with the frankness that characterizes me, and in compliance with my duty on accepting the place of quartermaster of your army, to be useful to my country in every way, and to speak to you loyally whenever circumstances require it, and when my silence might compromise me before my fellow-citizens. Therefore it is my duty, as general of the republic and quartermaster of this army, to say to you that I deem the honor of the nation insulted if you do not protest against and make void the strange and per- nicious capitulation made by General Garza and others, since it benefited Mejia and not Mexico, helping the traitors, and thus criminating themselves as aiders and abettors of treason, that threatens to overthrow our national independence. "To prevent the republic and other nations that regard us from supposing "as to be accomplices, through false prudence, of a crime that tarnishes the honor of the country, violates the laws and encourages our enemies, forgetting or disre- garding the respect due to the supreme authority, we ought, with all the energy of reason, justice, and right, protest, as I recommended you, against the said capitulation. Notwithstanding the reasons I have given, on examining them, I am sure you will act as your political conscience dictates, directed by the re- sponsibility that hangs over you as general-in-chief of an army corps in the field, and in accordance with the general ordinances of that army. " Independence and liberty ! Matamoras, June 25, 1866. "SANTIAGO TAPIA." This I communicate to you for your information and communication to the citizen President of the republic. Independence and liberty! Port of Matamoras, June 29, 1866. M. ESCOBEDG. The Minister of War and Marine of the Mexican Republic, (wherever he may be.) CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 239 [Enclosure No. 3. ] MBXICAN REPUBLIC — NORTHERN ARMY CORPS — SEAL. In the heroic city of Matamoras, on June 22, 1866, appeared General Don Tomas Mejia, on the one part, and the city commissioners, Messrs. Augustin Menchaca, Juan Prado and Antonio de la Garza Chapa, and on the other, General Juan Josd de la Garza, authorized by the governor of Tamaulipas, General Jose M. J. Carvajal, to treat about the surrender of the town, under certain conditions, who agreed upon the basis contained in the following articles : Article 1. General Mejia delivers the town of Matamoras, within forty-eight hours, to General Juan Jose de la Garza, chief of the Tamaulipas division, now operating on Matamoras. Article 2. The reception of the town will be in accordance with the usual formalities, and in respect to the condition of the forces, armament, &c. Article 3. General Mejia is allowed to withdraw the rest of his division, with arms and two rounds for each man, on the Bagdad road, without molesta- tion by the liberal forces. Article 4. The inhabitants shall be guaranteed in their lives, property, and general interests, without prosecution, directly or indirectly, or molestation for former political opinions or conduct. Article 5. The State government reserves the right of trying the principal persons whose conduct needs investigation for public vindication. And as proof, and for subsequent effect, the present is signed in duplicate. THOMAS MEJIA. JUAN PRADO. AUGUSTIN MENCHACA. ANTONIO DE LA GARZA CHAPA. JUAN JOSE DE LA GARZA. I ratify the above. CARVAJAL. Headquarters at Ranchito, June 23, 1866 — 3 a. m. A certified copy of the original. EMILIO VELASCO, Secretary. Ranchito, June 23, 1866. I certify to this copy. F. C. DOR1A, Secretary. Matamoras, June 29, 1866. [Enclosure No. 4.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE OFFICE OF WAR AND MARINE — SECTION FIRST. With this date, I say to the citizen general of division, Jose M. J. Caravajal, governor and military commander of the State of Tamaulipas, as follows : " In a communication from the citizen general-in-chief of the northern army corps, dated at Matamoras the 29th June, to which is annexed a copy of the capitulation made by you, through your commissioner, Juan Jose de la Garza, with Tomas Mejia, chief of the garrison of that town, the citizen President of the republic has learned that when the enemy was routed at Santa Gertrudis, and all alive were taken prisoners, leaving their artillery in our hands, with the arms, ammunition, and a quantity of goods, to the terror of the small garrison of Matamoras, on which the victorious forces were marching, you, just arrived in Tamaulipas from the United States, instead of collecting troops to prevent the escape of the traitors, entered into negotiations with them and helped them 240 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. to escape with the honors of war, and giving them guarantees that only the supreme government could grant. "The citizen President cannot understand the reason you had for acting in that manner, making a treaty with the enemy when you had no forces to compel him to it, and General Escobedo was advancing on Matamoras by forced marches. Therefore it has been determined to decree as follows : "First. The capitulation made by you on the 22d of June, through your commissioner, Juan Jose de la Garza, with Don Tomas Mejia, chief of the Mata- moras garrison, is hereby declared null and of no force, because those who made it on the part of the republican government had not the proper authority. " Second. Therefore, both you and Juan Jose de la Garza, who are respon- sible for the act, shall be subject to trial, you answering for the capitulation, and Juan Jose de la Garza, in part for same, and for other misconduct during this war, which I communicate to you by order of the citizen President for your in- formation, and that you may issue the necessary orders for the execution of the above decrees " I transcribe this to you, for your information, in reply to your note of the 29th June, enclosing the opinion of the quartermaster general of the army corps on the subject. Independence and liberty ! Chihuahua, August 4, 1866. MEJIA. General Mariano Escobedo. Chief of the Northern Army Corps, (wherever lie may be.) [Enclosure No. 5.] DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN RELATIONS AND GOVERNMENT — GOVERNMENT BRANCH, SECTION FIRST. Trusting to your patriotism, and as a reward for your services, the citizen President of the republic has been pleased to appoint you governor of the State of Tamaulipas. I send you instructions in another paper, ordering you to repair to that territory without delay, to begin the duties of your office. I enclose this despatch to citizen General Jose M. de J. Carvajal, former governor of that State, for his instruction. Independence and liberty! Chihuahua, August 7, 1S66. LEBDO DE TEJADA. Citizen General Santiago Tapia, Governor of the State of Tamaulipas. [Enclosure No. 6.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — NATIONAL ARMY — GENERAL OF BRIGADE. Citizen Minister : I learn with pleasure from your note of the 7th instant of the appointment of myself as governor of the State of Tamaulipas, by the chief magistrate of the republic. I accept the office, but I must say that I do it because the State is in trouble in every branch of its administration, physical, moral, political, and military. Be pleased to express my thanks to the President for the confidence he has shown for me in giving me the office. Liberty and independence! Monterey, August 26, 1866. SANTIAGO TAPIA. The Citizen Minister of Relations and Government, Chihuahua. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO 241 [Enclosure No. 7.] An act draton up by the garrison of this totvn. In the town of Matamoras de Tamaulipas, on the 12th of August, 1866, its garrison assembled, composed of the following brigades and corps : Hinojosa brigade, first cavalry corps, first Tamaulipas battalion, second Tamaulipas battalion, Bravo shooters, Canales brigade, government escort, supreme power corps, Tamaulipas guides, mountain riflemen, Oamargo squadron, Guerrero squadron, exploring corps, loyal Tamaulipans, Burgos loyals, Vera rangers, reform battalion, artillery battalion, Bravo lancers, and exploring volunteers. Considering that citizen Jose Maria Jesus Carvajal, acting governor and mili- tary commander of the State, is not fit to govern it under present circumstances, because he does not pay the garrison, and makes no effort to do so ; Considering that the money contributed by the city has been uselessly wasted, to the neglect of the soldiers' wants ; Considering that citizen Carvajal's political progress has been feeble and in- decisive, when in these times it should be strong and resolute ; Considering the small influence citizen Carvajal has over the garrison and the inhabitants of this city, he should not remain in power; Considering that if violent and energetic means are not resorted to, greater evils may result ; Considering, finally, it is the duty of this garrison to stop this ruinous impo- sition, the chiefs, officers, and soldiers of said garrison have resolved : 1. To reject and depose citizen Jose M. J. Carvajal as governor and military commander of the State of Tamaulipas ; 2. To make Colonel Servando Canales governor and military commander of the State, for his services to the national cause, and from the confidence we have in him; 3. That citizen Benito Juarez, constitutional President of the Mexican republic, be informed of this guberna- torial change in the State, and the reasons for it, while we declare our fidelity to all decrees and orders emanating from the supreme government of the nation ; 4. That Colonel Servando Canales be informed of these resolutions, that he may assume the duties of said office in this State. PEDRO HINOJOSA. General of the First Brigade. The other signatures follow. [Enclosure No. 8.] SERVANDO CANALES, CAVALRY COLONEL IN THE REPUBLICAN ARMY, GOVERNOR ^AND MILITARY COMMANDER OF THE STATE OF TAMAULIPAS. Fellow-citizens : Yesterday you witnessed a military movement that de- posed General Jose M. J. Carvajal from the office of civil and military governor of the State. You know the reasons of that act : a general dissatisfaction pre- vailed among the people, and there was no other remedy. Fortunately there was no blood shed, and not a gun fired. It was the best way to express the will of the garrison. By your vote, and the will of my companions in arms, I am now doing the duty as civil and military governor of the State, which office I have accepted in pure gratitude to your confidence, and to prevent a headless government from going to destruction. I am aware of the dangers of the present crisis, and if I dare to brave them, it is with purest intentions to see my country free and happy. 16 MEX. 242 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Eellow citizens : my government hoists the standard of independence and liberty, symbolized by the most holy principles of union and fraternity. I solicit and expect the aid of all the citizens of this State. I will hear the counsel of all, as humanity is apt to err from weakness. My government shall be the people's government. Candor and good faith shall be my guide; we will have no disputes, no personal differences, no envies. TVe will lay our animosities aside, sacrifice our hate on the country's altar; let no sentiments tind a place in your hearts but the desire for the independence and liberty of Mexico. Lung lite to the republic and libertv ! SEKYAXDO CAXALES. Matamoras, August 13, 1S66. [Enclosure Xo. 9.] DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AND HOME AFFAIRS — SECTION FIRST. The citizen President of the republic has heard with regret of the act committed in the city of Alatamoras, on the 12th of August last, by the forces under command of General Pedro Hinojosa and Colonel Servando Canales, with a view that the political and military command of the State of Tamau- lipas should devolve on the second named officer, who accepted it in a procla- mation issued on the 13th, thereby disavowing General J. M. de J. Carvajal, the incumbent at the time. Even had there been just motives for the dismissal of General Carvajal, it was only the supreme government that had the right to order his dismissal ; and it had already so determined, on the 1th of said month, in order that General Carvajal might answer the charges against him for the capitulation he granted to Don Tomas Mejia. You were then appointed as governor and military commandant to. supersede General Carvajal. But until you superseded him, and until this determination of the government came to Lhe knowledge of General Carvajal's subordinates, they were bound to respect his authority. This error cannot, however, be ex- cused, because of the third resolution of the act above mentioned, where it is provided to refer it to the citizen President, under protest, and abide by his de- termination. Such means having been used previously, in other like movements, does not deprive them of their true character of revolt, contrary to the most binding duties imposed by law and military discipline. Xo hope for the salva- tion of the country can be entertained, if a stop is not put to military revolts, which have so far been the cause of the misfortunes of the republic. The na- tion ha? been struggling for the last nine years against parties that revolted against tne constitution and the laws, which, after having been defeated, went as far as treason itself, by calling foreigners to their aid. The people are strug- gling to establish forever respect for national law, and the principles that au- thority should not be derived through violence, by force of arms, but arise from the laws consented to by the free will and votes of the citizens ; that law be superior to force ; that public power be superior to military mutinies ; and that arms be in the hands of those citizens who, instead of disregarding the laws and dismissing public officers, will but serve their country by true allegiance to the constituted authorities, and strict obedience to the laws. Disapproving, as the citizen President does disapprove, the military movement at Matamoras, and disavowing all the acts arising therefrom, he entreats you that, beside all the steps you may have taken as governor and military commander of the State of Tamaulipas, you should provide the best means for the submission of those CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 243 forces, and direct General Hinojosa and Colonel Canales to proceed to the seat of the supreme government, to answer for their conduct. Independence and liberty ! Chihuahua, September 12, 1866. LERDO DE TEJADA. Secretary of Foreign and Home Affairs. General Santiago Tapia, Governor and Military Commandant of Hie State of Tamaulipas, Matamoras. [Enclosure No. 10.] DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN RELATIONS AND GOVERNMENT — MEXICAN REPUB- LIC — GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF TAMAULIPAS. Citizen Minister: At two o'clock yesterday there was a political move in this city that resulted in the removal of General Jose M. J. Carvajal as gover- nor and military commander of the State, and it was so unanimous and orderly that not one gun was fired, and the city soon subsided into its usual quiet. I was immediately chosen by popular will to replace Carvajal, and I have taken charge of both offices in obedience to public opinion, and to prevent anarchy. You will learn the causes and reasons for the move from the papers I send you. I have the honor to inform you of this, and request you will make it known to the citizen President, to whom, as well as to you, I make my humble sub- mission. Liberty and independence ! Matamoras, August 13, 1866. SERVAXDO CAXALES. The Minister of Relations and Government, Chihuahua. [Enclosure No. 11.] OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT SECTION FIRST. Your despatch of the 13th of August has reached the President. You tell of the move in Matamoras making you governor in place of Jose M. de J. Carvajal. On the 7th of August General Santiago Tapia was made governor and mili- tary commander of your State. On the 12th of September I sent you a des- patch informiog you that the President disapproved of the terms of the Mata- moras surrender and annulled all the articles, ordering Pedro Hinojosa and you to present yourselves to the supreme government to answer for your conduct. This despatch and the commission of General Tapia were published in the official paper of the 14th of September, of which I send you a copy. The President requests me to say to you to obey the orders of Tapia, and to present yourself at headquarters immediately. Independence and liberty! Chihuahua, October 2, 1S66. LERDO DE TEJADA Colonel Servando Canales, Matamoras. [Enclosure No. 12.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, OFFICE OF WAR AND MARINE — MEXICAN REPUBLIC- GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF TAMAULIPAS. Citizen Minister: I have the honor to inform you that on yesterday, at two o'clock in the afternoon, a political move occurred in this place, the sole design 244 CONDITION OP AFFAIRS IN MEXICO, of which was to overthrow the administration of General J. M. J. Carvajal, for reasons stated in the papers accompanying this note. Only a change of persons has taken place. Carvajal was deposed from the place of civil and military governor of the State, and I have assumed those offices in accordance with the will of the people and the garrison, so as not to leave the government without a head to prevent anarchy and confusion, that would be so disastrous at a time like this. Consequently, the undersigned and all the forces in the town are at the orders of citizen Benito Juarez, the worthy President of the republic, and are entirely disposed to continue fighting in defence of the sacred rights of independence and liberty. Be pleased, citizen minister, to communicate this note to the citizen President of the republic, and accept the best expressions of my respect and esteem. Independence and liberty! Matamoras, August 13, 1866. SERVANDO CANALES. The Minister of War and Marine, (wherever he may be.) [Enclosure No. 13.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, OFFICE OF WAR AND MARINE — SECTION FIRST. From your despatch of the 13th of August the citizen President of the republic has heard of the move that occurred in your city on the 12th, when the garrison disavowed General Jose M. J. Carvajal as governor and military commander of the State and appointed you in his place till the decision of the supreme govern- ment, which offices you say you accept to prevent fatal consequences that other- wise might take place. Before receiving your communication, when the President heard of the capit- ulation between Generals Carvajal and Thomas Mejia, General Santiago Tapia was made military governor of the State to prevent any evil results ; but the supreme magistrate of the nation disapproves of the removal and substitution by armed force, and therefore orders were sent to General Tapia to summon you and General Hinojosa to appear before the government to answer for their conduct. When that is done your declarations will be duly considered. Independence and liberty ! Chihuahua, October 2, 1866. MEJIA. Colonel Servando Canales, In Matamoras, or elsewhere. [Enclosure No. 14.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF TAMAULIPAS. Citizen Minister : Colonel Gomez, chief of the brigade of that name, reports from Tampico on the 8th instant as follows : "You will learn from the accompanying paper that finally, this day at three o'clock in the afternoon, this town fell into our hands, and consequently all the French and traitors that held it so long are expelled from the territory. On informing you of that pleasant event, I have the satisfaction of congratulating you, and of informing you that as soon as it can be done a circumstantial report of all that happened during the siege will be made out, with a list of all that was taken from the enemy, in accordance with the agreement entered into between General Pavon and the French chiefs." CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 245 I am pleased to send this to your department for the information of the Pre- sident of the republic, whom 1 congratulate on the spleudid victory over the French and traitors that held the important town of Tampico. Independence and liberty! The heroic town of Matamoras, August 13, 1866. SERVANDO CANALES. The Minister of War and Marine, (wherever he may be.) [Enclosure No. 15.] Military convention signed by General Desiderio Pavon, commander of the Mexican liberal forces operating on Tampico, S. Revaud, thief of the French naval forces, and Mr. Langlois, chief of the French forces in Tampico. Article 1. The French troops now in the Casemate and Octavo forts shall appear on the wharf to-morrow, the 8th, between two and three o'clock of the afternoon, with their arms, their baggage, and their flag displayed, the band play- ing a march, with full cartridge-boxes for each man, to embark for leaving. Art. 2 An armistice shall be religiously observed by both belligerents from now till the French gunboats that transport the troops shall have crossed the bar of the port. Art. 3. French subjects residing in Tampico shall have full protection, and Consul Charles de St. Charles, having charge of the French and Belgian con- sulates, shall continue to exercise his duties as heretofore with all due protection. Made in duplicate at Tampico, on the 7th of August, 1866. DESIDERIO PAVON. S. REVAUD. S. LANGLOIS. [Enclosure No. 16.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE — OFFICE OF WAR AND MARINE — SECTION FIRST. From your despatch of the 18th of August, and the accompanying papers, the citizen President of the republic has learned with pleasure that on the 8th of this month the important town of Tampico was entirely occupied by the republican forces, and the French garrison that held it left, in accordance with a convention between General Desiderio Pavon and its commanders ; and the chief magistrate agreeing that circumstances made it necessary to draw up a treaty allowing the enemy to evacuate the place with their arms, baggage, &c, according to articles 1 and 2, has been pleased to ratify it ; but he cannot and does not approve of article 3, because the consuls that favored intervention and desired the republic cannot be recognized as consuls, or have any official char- acter ; yet, like other foreign subjects, they are entitled to the protection that is allowed by the law of nations and the laws of the republic. I communicate the above to you in reply to your despatch, and for con- sequent action. Independence and liberty ! Chihuahua, October 2, 1866. MEJIA. The Military Commander of the State of Tamaulipas, in Matamoras, (or wherever he may be.) 246 • CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 17. ] Tampico, August 22, 1866. My Dear Sir : Before this reaches your hands your readers will doubtless be in possession of the intelligence of the capture of this important post by the constitutional forces ; but some further details, from an eye-witness of what has occurred here, may not prove uninteresting. On the morning of the 1st instant a detachment of the constitutional forces of this State, under the command of Colonel Manuel Cuesta, suddenly appeared before Fort Iturbide, and assaulted it with the cry of " Viva la libertad ! " Upon this the entire Mexican force, which had been placed in the fort as garri- son, went over in a body to the liberals, and the fort and all its supplies fell into the possession of Colonel Cuesta. Eleven Frenchmen, including the command- ant of the fort, were killed in the melee. The State troops then rushed into the city and secured possession of Plaza Libertad and the custom-houses, and opened a brisk fire of musketry on the gun- boat Musquito, driving her from her moorings, but she finally escaped with the French collector of customs, and several Mexican rebels on board. The liberal forces then advanced to the Plaza de Armas, where they met the imperialists, and drove them to the forts Casa Mata and Octavo. On the following day the Huesteca troops, numbering some one thousand men of all arms, under the command of General Pavon, crossed over from Pueblo Viejo and effected a junction with the State troops. Hostile operations were continued until the 7th, the liberals not having sufficient powder to move as ef- fectively as they wished and as the numerical strength of their force would have permitted. Meanwhile the dwelling-houses of the town suffered severely from the merciless fire of the French forts, which being situated on elevated ground enabled them to aim at any house they wished to destroy. Notwithstanding this, however, they seemed to throw their fire indiscriminately through the city, killing men, women, and children, and causing the most wanton destruction of property. On the morning of the 7th two gunboats from Vera Cruz appeared in the river, cautiously approaching Fort Iturbide, and about three p. m. Casa Mata and the gunboats seemed to open a simultaneous fire upon the fort, which was continued until five p. m., when the gunboats reached the anchorage abreast the Plaza de Armas and hoisted a flag of truce, which was at once answered by the Mexican liberal commander. * The United States consul general and the Prussian and. Spanish consuls were then authorized to confer with the French senior naval officer, in the presence of the Mexican Colonel Gomez, and preliminary stipulations were entered into for the retirement of the French forces and the surrender of the forts remaining in their possession. A further interview then took place in Casa Mata, and at eleven p. m. the terms of capitulation with all the honors of war were signed. At three p. m. on the following day the last remnant of the French force in the State of Tamaulipas was embarked upon the gunboats, and the soil of the State was again free from the presence of the foreign invader. This town now bears the impress of the horrors of war. Houses more or less destroyed and injured by shot and shell, families mourning the loss of some of their number, and the traitors who have had imperial appointments trembling and in mortal dread of what is to be the result of their past misdeeds. The few French residents here are not molested, but they wear most elongated visages and whisper maledictions against the United States, to whose support of the liberals and opposition to the " empire " they attribute its rapid downfall. The liberal forces, since their occupation of the city, have behaved exceedingly well, and it is impossible to describe the feeling of relief and freedom that is expe- rienced by all classes at the termination of the reign of terror which we have CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 247 experienced during the whole of the French occupation. Communication with the interior is again open, and there is now a chance to move freely after the confinement we have been suffering here for more than two years past. The political prefect, Don Toribio de la Torre, who had made himself so odious to his countrymen during the imperial occupation, and particularly in en- forcing the barbarous decree of Maximilian of the 3d of October last, was caught at an early hour on the morning of the 1st, and was summarily executed. Such has been his traitorous reward. Don Matildo Romero, who had been judge of the district during the Maxi- milian regime, and has played a conspicuous part in the imperial role, took refuge in the house of the United States consul general, where his family had already preceded him, and solicited the influence of Mr. Chase to save his life. This was, of course, cheerfully promised, and he was assured that the consul had authority from the ^military commanders to protect the lives and property of all who took refuge with him ; yet such was the fear and remorse of the unhappy man that, notwithstanding all the assurances that were proffered to him, he could not over- come his fright, and committed suicide by taking poison. His treason to his country thus found its punishment at his own hands. The conduct of the French at this place has been without excuse. After ruining the commerce of the place by their occupation, they have finished the work of destruction by bombarding the town, and inflicting wanton injury upon private property. They have also caused a great loss of life among those who were entirely non-combatants. Their civilization has proved itself infinitely worse than any the past record of Mexico has ever presented. Sefior Don Mattas Romero, Washington City, D. C. [Enclosure No. 18.] REPUBLICAN ARMY — HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDING GENERAL— No. 2. Citizen Minister : I have the honor to inform you that this city was occu- pied to-day by our forces, driving out 100 traitors that held it, five of whom we killed, wounded 12, and took 59 prisoners, including two principal chiefs, who are d^igerously wounded. All the enemy's horses, arms, equipments, and am- munition were taken. Be pleased to make this known to the President, and accept for yourself the assurances of my consideration and obedience. Independence and liberty ! Nazas, August 8, 1866. FRANCISCO 0. ARCE. The Citizen Minister of War, at CJiihuahua. [Enclosure No. 19.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, OFFICE OF WAR AND MARINE SECTION FIRST. By your despatch of the 8th instant, the President of the republic is pleased to learn that you have occupied Nazas, held by 100 traitors, five of which you killed, touk 12 wounded and 59 prisoners, among them the two chiefs, badly wounded. Independence and liberty ! Chihuahua, August J. 6, 1866. MEJIA. General Francisco Arce, at Nazas. 248 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 20.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC ARMY OF THE NORTH — GENERAL-IN-CHIEF. As I have already informed you, I set out from Matamoras, dividing my forces into three columns, and a ten days' rain made me go slow. Yet the enemy holding the place found I was coming, and evacuated it on the 26th of June, and marched towards Saltillo, which place Douay left, spiking his cannon, and taking all precautions to prevent the desertion of his men. Lieutenant Colonel Ruperto Martinez, with his New Leon rifles, and Cadereita Jimenez, with the explorers, occupied the deserted city the next day, and informed me of the fact, though they had done it without orders, and then continued on in pur- suit of the enemy. The French forces under Douay left Saltillo yesterday for Matahuela to meet Bazaine, who has 2,000 men with him, as we learn from intercepted correspond- ence. The French and traitors have been defeated so often in this part of the republic the troops are thoroughly demoralized. I will remain here only long enough to increase my forces and equip new ones, when I will open the cam- paign in the State of San Luis Potosi, unless I have different orders from the supreme government. Congratulate the President of the republic on the evac- uation of Monterey and Saltillo by the cowardly enemy on our approach. Independence and libertv ! Monterey, August 5, 1866. M. ESCOBEDO. The Minister of War and Marine of the Mexican Republic, in Chihuahua. [Enclosure No. 21.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, OFFICE OF WAR AND MARINE, SECTION FIRST. By your despatch of the 5th instant, the President of the republic hears with pleasure that Monterey was evacuated by the enemy on the 26th, and occupied by our forces under Colonel Ruperto Martinez, and that General Douay had also evacuated Saltillo and marched towards Matahuela, to join some forces from San Luis, and so the city of Saltillo also fell into our hands. The occupation of these two places, the only ones held by the enemy in the States of New Leon and Coahuila, is of the greatest importance to us. tfi^hus the victory of Santa Gertrudis and the occupation of Matamoras free us from the invaders, and enable us to operate more effectually with the rest of the patriots. In regard to the military operations that you propose in the note I am now answering, separate instructions will be sent to you when convenient. Independence and liberty ! Chihuahua, August 28, 1866. MEJIA. General Mariano Escobedo, Chief of the Northern Army Corps, Monterey. [Enclosure No. 22.] General Mariano Escobedo, chief of the northern army corps, to the troops under his command: Soldiers : More than seven thousand French and traitors that occupied the States of New Leon, Coahuila, and Tamaulipas are there no longer. Those not completely whipped and routed, fled before the splendor of republican arms. The French General Douay directing military operations on the frontier, re- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 249 tired with his demoralized troops, without gaining one victory, and Marshal Bazaine, chief of the invading army, came to save his weary battalions from dispersion. The battle of St. Gertrude has altered the aspect of the military question sustained by the republic against its enemies ; the occupation of the important places of Matamoras, Monterey, and Saltillo is the legitimate consequence of that important day. Companions in arms : In the name of the citizen President Benito Juarez, I welcome you to the capital of New Leon, where your fellow-countrymen re- ceive you with open arms, and the ladies have crowns of laurel for your worthy brows. The northern frontier is now free, but our brothers inland, who have struggled so bravely against invaders, are yet suffering the yoke imposed upon them by foreign bayonets. Our duty is to aid them. We will rest awhile under arms ; then, fully provided with supplies for them, we will carry the w^r where it is necessary, wherever there are foreigners and traitors, enemies of the great Mexican republic. Independence and liberty! Monterey, August 8, 1866. MARIANO ESCOBEDO. [Enclosure No. 23.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE OF COAHUILA DE ZARAGOZA. After the victory of Santa Gertrudis, where the convoy guard was routed — the capture of this place and the occupation of Matamoras — after the evacua- tion of Saltillo by the French and traitors — this place was occupied as soon as the enemy had left it. By this fortunate event the entire northern frontier is free from the invaders, and is now ready to march to the interior to overthrow the worm-eaten edifice called the empire. Colonel Zepeda, who took possession of Saltillo, was pre- vented from pursuing the enemy by his duties to regulate affairs around him. The next day Lieutenant Colonel Ruperto Martinez was sent out after the fugitives, and reports that a great number of deserters, French, Belgians, and traitors, are joining him every day. After equipping the second brigade of 1,000 men, I prepared to march to the States of Durango and Zacatecas, where there is most excitement, and the people need a leader against the enemy. For this purpose I have sent the brigade commander citizen Jesus Gonzales Hen-era and Generals Auza and Arce, with full powers, to that section of the country. The reorganization of the districts and the equipment of troops has detained me here till now ; but I start for Saltillo to-morrow to confer with the general of the northern army about operations upon San Luis. I have the honor to communicate the above to you for the information of the President of the republic, whom I congratulate in the country's name, for the favorable turn of events in our favor. Independence and liberty! Parras, August 8, 1866. ANDRES S. VIEZCA. The Minister of War and Marine of the Republic, in Chihuahua. [Enclosure No. 24.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, OFFICE OF WAR AND MARINE — SECTION FIRST. By your communication of the 8th, the citizen President of the republic is pleased to learn that Saltillo was evacuated by the enemy on the 4th, and 250 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. immediately occupied by our forces ; also, that you had gone to that city to regulate affairs, and confer with the commander-in-chief of the northern army in regard to the continuation of the campaign. Independence and liberty ! Chihuahua, August 21, 1866. MEJIA. General Andres S. Viezc\, Governor and Military Commander of the*State of Coahuila de Zaragoza, in Saltillo. [Enclosure No. 25.] quiroga's proposal to submit. I We give below a letter of Viezca to the President, with annexed documents, on Quiroga's proposal to submit to the government, and deliver Campos up. Viesca's reply shows the enemy's situation, and that no commentaries are needed on Quiroga's infamous proposal. Parras, August 8, 1866. Respected Sir : I inform you officially, through the secretary of war, of the evacuation of Monterey and Saltillo by the French and traitors, and of our occupation of those important towns. The frontier now is free from the yoke the invaders sought to impose upon it, and everything induces us to hope their last hour is near. Campos and Quiroga wanted to join our forces when they saw there was no hope for them, and thus save their lives and fortunes. I send you Quiroga's first letter and my reply. He afterwards sent me a letter proposing to deliver Campos up, if we would let bin join us in our war against the French, and con- tinue at the head of his own forces. I told him I had not the authority to grant his request, and I did not believe it was my duty, even if I could. I send you copies of both documents. I hope my conduct in not treating with Quiroga and Campos will meet with your approbation. As ever, I remain your true friend and servant. A. S. VIEZCA. President Benito Juarez, Chihuahua. Saltillo, July 30, 1866. My Dear Friend : I wrote to General Escobedo to-day, giving my opinion of the situation, and offering to join him in efforts against the invaders who have sought to subjugate us. I hope Senor Escobedo will accept my offer ; but if he does not, I will do what I can to keep from being obliged to go to the in- terior to accept offers made me there; and for that reason I write this letter to you. If you consent to unite your forces with mine, please give me an official communication of the fact, addressed to the Aurora factory, where I will wait for it. This offer embraces the person and troops of my friend Maximo Campos, who entertains the same opinion and wish ; and I am resolved to follow his fate, whether his person and interests are protected or not. Your friend and servant, JULIAN QUIEOGA. Governor Andres S. Viezca. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 251 Parras, August 4, 1866. Dear Sir : In answer to yours of the 30th, proposing to unite our forces to prevent another incursion of the frontier, I must say that, whatever General Escobedo may think, I believe the hard lessons we have had, and. the blood that has been shed by our countrymen in contests with a foreign enemy, ought to serve as warnings for us in future ; and I am sure the frontier can defend itself without its forces joining y^urs, that have fought for the odious project of inter- vention. Besides, it would be doing an injury to my conscience, and a violation of my duty, to accept your proposal, which is altogether inadmissible at this time. " My responsibility to the nation is great, and as a public officer I am bound by the law and public opinion. It may be well that you have determined to follow the fate of Maximo Campos ; it is natural and logical, no one will deny. Now, if you two have any feelings for the good of the country, you can place your troops at the disposal of the government, or the legitimate authorities of the republic, and accept, without conditions, the judgment of the law. After saying what I have, I think it entirely unnecessary to send a commis- sioner to confer with you. Your obedient servant, ANDRES S. VIEZCA. Don Julia.n Quiroga, Saltillo. [Letter omitted.] Paso de la Poiedad, July 29, 1866, To Messrs. Auza and Viezca : The bearer, Don Iguacio Soto, can certify to the truth of this. JULIAN QUIROGA. Parras, August 5, 1866. To Don Julian Quiroga : Your commissioner, Don Ignacio Soto, has conferred with me on the subject of your proposals to join me, under certain conditions, and I must say it is not in my power to accept your offers. J * A. S. VIEZCA. Parras, August 8, 1866. True copies : E. VIEZCA, Chief Officer. From No. 1 of the News Bulletin of Saltillo, 5th of this month, we make the following extracts : " General Escobedo arrived in Monterey the day before yesterday, and he is daily expected here with the main body of his troops. " RECENT events. " Campos and Quiroga, of the French party, were with him. We know they both received munitions of war from the French, and were encouraged to pro- nounce for Santa Anna, Gonzales Ortega, or any one else whe might serve as a torch for internal conflagration. Poor deluded people ! Worse than Napoleon or the basest of his agents. Why can't they see that the national cause will finally overcome all their machinations 1" 252 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. No. 83. Mr. Seward to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washinsion, December 8, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 27th ultimo, containing official reports of certain military opeiations in the northern military division of the Mexican republic, for which be pleased to accept my thanks. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Seiior Don M. Romero, fyc, fyc, Sfc. No. 3. MILITARY OPERATIONS OF THE WESTERN DIVISION. List of papers. 84. Mr. Romero to Mr. Ssward, (with 5 enclosures) April 8, 1866. 85. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 5, 1866. 86. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with 6 enclosures) June 14, 1866. 87. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 7, 1866. 88. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with 1 enclosure) July 6, 1866. 89. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 12, 1866. 90. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with 13 enclosures) November 25, 1866. 91. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero December 8, 1866. No. 84. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation to the United States of America, Washington, April 8, 1866. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to enclose you a copy of No. 11 of the official paper of the government of the Mexican republic, published on the 8th of May last, at the town of El Paso del Norte, containing a circxtlar of the gov- ernor and military commander of the State of Sonora, dated the 30th of De- cember last, reporting a victory gained the day before, by the forces of the re- public over a party of interventionists ; also, a communication from the said governor to the minister of war, containing the report of General Angel Mar- tinez on his Alamos expedition, in which he dispersed the force of the inter- ventionist Almada ; and lastly, the answer of the minister of war General Ignacio Mejia. I accept the opportunity to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, Sfc, Sfc., 8fc. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 253 [Enclosure No. 1. — From No. II of the official paper of the constitutional government of the Mexican republic. Paso del Norte, March 8, 1866. — Translation. ] Circular from the government and military commandancy of tlie State of Sonora. " More than four hundred traitors, under Santiago Campillo, jr., and F. Bar- celo, attacked this place at one yesterday, and after one hour's contest, were completely routed and pursued for three leagues by the reserves of the brave commander, Juan G. Escalante. "The result of the battle was, two killed on our side, Jesus Maduena and Reyes Vega, of the first batallion, and four wounded, among whom was Surgeon Eugene S. Wakefield. The enemy lost thirty killed, eleven wounded, and fifty-one prisoners. We took one hundred muskets with ball cartridges, and twenty- odd saddled horses. Many of those forced to fill the enemy's ranks are deserting and coming to our quarters. " The conduct of our soldiers is worthy of the greatest eulogy. Both officers and soldiers behaved with the greatest gallantry ; they all did their duty, and all they ask is to be led where they can be most useful." I communicate this to you that you may make it known to the inhabitants of your district. Independence and liberty ! Matape, December 30, 1865. J. GARCIA MORALES. Thomas G. Pico, First Officer. The Military Commandant of the district of . [Enclosure No. 2.] GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE OF SONORA. I have the honor to enclose you a copy of the official report and private letter received yesterday from General Angel Martinez, giving an account of his victory over the traitors in the district of Alamos. In reply to the general, I inform him that there are no other traitor bands in the State except those of Salvador Vazques and Refugio Canori, from two to three hundred men each — one in the district of Arizipe, the other in Magda- lena, both now quiet. I will soon communicate with the general, and recom- mence operations. Please communicate this to the President, and congratulate him for me on account of the glorious victories due to the valor of General Martinez. Inde- pendence and liberty ! Camp in Noria, February 1, 1866. J. GARCIA MORALES. D. Elial, Acting Secretary. The Minister of War, Paso del Norte. [Enclosure No: 3. ] # GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE OF SONORA— RE- PUBLICAN ARMY BRIGADE OF OPERATIONS — UNITED SECTIONS— GENERAL- IN-CHIEF. I left Toro on the third for this city, determined to offer battle to the traitor Jose M. T. Almada. I passed the night at Venda. At midnight I sent out a band of scouts, under Cipriano Pardo, to reconnoitre the enemy's advance in Carrizal, which place I expected to reach on the fourth. On that night I sent all the cavalry under Colonel Ascencion Correa, through by-roads, to surprise 254 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. the enemy at Salitral, while I advanced with the infantry, on the main road, to aid him if necessary. The enemy was surprised, and a courier of Almada was captured. He had despatches advising the commander at Salitral to attack the enemy as soon as his re-enforcements should arrive. On the main road near Salitral I met an advance of the enemy and took one prisoner ; this was about day -break.; I then sent for the cavalry to join me. I heard that Almada was about to move, so I hastened on and gained the heights of Cuchujaqui, a strong point for the enemy if they had got it. As the enemy did not appear, I continued to advance, meeting no opposition but a small cavalry force that was soon put to flight and pursued by Ensign Felipe Valle, with only twenty men, as far as the edge of this city. We rested three hours at Mercedes, and camped that night at San Antonio de los Norotes. On the 6th the enemy opened fire on my advance. I instantly changed my position and marched to Carboneras heights, where I waited for the attack. I sent out Oipriano Pardo with scouts ; they reported that the enemy was in this city. I then began to advance and fell into ambush, but escaped without hurt. At two o'clock on the morning of the 7fch I marched round the hill to get in the rear of the enemy ; this I accomplished before daylight, and had to wait some hours before it was light enough to begin the attack. The enemy then per- ceiving us, sent out 150 sharpshooters to annoy our flank. They were soon driven back. I advanced with the squadron of lancers and the Hidalgo batallion, sending the latter under Colonel Correa to flank the enemy, while the cavalry was to be reserved to pursue the enemy if they attempted to escape without fight. Thus arranged the battle began. The lancers made the first attack, and their impet- uosity decided the day. When I rode towards the infantry Commander Pardo informed me that Almada had taken to flight, protected by a small guard which I noticed in the distance. I started after him at such a rapid pace that the cav- alry of tired horses could not keep up with me, and I suddenly found myself in front of nine men. I drew my pistol and shot Antonio Anselmo, brother of the traitor Almada, and second in command, while the others ran away, leaving their horses and arms. My horse was wounded by two shots. This battle finishes the traitors in the district of Alamos. We took five pieces of artillery (three bronze and two iron,) 216 muskets, and other munitions of war. The enemy's loss was about 180 of all ranks. The list of our killed you will find annexed hereto. I communicate this for your information, congratulating you on a victory that will tend to restore peace to the weary country. Independence and liberty ! Alamos, January 10, 1866. ANGEL MARTINEZ. To Jesus G. Morales, General-in-chief of the forces in Sonora, {wherever he may be.) Headquarters at Noria, February 1, 1866. A true copy : % ELIAS, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 4. ] List of the hilled and wounded in the battle of the 10^/i of January, 1866, at Alamos. Killed. — Captains Manuel Isabel, Ramon Zamano ; Lieutenant Jose Pe- raza ; Sargeants Carman Salasar, Agustin Barajas, Nabor Mesa ; Corporals Cip- CONDITION OP AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 255 riano Vallejo, Higinio Rodriguez, Pedro Rocha; Soldiers Domingo Martinez, Higinio Hernandez, Jesus Valdez, Eusebio Armenta, Maximo Carrasco, Tomas Vazquez. Wounded. — Captains Florentino Curiel, Dionicio Avalos ; Sergeants Anas- tasio Audrade, Cipriano Vallejo, Atilano Vazquez, Emilio Rodriguez, Jesus Chaves, Martin Castellanos ; Corporals Jose Maria Vega, Marcos Vargas, Cat- ariuo Cosio, Estevan Pardo, Ireneo Espinosa ; Soldiers Telesforo Valenzuela, Pedro Garcia, Antonio Lopez, Felix Morales, Tomas Yocupiso, Cirilo Rojas, Pioquinto Salado, Isabel Felix, Rafael Mugica, Jose M. Zazueta, Lorenzo Gas- telum, Estanislao Lopez, Antonio Victoria, Deciderio Astorga, Arcadio Bel- tram, Victoriano Rebeles, Victor Ruiz. Alamos, January 10, 1866. ANGEL MARTINEZ. Headquarters at Noria, February 1, 1866. A true copy : ELIAS, Secretary. [.Enclosure No. 5.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, OFFICE OF WAR AND MARINE — SECTION FIRST. Your despatch of the 1st ultimo, with the official report and private letter of General Angel Martinez, has been received. It gives an account of the battle of Alamos and the dispersion of the traitors in that district under Almada. The President of the republic is pleased to hear of the gallant conduct of the Martinez brigade and the well-arranged plans of its commander to perfect the entire pacification of the State which he has mentioned. I communicate this to you by order of the President, who desires you to in- form General Martinez how much his conduct is appreciated. Independence and liberty ! Paso del Norte, March 6, 1866. MEJIA. General Jesus Garcia Morales, At Noria, (or wherever he may be.) True copies : Paso del Norte, March 6, 1S66. MARIANO DIAZ, Chief Officer. No. 85. Mr. Setvard to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, July 5, 1S66. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the Sth of April last, enclosing No. 11 of the official paper of your government, which contains a statement of some military operations in Mexico, and to thank you for the information contained therein. I improve this opportunity to renew to you the assurance of my most distin- guished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don M. Romero, fyv., &,, fyc. 256 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. No. 86. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation. ] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, June 14, 1866. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to enclose to you, for the information of the government of the United States, a copy of No. 16 of the official paper of the gov- ernment of the Mexican republic, dated the 17 th of May last, embracing two com- munications from General Corona, chief of the brigades of Sinaloa and Jalisco, dated the 21st and 23d of March last, containing his official report of the ad- vantages gained by the national forces in the first of those States mentioned over the French forces and interventionists, from the 18th to the 22d of the month mentioned, in the vicinity of Mazatlan, and the answer of the minister of war to those communications on the 9th of May last. The annexed paper also contains a communication from the governor of the State of Sinaloa, dated 7th of April last, transmitting a note of General Corona giving an account of other advantages over the interventionists at Guadalupe, and the minister of war's answer thereto, General Don Ignacio Mejia, in the President's name. You will also find in the same paper the official report of General Garcia Morales, governor and military commander of the State of Sonora, on the taking of Magdalena, a town of that State, garrisoned by interventionists. I accept the occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurance of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc, Sp., Sfc. [Enclosure No. 1.— From No. 16 of the official paper of the constitutional government of the Mexican republic, printed at Paso del Norte, the 17th of May, 1866.] REPUBLICAN ARMY — UNITED BRIGADES OF SINALOA AND JALISCO — GENERAL- IN-CHIEF. On the 18th instant the enemy, to the number of four hundred French and six hundred traitors, made his appearance. Commander Miramontes drove him back from Urias to Castillo. Commander Pintado marched out with a squad of the liberty guides to reconnoitre and protect Miramontes. He met the enemy at Quemado, a vanguard of traitors and African hunters, and drove him back to Castillo, killing six, picking up two muskets, two lances, and a sword ; we losing one second sergeant killed, and one first slightly wounded. The enemy remained in Castillo that night, and Commander Pintado continued his reconnoissance in front. On the 19th the enemy set out for Presidio, and I started towards Quemado, by Mariel, with the first and second sections of the Ligera Mixta, to flank him. We reached the main road by noon, and found the enemy had passed. Lieu- tenant Colonel Parra, with a part of Ramirez's corps, brought up the rear, together with the second brigade and the Guias de Jalisco. Before reaching the river we learned that the enemy had encamped on its banks. I ordered Lieutenant Colonel Parra to take a circuit to the river, and General Gutierrez to do the same by another route. They both reached the river at two o'clock in the afternoon without accident, and found themselves facing the enemy in Pre- sidio. On our approach a column of French rifles marched down to the bank of the river in front of us. I re-enforced Parra with a company of Guias de Jalisco, and ordered him to charge the enemy on the right flank, which he did with so much spirit that the traitors were repulsed with the loss of many killed, CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 257 and, among them, the famous assassin Mauricio Castaneda. The second brigade, with two mountain howitzers, attacked the centre. The Ramirez brio-ade 3 fell on the left flank of the enemy, and, after a hard contest, succeeded in driving him to the suburbs, breaking his line of battle. Want of ammunition caused the attacking party some anxiety, until it was supplied by the first brigade. The attack was now renewed with such force the French were forced into the town, where Colonel Tolenthio compelled them to capitulate. While negotia- tions were pending the enemy was re -enforced, and our troops had to retire pre- cipitately, leaving two howitzers in the enemy's possession. I withdrew to take care of my wounded, and ordered Colonel Parra and Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Tolentino to annoy the enemy, supported by General Gutierrez As I have no reports yet, I cannot say how many men we have lost, but I know our loss is considerable. Among our officers, Lieutenant Colonel George Granados, Commander Miguel Peregrina, Captain Geronimo Saavedra, and Lieutenant Tiburcio Serrano were wounded. The enemy's loss is great, for I have seen many dead French and traitors on the field. Most of the traitors scattered, and twenty-three have come into my lines. There was a slight skirmish about night. Commander Donato Guerra reports that he attacked the enemy at Palos Prietos, and drove him into the town. On the morning of the 20th Commander Pintado attacked the enemy near Aguacaliente, and drove him from his trenches, with the loss of only six killed. Firing of artillery and musketry was continued during the day. At night the traitors and French tried to water some horses at the river, but we drove them away, killing three of them. You will inform the ministry of war that I will give a detailed report as soon as I can get the necessary information. Independence and the country! Camp at Garita, fronting the Presidio March 21, 1866. & Citizen Governor of the State, Culiacan. RAMON CORONA. [Enclosure No. 2,] REPUBLICAN ARMY— UNITED BRIGADES OF SINALOA AND JALISCO— GENERAL- IN-CHIEF. Citizen Governor: I have already given an account of events at Presidio up to the evening of the 20th instant. There was little firing that night. On the morning of the 21st the enemy again approached the river and was driven back with no loss on our side. The next day there was a skirmish, in which we lamented the loss of our brave commander, C. Juan Miramontes. At seven in the evening the enemy attracted our attention in several places, and finally escaped towards Balamo, along the river road. At eight all our line was on the move, and 1 ordered Colonel Francisco Tolentino, with a part of his corps, to cut off the enemy's retreat, which he did ; however, the land was so broken and the enemy's hurry so great, he managed to get by, and we had to follow him with the cavalry, under Colonel Eulogio Parra and Commander .Leonardo Pintado, a league beyond the river. The narrowness of the road prevented the effective action of the cavalry. In view of this I ordered a portion of the infantry in front, under Captain No- riega and Commander C. Aacencion G. Calvillo, as aid. They pursued the fly- ing enemy till five in the morning, when we stopped to rest, as our forces were much fatigued, and the enemy had got under shelter of their gunboats. He left three dead. We lost two men at Balamo, and Captain Maximiano Ramirez was wounded; further on, another soldier was wounded, and before we arrived at the river bank one of our men was killed and two wounded in the Deffollano 17 mex. 258 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. battalion. After setting fire to some houses in Presidio, and destroying a cotton factory, the enemy retreated rapidly, closely pursued by our men, and left the following effects on the road : 7 loads of ammunition, 9S muskets, 2 mountain pieces, 15 sacks of flour, sugar, bread and coffee, 5 loads of baggage, 27 har- nessed mules, and 5 horses. On my return to Presidio I ordered the tents to be struck, and 82 bodies to be buried ; 61 of these were republicans, whose name, rank and station are on the list, and 76 were wounded, which I sent to the hospital. These events hap- pened from the 19th to the 22d of the present month. You will perceive that the number of killed and wounded is about equal; but I account for this by hearing that the enemy took no prisoners, for the 15 that were taken from us on the 19th were shot as soon as all important information could be extorted from them. 400 French and 600 traitors left the port with six mountain howitzers and one field-piece; and 250 French, with 77 wounded, and 250 traitors, with 20 wounded and 3 field pieces, left Presidio at the same time. [ am trying to find if the missing pieces are buried or hid in the thicket. The French at the port speak in terror of the bravery of our soldiers, and in ct I must say they all did their duty. I send you this communication for the information of the war department. Independence and liberty ! Union Villa, March 23, 1866. RAMON CORONA. Citizen Governor of the State, Culiacan. [Enclosure No. 3.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, OFFICE OF WAR AXD MARINE — SBCTION FIRST. By your communications of the 21st and 23d of March of this year from the chief of the united brigades of Sinaloa and Jalisco, the citizen President of the republic is informed of the military operations on the 18th and 22d of this month, in which 400 French and 600 traitors, with six pieces of artillery, were driven out of Mazatlan and pursued as far as Presidio. The persevering courage of our troops in pursuit of the enemy as far as Pre- sidio, causing him great loss, has broken up his intended expedition into the in- terior, and been of signal service to the national cause. The enemy must now be convinced that it is impossible to subjugate us, as the patriotism of true Mexicans cannot be extinguished. The success of the strategy of the general-in-chief of the united brigades of Sinaloa and Jalisco, and the worthy conduct of his subalterns in the different engagements, shows that the expedition has been properly conducted, and the triumphant result gives great satisfaction to the citizen President, who instructs me to congratulate you, and give you his most cordial thanks. Independence and liberty! Paso del Norte, May 9, 1866. MEJIA. (Citizen Governor and Military Commander of the State of Sinaloa, Culiacan. [Enclosure No. 4.] DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE • OF SINALOA. The citizen general-in-chief of the united brigades of Sinaloa and Jalisco makes the following communication to this government, from the Labor estate, on the 6th instant: CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 259 General Guzman writes me on the 24th ultimo that his brigade was sur- prised in Guajicori, at eight o'clock in the morning, by a large body of Lozada's traitors, and the town was set on fire for the fourth time. He has not yet given me an account of his losses. On the 27th he writes me from Agua Caliente that all his scattered forces have not yet been collected ; that he laments the loss of Major Francisco Cruz Pena, Santos Flores, lieutenant of the fourth com- pany of the Pueblos Unidos battalion, and twelve men, names unknown. He does not know the enemy's loss, though he saw several new graves near the Guajicori church, and knows that one corpse was carried -as far as Acaponeta. He says 500 Indians from Nayarit came down to join him on the 26th. On the 29th Lozada entered Rosario with 2,000 men and a battery of field-pieces. Lieutenant Colonel Donato Guerra reports on the same day that he had a skirmish with the enemy at the port of Mazatian, a short time before he left. Six or seven hundred French and traitors, with four pieces of artillery, left the port on the 30th and camped at Palos Prietos. The next day they went to Higueras, and Lozada left Rosario for Agua Caliente. While the enemy was taking all these turns, I missed several good opportu- nities for a fight. At seven in the evening of the 31st I saw the citizen governor of the State, who had just come by forced marches from Culiacan. I consulted with him about the situation, and we agreed to attack Lozada on his march. Munitions arrived at ten at night, and our troops were supplied. The citizen governor started for -Verde with forces to attack Lozada, and I set out towards Siqueros, to cut off the French. On the 1st instant, at five in the morning, our scouts reported that the French from the port were advancing upon Siqueros. I ordered Colonel Parra to send Lieutenant Colonel Manuel Crespo, with a part of the Ramirez corps under Be- cerra, to Verde, and commanded Lieutenant Colonel Donato Guerra to watch the port with Crespo. General Gutierrez started towards Verde with the second brigade, but learned from General Rubi on the way that Lozada had entered Concordia, five leagues from Verde, on the morning of the 10th. It was noon and our forces had not concentrated. Colonel Crespo informed me that the enemy had camped in front of Siqueros, five leagues trom Verde, and our advance was in sight. It was agreed to attack Lozada in Concordia, and Noriega was sent to join Crespo with his infantry. Before reaching Con- cordia, General Rubi branched off to the left with a part of the first brigade and one cannon, and the Guias de Jalisco, to flank the enemy. General Gutierrez kept the main road with part of the second brigade, two cannons, the rest of the Ramirez corps, the Guias de la Libertad and the Hernandez corps. 1 fol- lowed General Gutierrez. At six in the evening General Rubi began the attack on the left flank. Gene- ral Gutierrez's column made an advance and established a battery that did good execution. The Degollado battalion threatened the right flank, and the rest of the infantry charged upon the centre boldly. The cavalry then came into action and rushed so desperately upon the enemy, that in less than one hour he scat- tered and left us masters of the town. Night now came on, and as it was very dark, and our soldiers might fire on each other by mistake, I ordered General Rubi to beat a retreat in good order. This was elegantly executed under the direction of Colonel Alejandro Hernan- dez and Lieutenant Colonel Abel Pereira, both of my staff. The ground was so uneven here, I ordered part of the cavalry to Jacobo, and the rest, with the infantry, to Copala, postponing the attack indefinitely, as I knew the enemy was to be re-enforced the next morning. Our losses are insignificant; but we have to lament the death of the brave and distinguished General Jose M. Gutierrez, chief of the second brigade, and of the valiant Colonel Onofie Campana, from Cosala, leader of the Victoria bat- 260 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. talion. I don't know the enemy's loss; but it must be considerable, thougli half of the force scattered in dismay. I will give the particulars as soon as obtained. The report of artillery on the 2d, in the direction of Siqueros, informed me that the enemy was resisting our troops in that quarter ; so I ordered General Rubi to their assistance with infantry, while I went towards Bajio with the cav- alry in the evening. Colonel Parra informed me that same day, the 2d, that he arrived at Jacobo at the same time with the Pameco battalion, under Colonel Martinez. Lozada attacked them at two that day with cavalry and infantry, but was routed and pursued as long as the ammunition held out. The enemy's killed are found all along the road from Jacobo as far as the pursuit lasted. We only bad two soldiers killed. After a slight skirmish with the French that day, Crespo retired to Parras while they retreated to Cofradia, where they camped. Our men then returned to Siqueros. On the morning of the 3d the French advanced upon Siqueros, but were driven back to Cofradia. One traitor was made prisoner. The French retreated next day to Presidio, Colonel Guerra informed on the 4th that he approached the port the day be- fore and provoked an attack from the enemy, with no bad results. He also says the French had joined Lozada, but their combined force is greatly demoralized. That evening Guerra had a skirmish with the enemy at Palos Prietos. The gunboat Lucifer came up and our men had to retreat. The same chief reports that on the morning of the 5th the French and Lo- zada were at Presidio, Pozole, and Garita ; Lozada's forces so demoralized he could do nothing with them. Up to the last account Guerra's advance was at Palos Prietos, while he remained at Venadillo. A report from the same chief says that Captain Zuniga, of the Miramontes corps, gave notice that the enemy was encamped at Urias and Castillo. Guerra was preparing to attack the port the next day ; but learning that the French were advancing in force upon him, he retreated with the loss of one soldier, and the French re-enforcements succeeded in getting to the port. As soon as I can ascertain the number of my killed^and wounded, I will make an official report, from the 1st to the 5th. I cannot be partial in the recommendation of my officers, for they have all done their duty; their courageous behavior has forced respect from the invaders, and has won the admiration of every republican. I cannot sufficiently praise the conduct of the inhabitants of the districts invaded by the hordes of Lozada. With the single exception of Rosario and Zavala, all the inhabitants left their houses and property to destruction. The State of Sinaloa may be proud of her sons, for they are true patriots, pre- ferring poverty to the protection of the invaders. I make this communication for the information of the war department, by in- structions from the general-in-chief of the united brigades, as well as for the information of the citizen President of the republic. Independence and liberty! San Ignacio, April 7, 1866. F. SEPULVEDA. Citizen Minister of War, Paso del Norte. [Enclosure No. 5.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND OFFICE OF WAR AND MARINE— SECTION FIRST. By your report of the 7th of April, the citizen President of the republic is informed of the important movements of the general-in-chief of the united brigades CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 261 of Sinaloa and Jalisco, which broke up the expedition of Lozada and his French allies, by an attack at Concordia, forcing them to retreat in great disorder, and seek refuge in the port of Mazatlan, protected by the gunboat Lucifer, stationed there. The citizen President instructs me to express his satisfaction at the courage of the officers and men who gained this great victory, the result of which is to embarrass the enemy and encourage our party to attack Mazatlan. The citizen President regrets our losses, particularly the death of the valiant General Jose M. Gutierres and Colonel Onofre Campaua; also of Major Fran- cisco Cruz Pena, and other officers and men who fell in the action, and con- tributed so much to its fortunate result. Please inform the general-in-chief of the united brigades of Sinaloa and Jalisco that the citizen President is much pleased with his conduct, and congratulates him on the happy results of the victory. Independence and liberty! Paso del Norte, May 9, 1866. MEJIA. Citizen Governor and Military Commander of the State of Sinaloa, Culiacan. Paso del Norte, May 9, 1S66. True copies : MARIANO DIAZ, Chief Officer. [Enclosure No. 6. ] GOVERNMENT OF SONORA — REPUBLICAN ARMY, FIRST BRIGADE — GENERAL-IN- CHIEF. Citizen Governor: As I informed you, and not to remain inactive while forces are collecting for action inland, I ordered a movement, which has resulted in the disarming of certain towns. On the 2d instant I set out from Banamichi, in great haste, to surprise Opodepe and Tuape, where I captured seventy muskets and a few horses. On the night of the 4th I halted four miles from Gucurpe, having unex- pectedly come up with the enemy at that place. I proposed a parley, which was answered by shouts for the empire by the defenders of the place. Having rested sufficiently, and observing that the traitors were preparing for resistance, I ordered three companies to advance in different directions, till they came within speaking distance of the besieged. This operation lasted one hour ; then firing began on both sides, and continued till 2 o'clock, when the imperialists were dislodged from the house-tops and towers they were occupying, thanks to our sharpshooters on the slope of a hill near by. At 4 o'clock a signal for parley was made. The rebel chief offered to sur- render with a guarantee of life. This was granted, and the following articles were given up: 120 muskets, two chests of ammunition, 118 cartridge-boxes, and a few lances. The garrison consisted of 115 men, ten officers, the commander-in-chief, and ex-Lieutenant Colonel Don Manuel J. Castro. Independence and liberty! Magdalena, April 6, 1866. J. G. MORALES. Citizen Governor and Military Commander of the State of Sonora, (loherever he may be.) A true copy : G. MORALES. 262 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. No. 87. Mr. Seward to S'e/wr Romero. Department of State, Washington, July 7, 1S66. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 14th ultimo, transmitting a copy of No. 16 of the official paper of your gov- ernment, publishing some correspondence on the military operations in Mexico, and to thank you for the information. I embrace this opportunity to renew to you the assurance of my most dis- tinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don M. Romero, fye., fye., &fc. No. 88. [Translation.] Setlor Romero to Mr. Seward. Mexican Legation to the United States of America, Washington, July 6, 1866. Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to semit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, a copy of No. 19 of the official newspaper of the constitutional government of the Mexican republic, published at Paso del Norte the 7th of June last, in which you will see the official report which General Pesqueira, governor of the State of Sonora, gave to the department of war and marine on the 10th of May last, of the military operations of the forces of the united brigades of Sonora and Jalisco, under his orders, and which resulted in the taking of the city of Hermosillo, which occurred on the 4th of May aforesaid. This occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration is very gratifying to me. M. ROMERO. Hon. William BI. Seward, 8fc, 8fc, Sfc. [Enclosure No. 1. — Translation. — From the official paper of the constitutional government of the Mexican republic, Paso del Norte, June 7, 1366. — Extracts.] GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMAND OF THE STATE OF SONORA REPUBLI- CAN ARMY, UNITED BRIGADES OF SONORA AND JALISCO. Under date of Sth May, General Martinez makes to these headquarters the report following: On the 1st instant I set out from this point to attack Hermosillo ; bivou- acked in the field in front of San Jose de Pimas. On the 2d reached Zubiate, and at night halted near Hermosillo ; at dawn reached the suburbs. Before reaching Zubiate caught some scouts of the enemy ; made three pris- oners ; the officer in command escaped. Two leagues from Hermosillo we met some twenty men of the enemy's ad- vance : killed three, took three, and scattered the rest. Among the killed was CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 263 the commander, the traitor Captain Estrada. Learned from the prisoners that Hermosillo was garrisoned by about 300 men, among them fifty of the Foreign Legion, all under orders of the traitor Jose M. Tranquilino Almada. The scouting detachment, which took the direction of Guayrnas, captured two officers the one a Mexican, the other a Spaniard called Jose de la Rosa, adju- tant to Almada. He was shot; the Mexican was forgiven. The enemy was checked in several attempts to get off. He made a sally on the G-uaymas route, which was covered by the scouting party under command of Petronilo Silvia. On the 4th I began the attack on the height defended by the Foreign Legion. At half past nine we were masters of the place; part of the Foreign Legion escaped with Almada. The enemy abandoned more than 200 muskets, two pieces of artillery and their munitions. I found many dead, most of the Foreign Legion. Our loss was small, about thirty killed and wounded. Some repetition of the same report is made by Colonel Morales, which in due form is despatched to the government by Pesqueira, governor of Sonora. [No other mention is made of foreigners than as members of the Foreign Le- gion ; none whatever of American citizens. — Tr.] No. 89. Mr. Seward to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, July 12, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 6th instant, containing a copy of No. 19 of the official paper of your gov- ernment, giving an account of some military operations, and to thank you for the information. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don Matias Romero, fyc, Sfc, fyc. No. 90. Senor Romero to Mr. Seivard. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, November 25, 1866. Mr Secretary : I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, the documents mentioned in the annexed index, mostly taken from the official paper of the Mexican republic, and con- sisting chiefly of official reports of military operations in the western military division of the Mexican republic, from July to September of the present^ year. It is with pleasure I avail myself of the present opportunity of renewing to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. * ■ M: ROMERO. Hon. William II. Seward, fyc, Sfc, Sfc. 264 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Index of documents sent hy the Mexican legation in Washington to the Depart- ment of btate of the United States, with the note of this date, in relation to operations on the western military line. No. Date. Contents. 1866. 1 June 23 General Kubi, governor of Sinaloa, transmits the official report of the battle of Yxcuintla. 2 July 18 The minister of war acknowledges the receipt of same. 3 June 30 Letter of General Pesquiera, governor of Sonora, to the consul of the republic in San Francisco, California, reporting his military movements in the months of May and Juno, 1866. 4 Aug. 14 General Martinez's official report of the capture of Hermosillo, in the State of Sonora. 5 Sept. 26 Minister of war's answer to same. 6 Sept. 2 Official report of the attack of Alamos. 7 Sept. 7 General Pesquiera's official report to the minister of war of the capture of Ures. Eeply of the minister of war. 8 Oct. 5 9 Sept. 14 Official report of General Corona, chief of the western army, of the battle of Palos Prietos, near Mazatlan. 10 Oct. 8 Eeply of the minister of war. 11 Sept. 19 Correspondence from Mazatlan in regard to the situation on the western military line. 12 Sept. 21 Mazatlan correspondence on the same subject. Washington, November 25, 1866. IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary [Enclosure No. 1. — From the government official paper, No. 21, Chihuahua, July 20, 1866.] GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE OF SINALOA. The general-in-chief of the united brigades of Sinaloa and Jalisco reports as follows from that quarter : " The citizen general, Perfecto Guzman, reports from Acaponeta on the 18th to these headquarters, as follows : " ' By special orders from headquarters, I set out from Oacalotan on the 8th for Santiago Izcuintla, with my brigade and Colonel Donato Guerra's cavalry, trying to keep our movements secret from the enemy, who discovered us by means of his scouts. " 'At 10 o'clock p. m. of the 13th I reached Arrayan plain, where, in consulta- tion with Colonel Donato Guerra, Colonel Juan de Dios Bojas, and Lieutenant Colonel Andres Blancarte, I determined to divide our attacking forces as follows : On the centre were the Huajicori battalion of Colonel Cipriano Segundo, and the independents of Celso Cosio ; on the right was the section of Colonel Camilo Isiordia ; and on the left, Colonel Florencio Pacheco, with a cavalry section. The second Huajicori battalion, under Colonel Eligio Alvarez, and the Ocampo squadron, under Colonel Jesus Arteaga, and the Guzman squadron, under Francisco Lora, were held as reserves. With the forces so distributed, and my orders given, I marched to Santiago on the 14th by 8 o'clock in the morning. I ordered the attack upon the centre. The enemy, under Agaton Martinez and Jose Zapia, was assaulted so rudely he gave way and left us masters of the field after half an hour's fight. On tbe evening of the same day the enemy assem- bled on the opposite side of the river more than one hundred cavalry, and crossed back at Palomas ford to attack me. I ordered Colonel Guerra out with two CONDITION OF AFFAIKS IN MEXICO. 265 hundred cavalry to meet them ; they took to flight, and were pursued two miles or more. The enemy lost thirty-one killed, among them an engineer and the commander of the place, both Frenchmen. Fifty prisoners, mostly natives, were captured ; eight muskets, fourteen rifles, two sabres, three pistols, thirteen sad- dles, one hundred and two horses, and fifteen mules were taken. " ' On our side, Jesus Verdugo, second sergeant in the Ocampo squadron, was wounded. At night my men came into the town and remained three days, when we had to leave for want of provisions, coming to this place, where I am awaiting orders. I must commend to your consideration, chiefs, officers, and soldiers, for they all did their duty.' "All of which I have the honor to communicate to you, and congratulate you on this new triumph for republican arms." I send you a copy of this for your own information, and that you may com- municate it to the war department. And I transcribe it for you, citizen minister, for your intelligence. Independence and liberty ! Recodo, June 23, 1866. DOMINGO RUBL F. Sepulveda, Secretary. The Minister of War and Marine, (wherever he may be.) [Enclosure No. 2.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE — BUHEAU OF WAR AND MARINE — SECTION FIRST. In your despatch of the 23d of June last, enclosing me the report of the general-in-chief of the united brigades of Sinaloa and Jalisco, of the same date, the President of the republic has had the pleasure to find a confirmation of the success of General Perfecto Guzman's expedition, with Colonel Donato Guerra, against Lozada's gang. We are glad to hear the enemy was whipped in the first encounter on the 8th, and the town of Santiago Izcuintla captured ; also, that he was badly repulsed on the second attack, with the loss of thirty-one killed, one an officer of the place, and the other an engineer, and fifty prisoners taken, eight shot guns, fourteen muskets, two sabres, three pistols, thirteen saddles, one hundred and two horses, and fifteen mules. The citizen President is much pleased to learn the success of the expedition, and the gallant behavior of the officers and men, to Avhom he requests me to present his thanks. Independence and liberty ! Chihuahua, July 18, 1866. MEJIA. The Governor and Military Commander of the State of Sinaloa, (wherever he may be.) [Enclosure No. 3.] Alamos, June 30, 1866. Much Esteemed Friend : I received your welcome letter of the 30th of May yesterday ; it gave me the more pleasure, with the news in it, as it is the only one I have had from you since December, when you sent me the President's permission to visit your city. I wrote to you then that I could not come on account of fever, which left me very weak, in spite of the active life I have led since March. I wrote to you also about the end of February, informing you I intended to take the field, but you say neither of the letters reached you. I have heard of Mr. Gonzalez's aspirations, and the discredit he has brought upon himself by attempting to take the presidency from Mr. Juarez. He is so 266 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. blind lie cannot see how false and ridiculous his position is. The political career of Gonzalez Ortega and his adherents furnishes us another example of those anomalies so frequent in this transition period, when a new germ of life is bud- ding for the republic. Such is my hope, and I know our ills will end, because I trust in the prudence and energy of our worthy President and his brave col- laborators in the work of moral reorganization. It would make this letter too long to tell you all that has occurred since I quit my asylum in the territory of Arizona, and I will not trouble you with a detail of the causes that brought me to my present situation. General Garcia Morales took the field four months before me, while I was sick, and did much good. Now conquering, then conquered, his constant ac- tivity did much to encourage the people of Sonora, who have never despaired of the country's safety. When I returned to the scene of action I found all disposed to join against the oppressors. If we seem slow in organizing our forces, it is because we are in want of arms that should have reached us long ago. However, I can say to you, we have got over the worst, and are now ready to give the traitors a finishing blow. The forces of General Martinez united with mine, under the title of the uni- ted brigades of Sonora, Sinaloa, and Jalisco, attacked Almada in Hermosillo with four hundred men. Taken in force on the 4th of May, we had to fight six hours against Langberg and Tanori, who came up with eight hundred men. It was a hard-fought battle, and fortune began to favor us, when a panic demoral- ized our forces, just at the time the enemy started for Alamito, five leagues from Hermosillo, with nobody to pursue him. I merely mention this to show you what an opportunity we have lost from a small circumstance. The battle-field was entirely deserted, but it was too late to rally in pursuit. General Martinez and I remained in Hermosillo till midnight, with an escort of only fifty cavalry, waiting for re-enforcements ; but both the cavalry and infantry were too far from the field of action in different directions, and so the enemy had time to return and occupy the place the next day. In Langberg's report of the 6th of May there was but one truth. He said, " Oar loss was consider- able ;" and he had a right to say so, for he lost more than half his forces in the two actions of the 4th. Another expedition took place on the 5th of June on the same town, and as soon as our troops approached, the garrison disbanded, and left in our possession one rifled cannon, some provisions, and ninety muskets. This was the time to have destroyed Tanori, who was present with all his forces, but fortune did not favor us this time either. The Indians routed a sec- tion of our forces under Alcontara, and thus frustrated our intentions. But the misfortune has only put us back a few months, when the enemy will have to be kept at bay by rangers. Though the traitors have called upon the French in Guaymas to aid them, they have obtained no succor. They came out on the 29th of May with three hun- dred men to open the way, but finding we were ready for them they retreated to Cieneguita. But for that demonstration you would suppose the invaders did not care what became of their allies. They are preparing to continue operations with more vigor, and I think we shall have an engagement by the end of next month, when I hope to have the pleasure to give you the news of the restoration of constitutional order in the whole State. As ever, your affectionate friend and colleague, I. PESQUIERA. To Senor Don Jose Antonio Godoy, Mexican Consul in San Francisco. CONDITION OF AFFAIHS IN MEXICO 267 [Enclosure Xo. 4 ] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANOANCY OF THE STATE OF SONORA. General Angel Martinez, major general of the united brigades of Sonora, Sinaloa, and Jalisco, on the 14th, reports as follows : Republican Army, United Brigades, General's Quarters. I have the honor to report operations to you from the lime we left Oumuripa till our occupation of this place. On the 23d ultimo the Sinaloa and Juarez de- fenders, with Colonel Jote T. Otero's forces, met in Gumuripa, and started next day to the Suaqui mines. We reached Tecoripa on the 25th. The Sonora battalion, under Otero, was sent from Suaqui to attack the traitor Arvallo in San Javier. A hard rain impeded his operations, and gave the enemy a chance to escape. He was pursued, and two prisoners were taken from Campos, who left his horse and escaped on foot. Colonel Otero accomplished this bold feat. On the 28th we left Tecoripa and camped for the night at Cumbros On the 29th we reached Adivino, and came to Matape by the 30th. From that place a message was sent to General Jesus Garcia Morales, ordering him forward with the forces he had. At Pitiquito we heard he had suffered a reverse, and of course could not come to Matape. By forced marches on the 12th and 13th, we reached this city by your orders, where we surprised the garrison of 150 men, who ran off and left their guns in our possession. "We pursued the enemy and killed nine, and two wounded were sent to the hospital. It was the 13th when we occupied the place, and we go into quarters to-day. All preparation is made for the enemy, in case be returns to attack us. The inhabitants welcomed us as their real deliverers, and you know our sol- diers have done their duty as defenders of the honor and independence of our dear country. I felicitate you cordially on tbe conclusion of a campaign that restores the legitimate State government in the principal city of Sonora. Independence and liberty! Hermosillo, August 14, 1866. ANGEL MARTINEZ. The General-in-Chief, Present. In transmitting the. above to you, I will add, that you may make it known to the President of the republic, that notwithstanding the sufferings of our soldiers, none have deserted, and all are cheerful ; and the way in which the citizens offer their services to the government is the most conclusive proof of the hate tbe citizens have for the empire, except the traitors of Gandara. Independence and liberty ! Hermosillo, August 17, 1S66. IGNACIO PESQUIERA. J. J. AYILA, First Officer. The Minister of War. [Enclosure Xo 5.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, BRANCH OF WAR AND MARINE — -SECTION FIRST. The citizen President of the republic has had the pleasure of receiving your despatch of the 17th of August last, enclosing that of the 14th, from General Angel Martinez, reporting his operations from the 23d up to date, when he dis- persed the traitor forces under Arvallo, and occupied Hermosillo on the 13th of August, surprising the garrison. Independence and liberty! Chihuahua, September 26, 1866. MEJIA. General Ignacio Pesquiera, Governor and Military Commander of the State of Sonora, in Hermosillo. 268 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 6. J GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANOY OF THE STATE OF CHIHUAHUA — REPUBLICAN ARMY, MATAMORAS SECTION — COMMANDANT'S QUARTERS. At half-past ten this day, the traitor Jose Tranquilino Almada, with two hundred cavalry armed with sabres and muskets, and 400 foot rifles of Pimas and Yaquis, and 000 Jara Indians of Yaquis and Mayos, appeared on Crucecito hill, and threatened the town, garrisoned by 130 cavalry and 350 infantry, in- cluding my command. We instantly marched out to meet them at Aurora, where they had halted. Finding they were trying to surround the town, the commander divided us into three columns. The enthusiasm of our soldiers amounted to frenzy, and in one hour of fierce combat a most glorious day was gained for the country. The enemy, fright- ened by the fury of our brave republicans, cowardly fled in every direction, leaving fourteen loads of ammunition, sixty-seven fire-arms, most of them fine French rifles, a few horses and lances, &c. We also found scattered arms and ammunition in the tents; that have not yet been removed, and the correspond- ence of the traitor Almada, who escaped with his sons and six officers over the hills. They were pursued by our men, guided by one of Almada's deserters, and it is hoped he may be overtaken. Sixty-seven killed of the enemy have been found on the battle-field, and thir- teen out of twenty-one prisoners were shot. On our side, we regret the death of two of our cavalry, and nine men wounded, two of the Matamoras section. This explains the dread of the enemy for our soldiers. All the chiefs, officers, and men engaged in this action behaved gallantly, and merit commendation ; but I will confine myself to my own command, and say I am satisfied with all my officers and men, but particularly with citizens Edward Valenzuela, Martin Salido, Vicente S. Ampudia, and Jesus and Juan Salido, who came to us in the beginning of the action, and conducted themselves with exceeding bravery. Please accept my congratulations, and felicitate the governor of the State on this triumph of the national arms over traitors, and commend the patriots of the canton for the part they took in the engagement. Independence and liberty ! Alamos, September 2, 1866. JOSE M. BARBEITIA. The Civil Chief of the Canton of Matamoras. Guazapares, September 6, 1866. A true copy : JOSE M. ZEA. [Enclosure No. 7.] GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE OF SONORA. General A. Martinez, major general of the united brigades, communicated to me yesterday, the following report: Ensign Epifanio Casanova, chief of our explorers, arrived at Rayon on the 2d instant, with the news that a portion of the enemy's cavalry, numbering fifty, had fallen upon us at Noria de Aquilar, killing two out of the ten men there. Lieutenant Colonel Nicolas Gonzales was instantly sent out with cavalry in pursuit, joined by Santiago Valle. On the 3d Nicolas Gonzales had a skirmish with the enemy that seemed to be going to Rayon. We instantly sallied out to meet him. He took the strong position at Huerta, and we encamped on a neighboring hill. Our cavalry soon joined us, leaving Captain Casildo Manjarrez to watch the enemy two miles from us. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 269 The Tepic lancers, under Captain Severiano Sanchez, came up the next day with twenty men to watch the enemy. As our forces were not acquainted with the ground, the enemy intercepted the communication with us; but, after a slight skirmish, they got back safely to our camp. The enemy was still at Huerta on the 4th, and to dislodge him we came to this place. Before arriving at Noria we caught an enemy's scout, who told us his force was of 1,000 men of all arms, and lour pieces of light artillery, com- manded by the traitor Tanori. On the way we had notice that General Jesus G. Morales was about to join us with a small force of infantry and cavalry. At Noria de Gandara we came up with the Sonora cavalry, under Jose Pes- quiera. Before reaching Bajadero three of the enemy's spies were captured, who told us that Langberg bad just passed, with an escort of only fifteen men, going to join Tanori. He was pursued, but not taken. We halted a while at the Bajadero, and then went on to Guadalupe, to make it the base of our opera- tions. The western brigades crossed the river at the ford to skirmish with the enemy; and the Sonora brigade, under Antonio Bincon, remained to wait for General Jesus G. Morales. We had hardly got to Santa Rita when Colonel Davalos informed us that Bincon told him the enemy, imder Langberg and Ta- nori, had fallen upon him, and he was retreating. We soon heard the report of fire-arms, and the enemy soon made his appearance on an eminence in front of Santa Bita, his sharpshooters pursuing our cavalry. To protect our baggage I had it gathered on Santa Bita hill, and guarded by Colonel Miguel Silva. We then began our retreat in order, though much harassed by the enemy attacking us on all sides. Under these circumstances, I determined to risk a battle, and I sent Colonel Davalos with his Sonora defenders and hunters to secure a retreat. In our re- treat two of our wagons stuck in the mud and could not be got out, and a wounded man in one of them was killed by the enemy. This incident made the traitors think our forces demoralized and in full retreat. The Sonora cavalry of Jose Pesquiera was not in the action, because it was called off on other duty. The western cavalry brigade came upon the town by the Paso de Aguilar, and went on to Guadalupe, where the roar of cannon indicated the battle that was going on. The enemy was attacking the hunters, who defended themselves bravely. The first Sonora battalion, under Prospero Salazar, formed on our right to protect our flank passage. All this was done while the battle was going on. The enemy began by charging our right flank, and was beaten back to his original position by the Sonora battalion. We were now opportunely re-enforced by the second Sonora battalion, under Tiburcio Otero. I ordered the hunters to attack two pieces of artillery of the enemy. It was done successfully, and the enemy was repulsed in every direction. Our cavalry charged his lefc flank and routed it. Captain Fuentes, with a few men, took one of the pieces of artil- lery and two prisoners. The other piece of artillery was left on the field. Langberg, chief of the traitors, was killed in the fight. I then headed the cavalry to prevent the enemy from finding refuge in this city, and was successful in my attempt. The behavior of our men was admirable; our artillery was well managed and did good service. The enemy, of more than 1,000 men, was routed by 500 of ours, as many of our men could not participate. On the fifth we struck our tents and took possession of Guadalupe, where we remained till the night of the fourth. We had ten killed and eighteen wounded. The enemy had forty-two killed and many wounded, escaping to the mountains. On the morning of the fifth, the first and second Sonora and Juarez battalions, with two pieces of artillery, under Colonel Adolfo Alcantara, left Guadalupe and joined me the next day. We now determined to advance on the city, where there was a garrison of 270 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 300 men under Teran y Barrios. We afterwards learned that Teran, Arvallo* and Tanori, overcome by fear, had taken to flight; so the imperialist band in Sonora evaporated like smoke from pure fright. An order for surrender was sent in, without humiliating conditions, but was refused, and at one o'clock the siege was begun. General Jesus G. Morales now came up with seventy men, and was received by shouts from us. He said he had shot Pioquinto Griego, one of the imperial partisans. The Gonzales battalion, under Salva, assaulted one of the forts, took it, and gained a. piece of artillery. He then marched on to another, but was unfortu- nately killed, with Colonel Rochin. Captain Joaquin Fuentes was badly wounded, as well as the second adjutant, Salvador Alvarez. Antonio Slanes and Roman Ruisanchez were killed at the same time. They were common soldiers. The next attack was on the fort called La Correccion by the second Sonora battalion under Otero, and the first under Colonel Salazar ; Colonels Davalos and Alcantara were to direct operations around the place. At this stage the enemy quit the Correccion and fired as he left, wounding Major Jesus Chaves. At one o'clock in the morning the enemy left in complete confusion. Those defending the Correccion were double traitors, because they left eighty men on the parapet, and they were captured; they also left three pieces of artillery, their ammunition, and one hundred mules. The enemy had forty killed, and lost one hundred and sixty prisoners. There were four foreigners among the killed. The morning of the sixth dawned to find no imperialists in the town. The capture of Ures cost us no great loss, but the lives of some valuable men, mostly belonging to the battalion of cazadores. I congratulate you on this extermina- tion of the so called imperial government in this State. I do not mean to say we are done, but the hardest work is over, and we may soon hope for a general peace in this State. Independence and liberty! Ures, September 7, 1S66. ANGEL MARTINEZ. The General in-Chief, Present. In having the honor to transmit this to your department, for the information of the President of the republic, I must say the officers and men of the united brigades behaved gallantly, and made themselves worthy the consideration of the government of the republic and the gratitude of the people of Sonora. I cannot particularize persons, because many were prevented from taking part in the combat. Independence and liberty! Ures, September S, 1866. I. PESQUIERA. J. F. AVILA, The War Department, in Chihuahua. Chief Officer. [Enclosure No. 8.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, BRANCH OF WAR AND MARINE— SECTION FIRST. The citizen President of the republic has heard of the operations communi- cated in General Angel Martinez's despatch of the 7th, and sent to me on the Sth. He is pleased to hear of the defeat of Tanori and Langberg and the death of the latter, as well as of the capture of the city. The conduct of the chiefs, officers, and men who took part in the action is duly appreciated by the CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 2Y1 supreme magistrate of the nation, and the importance of the triumph will tend to drive the traitors out of the State, and, perhaps, frighten them out of the re- public. Independence and liberty. Chihuahua, October 5, 1866. MEJIA. General Iuxacio Pesgiuiera, Governor and Military Commander of the State of Sonora, at Ures, for wherever he may be.) [Enclosure No. 9.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — ARMY OF THE WEST — QUARTERS OF THE GENKRAL-1N- CHIEF. In order to beat the garrison of Palos Prietos, an outpost of Mazatlan, one mile distant, a few days ago I sent riflemen from the line of Urias and Piedra to harass the enemy at night in his position, so that, getting used to that sys- tem, he would become careless and suffer himself to be surprised. For that purpose I set out from Unionville, on the 10th, with the 1st and 2d infantry brigades, a part of the 4th, and some of the 5th and 6th cavalry. The bad state of the roads, caused by hard rains, deranged the preconcerted combination, and I determined to wait a day longer, covering my plan by shooting towards the town. At 2 o'clock on the morning of the 12th I sent a column of infantry, under General Domingo Rubi, with five pieces of mountain artillery and ammunition for it, to wait as a reserve. I then ordered another infantry column, under General Ascencion Oorrea, with the cavalry of Colonel E. Parra, to take a position between the port and Palos Prietos. Another in- fantry column, under General Manuel Marquez, was commanded to attack the front and right flank of the enemy in his fortified position. All these com- mands were faithfully executed, and the principal entrance of Palos Prietos was attacked by bayonets in the hands of the valiant soldiers of the above named columns. The rough ground, the darkness of the night, and the perfect knowledge the defenders had of their position, allowed all not killed to escape. Over 150 killed were found upon the battle-field. On our side were 27 killed and 67 wounded. Among those killed was Commander Legaspi, and other worthy officers, who perished gloriously mounting the enemy's parapets. I will send their names and those of the men killed, in a separate paper, as soon as the proper information is obtained. 1 waited here for the enemy till convinced he would not come out, because expected aid had not arrived ; and knowing the gunboats would open upon us as soon as it was day, I retired a short distance, leaving Colonel Francis Tolentino to watch the enemy. He would not venture out of his trenches, but plied his artillery vainly upon us. Thinking if I retreated he would follow me, I ordered my forces to quarter at Venadillo, Higueras, and Urias. My Correa column was in the rear, and 70 Africans attacked it, till 100 Jalisco cavalry and SO liberty guides came up to its aid. The former was com- manded by Colonel Simon Gutierrez, the latter by Colonel L. Pintado. The enemy fled before them, leaving 17 killed and one commandant and 17 Arab horses in our possession. On this account we may be assured the enemy lost, in killed and wounded, 200 men, mostly French, without counting one officei* and 20 men, mounted and armed, that came over to the republican side, bring- ing five traitors and one French sutler as prisoners, the last of which was shot by them. The enemy is badly demoralized ; so much so I think they will evacu- ate the port, for they seem to be making preparations now. As the French and traitors did not return in force to occupy Palos Prietcs, I 272 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. ordered it to be garrisoned by some troops from this army corps, withdrawing the rest to their former positions. This I communicate to you for the information of the supreme magistrate of the nation. Independence and liberty. Villa de Union, September 14, I860. RAMON CARONA. The Minister of War and Marine, in Chihuahua. [Enclosure No. 10.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, OFFICE OF WAR AND MARINE SECTION FIRST. The citizen President of the republic has received, with the greatest satisfac- tion, your despatch of the 14th to me, communicating the news of the glorious victory of the 12th, at Palos Prietos, one mile from Mazatlan, killing over 150 of the enemy dead on the field, besides 18 cavalry that charged on the rear of the Degollado battalion, which was retiring to its quarters at Venadillo, Higue- ras, and Urias, as you ordered, with the hope of attacking the enemy again in the same fort, if he came back ; but seeing that he did not, on the other hand, concentrating along the line of the port, you ordered the troops of this army corps to occupy the fort permanently, and the rest to retire to their former posi- tions. Independence and liberty. Chihuahua, October 8, 1866. MEJIA. To General Ramon Corona, Chief of the Western Army Corps, at Villa de Union. [Enclosure No. 11.] Mazatlan, Mexico, September 19, 1S66. Since my last, matters in Sinaloa have been much the same as at my previ- ous dates, Coi*ona annoying the French in every way possible. From his bat- teries on Holderness island he easily threw shells into the town, which have done some little damage. To drive him from the Garita, the French troops were sent to occupy Palos Prietas, and Corona fell back to the Presidio On the 11th instant, however, the Mexicans surrounded the imperialists, drove them from their garrison, captured two guns, and held the works until the French were re-enforced from this city. In this battle, the most severe engagement they have yet had, the French lost 150 killed and wounded; the imperial Mexicans admit their loss to be 300; and it is said that Corona lost 250. After being so roughly handled, Palos Prietas was evacuated by the French, who retired to their fortification at Ma- zatlan. The Continental arrived to-day from Guaymas, bringing some important news from Sonora, which I give as I had it from a passenger : OCCUPATION OF HERMOSILLO. General Pesquiera occupied Hermosillo about the middle of August, where he was enthusiastically received. Colonel Fistier, commanding the French at Guaymas, left that city with his entire force on the 18th ultimo, to join Lan- berg and Tanori, and drive Pesquiera from Hermosillo. The heat was intense, and he lost several men by sun-stroke during the march. On his arrival at Hermosillo, on the 24th, he found that Pesquiera had left the day previous, CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 273 with many wagons loaded with supplies, <&c. Lanberg and Tauori did not care to act in concert with the French, thinking the liberals were too strong to admit of an attack. The entire failure of the expedition from Guaymas, the loss of his men, and care and anxiety had so depressed Colonel Fistier that he put a pistol ball through his head to end his misery and disgrace. Colonel Fistier had been for some time in command of the French troops at Guaymas, and his gentlemanly conduct and conciliatory bearing had won him the esteem of every one. LIBERAL SUCCESSES. — CAPTURE OF URES. About the first of the month, General Martinez, of the liberal forces, marched to attack Ures, which was defended by Generals Lanberg and Tauori, the Yaqui Indians, who have of late been so successful iu their battles. The principal fight took place on the 4th instant, at Guadaloupe, a small town some eight leagues from Ures. It was very severely contested, but ended in the utter defeat and rout of the imperialists. Lanberg was killed, and Ta- uori escaped to Guaymas, where he arrived on the 10th, with about half a dozen men. It is said that when the death of Lanberg was reported to Martinez he discredited it, whereupon a Mexican soon rode up, dragging the body of the unfortunate general with his riata. The body was afterwards hung to a tree and death threatened any person who should cut it down. The same day Mar- tinez moved on to Ures, which was garrisoned by some three hundred men, who, ignorant of the fight at Guadaloupe, gave battle, and were utterly cut to pieces. No quarter was given, and the place was sacked by the soldiers. EVACUATION OF GUAYMAS. On the 11th instant, notice was given that Guaymas would be evacuated on the 13th, and that those of the inhabitants would be taken who chose to go. At the same, time, a fearful picture was drawn of the destruction of life and property that would ensue on the arrival of the liberals. Many of the poor people fled the place, and all of the French merchants took refuge onboard the ships-of-war. On the 13th, the transport Ehin and another vessel sailed, crowded with troops and passengers. Before leaving,- however, the French filled several boats with arms and ammunition for the- Yaqui Indians, telling them that after their departure the city would be at their (the Yaqui's) mercy, and that there was plenty of booty in it for them. The utmost consternation prevailed when the dastardly act was known in the city.. The Americans placed themselves under the orders of Consul Conner, a home- guard was organized, and every precaution taken against surprise. The house of the consul was crowded with people seeking protecHon, and his warerooms were filled with merchandise and personal effects. On the even- ing of the 14th instant the city was illuminated, and on the morning of the 15th nearly half the houses were decorated with American flags. That same day, at 9 o'clock in the morning, General Martinez entered the city with a small body of cavalry — the greater portion of his force having been sent to clean out the Yaqui Indians. Soon after his arrival he took formal possessi m of the Plaza, and issued a proclamation guaranteeing protection in their per- sons and property to all who remained quietly at home, and denouncing iu strong terms the misrepresentations made by the French on their departure. Wonderful to relate, an American man-of-war was in the harbor — the Saranac having that morning arrived. When people were told of it, they would not credit it. "Tell us," said they, "that a man-of-war is here to protect us!" But really, is it not strange, that with all the American interest at stake in So- nora and Sinaloa, and Lower California, we have had no vessels here to look. IS MEX 274 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. out for us ? There are enough on the coast, but the commanders find Panama and Acapulco, where they can get New York and San Francisco papers three times a month, in more need of their presence than we are. "That's what's the matter." EVACUATION OF GUAYMAS. [Enclosure No. 12.] Mazatlan, September 21, 1866. In giving you the news from this place I can only mention one or two occur- rences that I could flatter myself would, in the least degree, interest your numerous readers. First and most important is the evacuation of Guaymas by the French and imperial forces, which took place on the 12th instant, and the place was immediately occupied by the liberal forces. corona's movements. Next on the tapis comes the attack of Corona on the advanced positions of this place which took place on the night of the 11th or morning of the 12th, at 2\ a. m., by Corona advancing at the head of four thousand men to within a •quarter of a mile of Palos Prietas (a fortified palisade, about two miles from the Plaza,) and, under cover of the darkness, throwing about seven hundred men, under command of Colonels Grenados and Martinez, in the rear of the fort, thereby cutting off communication with the town, and at three o'clock a. m. a simultaneous attack Avas made on the rear, side and front of the south wing of the position, which, after three charges, was entered from the rear, Grenados taking one piece of artillery and gaining possession of the imperial magazine. At this critical moment for the small garrison, (commanded by Captain Delatask and composed of one hundred and eighty French and Mexican troops,) Captain Delatask called for volunteers to retake the piece, when Lieu- tenant Maire of the sixty-second French regiment, at the head of forty men, advanced to the charge at the point of the bayonet, and succeeded in reaching the cannon and cutting down those loading it, but he encountered so deadly a fire from all sides that he was compelled to retire ; but as it was life or death to the garrison, he again rallied, and, at the head of twenty-five men, succeeded this time in taking the piece and turning it on the enemy, when two companies from the north side being ordered to en-enforce him, they succeeded in clearing the works and steadily maintained their position, and keeping up a rapid dis- charge of musketry until re-enforcements under Commander Kobiero reached them from the city, (who had to fight their way to the place through the liberal forces there stationed, and did not reach their hotly pressed comrades until after four o'clock a. m.,) when the garrison continued to hold the enemy in check until the battalion of Cazadores and cavalry arrived and a general advance was made, driving the liberals back, and at ten o'clock all was over save random shooting. The utmost bravery is said to have been exhibited by both sides. Captain Delatask is highly spoken of for his coolness and bravery during so trying a time, keeping back by a handful of determined soldiers such a superior force. Lieutenant Maire is now enjoying the praise of all for his daring feats in facing almost certain death for the preservation of the garrison. Colonel Grenados, of the attacking party, is said to have had three horses and a mule killed under him, and several bullets pierced his clothing and beard, but he received no wound — a strange occurrence, as it is said of him he never was in a battle before without receiving from one to a half a dozen. In the advance of the imperial troops in the morning, the cha,?seurs d'Afrique, with their fine Arabians, were drawn into an ambuscade and were roughly hand'ed, losing some very valuable CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 275 horses aud a good many men. Alonzo Ridley, an American, received a com- mission as captain in the imperial service, on the field of battle. AFTER THE BATTLE. The sight which met the eye of the beholder after the fight was horrible beyond description, most of the dead having been killed by the bayonet, sword, or machetas of the contending parties, and gave evidence with what desperation the defence had been made, when only massacre stared them in the face. MISCELLANEOUS. News from Guaymas gives account of the killing of General Langberg of the imperial army. City of Mexico papers announce the death of Frank Mullen, (an ex-officer of the confederate army, and since in command of Contra Guerrillas with Mejia,) at Cordova, of fever. Many are looking forward to the evacuation of this place by the imperialists, but considerable doubt is expressed as to it since the news of President John- son's proclamation in regard to blockading, and it is now thought by many that it will be held until the final evacuation of the country by the French. [Enclosure No. 13.] Consulate of the United States, Guaymas, September 11, 1S66. Sir : I have the honor to inform you that the evacuation of this port and the State of Sonora by the French squadron and land forces will take place on the 14th instant. I have been officially informed of this fact by the admiral in command. The preparations for embarcation which have been going on for a iew days, and the fact of the withdrawal of these forces, have created a panic among the population, both native and foreign, and, in consequence, the steamer which leaves on the 13th for Mazatiau and San Francisco will be crowded be- yond her capacity. The French portion of the community, and Mexicans who have been compromised, or who have given support to the empire, are making every exertion to escape the almost certain retribution which awaits them at the hands of the incoming liberals. The meichauts and respectable families not compromised in these political difficulties, apprehending danger from the lower classes during the interim of the withdrawal of the French troops and the entering of the liberal forces have sought the protection of this consulate, as no one here appeared to be able to suggest or move in a plan to protect the place from rapine or murder. I informed the admiral and the commander of the place that I would communicate the fact and the time of the withdrawal of the troops to General Pesquiera, chief of the liberal forces of the State, in order that he might be ready to take possession immediately, and thereby guarantee order and security. With the approval of these officers I have despatched a messen- ger to General Pesquiera with this information aud with an appeal to his gener- osity in behalf of those who are threatened with ruin, and who are now preparing to flee the country. I trust his answer Avill be conciliatory and humane. The knowledge of the fact of my having communicated with Pesquiera has restored quiet to the place, and many hope yet to be able to remain in their homes. The steamer for San Francisco will leave on the 13th, when I may be able to report the city quiet again in the possession of the officers of the constitutional gov- ernment. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD CONNER. Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington City, D. C. 276 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. No. 91. Mr. Scivard to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, December 8, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 25th ultimo, containing certain documents regarding the late military opera- tions iu the western military division of the Mexican republic, for which be pleased to accept my thanks. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don M. Romero, fyc., Sfc, fyc. No>. 4. MILITARY OPERATIONS OF THE CENTRAL DIVISION. List of Papers. 92. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with one enclosure) .April 24, 1866. 93. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero - - July 7, 1866. 94. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with three enclosures) Aug. 22, 1866. 95. Mr. Hunter to Mr. Romero Aug. 28, 1866. 96. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with one enclosure) Sept. 21, 1866. 97. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Sept. 24, 1866. No. 92. Senor Romero' to Mr. teward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation to the United States of America, Washington, April 24, 1866. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, a copy of a letter from General N. Regules, chief of the army of the centre, dated March 7, in Uruapam, and addressed to the President of the United States of Mexico, showing the state of affairs in the line of his command, and giving some details in relation to his last important victory over the interventionists at Magdalen Heights, in the State of Michoacan. I am pleased to have this opportunity to repeat to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc, §c, fyc. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 277 [Enclosure., 1 Uruapam, March 7, 1S66. Sir : By virtue of instructions from the government, through its commissioner, Don Pablo Haro, I was appointed chief of the republican army of the centre on the 27th day of last February. Feeling myself unqualified to till the position in which I had been placed, without deserving it, I accepted it, only to do my duty to the supreme government My first efforts will be to organize forces and regulate taxes, believing these to be my most important duties at first, because the want of arms is general in the State, and, in fact, all munitions of war are scarce. I believe the task will be hard; but I am determined to begin with the towns in Guanajuato, and in the first and second districts of Mexico; and for that purpose I have applied to many friends in those places who have always been faithful to the cause of lib- erty. I- have urged them to help us, and I think they will, for the greatest crime a republican can commit is to kneel to a feeble tyrant, so easy to be over- turned ; and I told them so. The invitation I made them involves a kind of accusation, but they are good patriots. I am sure that while the enemy's attention is attracted to places already in insurrection, I will be able to hoist the standard of liberty in my district, and maintain a defensive till other States can organize to aid me. The people of Michoacan have suffered immensely; they have not ceased to fight the invader since he first desecrated their soil, using every lawful means. This shows they are not wanting in patriotism, even in their greatest troubles, and, with a little aid, they would soon replant the banner of liberty in the heroic laud: If the government will furnish them with arms and pecuniary resources, this will be accomplished in less than two months, I can assure you. On the 20th of February last my first division and part of the second had an encouuter with the column of the traitor Ramon Meudez, of 2,500 men. The fight occurred on the Magdalen Heights, near this city. Our force was 1,500 men, poorly armed and equipped, and without artillery; while the enemy had all the conveniences of warfare. They lost one cannon, all their ammunition, baggage, a large sum of money, and half of their forces. Our loss also was considerable. I am now hunting our scattered men and picking up the arms, &c, left by the enemy. They took a few prisoners from us, but we captured a large number of their infantry, with good muskets and bayonets. On the 23d of April last I applied to the government for honorary decora- tions for my brave chiefs, officers, and soldiers, who took the town of Godallos, defended by 350 Belgians and 50 traitors. It was not simply on account of the fact of taking the place that I asked the reward of honor, but on account of the peculiar circumstances under which it was done. From the 8th of April to the 11th my forces marched sixty leagues to assault Codallos, at six o'clock in the morning of that clay. We fought six hours and exhausted all the ammu- nition ; not a cartridge was left; but my braves charged bayonet, aud gained a complete victory. The chiefs and officers who fell on that day deserve the attention of the government, and I will send a list of their names to the proper department that they may be remembered. If the government is pleased to accord to my soldiers the reward I ask, I hope you will communicate its orders to me, and accept my sincere gratitude, with protests of respect and consideration. N. DE REGULES. Seiior Don Benito Juarez, President of the United States of Mexico. Washington, April 24, 1S66. A true copy : IGXO. MARISCAL, Secretary. 278 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. No. 93. Mr. Seward to Senor Romero. Department ok State, Washington, July 7, 186G. Sir : I have to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 24th of April last, in which you transmit for the information of the government of the United States copy of a letter addressed to the President of the republic of Mexico by General N. Regules, commanding the army of the centre, with re- gard to certain military affairs in his command, and to beg of you to accept my thanks for the information. I embrace this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most dis- tinguished consideration. Senor Don M. Romero, fyc, fyc, §c. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. No. 94. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, August 22, 1866. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, copies of two letters I received to-day from General Nicolas de Regules, chief of the central army of the republic, dated in San Antonio de las Huertas, the 16th of May last and the 7th of June following, which show the state of affairs on the centra! military division com- manded by General Regules, who has commanded that line, and specially the condition of things in the State of Michoacan. I also enclose you copies of portions of a letter from General Juan Alvarez, chief of the army of the south, dated in Providencia, State of Guerrero, the 29th of June last, containing some news from the army of the centre. I embrace the occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fa, fyc, fye. [Enclosure No. 1.] San Antonio de las Huertas, May 16, 1S66. Dear Sir : I wrote to you on the 3d of last month from this place, acknow- ledging the receipt of your despatches, and informing you of the condition of the army under my command, so that you might use your influence to induce the government of the republic to give me the aid necessary to carry out my plans. As important events have occurred in Michoacan since I wrote you, I will proceed to give you an account of them, hoping you will appreciate them prop- erly, and do your best to have the supplies I need so much sent to me. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 279 As the imperialists knew they would have a powerful enemy to their organi- zation as long as the army of the centre was permitted to exist, though reduced to a skeleton, determined to destroy it at all hazards; they, therefore, sent an expedition of six thousand men against our seven hundred naked, ill armed, and suffering soldiers. They came to the attack in three columns, perfectly organ- ized ; the plan of their campaign could not be better, for they could force me to fio-ht and destroy me, or compel me to fall back upon the State of Guerrero, with my ragged, starving, needy soldiers, where they would certainly perish of famine, as that country is entirely destitute of supplies. But the expedition failed, because the two columns of four thousand French had to go into the interior of the republic on account of defeats in the borders of the States of Jalisco and Guanajuata. Thus deserted, the traitors abandoned the towns they had occupied, and concentrated on a line they thought more easy of defence. My troops did not suffer as much as was expected, because I left the unhealthy situation where I had been camped, and moved to the enemy's rear with the cavalry, and continued to annoy him till my infantry had passed the Balsas river. I was pleased to see my men endure all sorts of hardships patiently, thus showing how patriots can suffer. So here we are again, after a march of one hundred leagues through a sickly and destitute country, and my forces have increased in numbers, thanks to General Alvarez, who gave me arms for them ; and my cavalry have improved, so we are almost ready to march upon the enemy. So you will see, Mr. Minister, I only want arms and means to place the cen- tral army in a respectable condition, and I hope you will try to procure me both. Your very obedient servant, N. DE REGULES. Minister Don Matias Romero, Washington. Washington, August 22, 1866. A true copy : E. D. MACIN, 2d Secretary. [Enclosure No. 2.] San Antonio ue las Huertas, June 7, 1866. Dear Sir : In reply to your two very acceptable letters of the 1st and 29th of April, which 1 only received yesterday, I must inform you that I received your others, with the official despatches, in due time, and answered them, and I hope the answers have reached you by this time. I spoke of my situation and my wants with great frankness in those letters, and begged you to use all your influence in procuring me aid, by writing to the government to give the neces- sary aid to the army of the centre, particularly if the loan has been effected. As I told you, I have continued to labor without ceasing to increase and or-, ganize my forces in spite of the great scarcity of resources with which I have to contend, and the want of arms and ammunition. The imperialists are so demoralized at the report of the withdrawal of the French army, and the certainty of no more aid from abroad, that I have no doubt I could vanquish them; but the interests intrusted to me are so sacred I will not risk it unless I have the elements to insure success. If the government will send me the aid I have asked I will attack at once; but I repeat to you that, even if I do not get it, I will not be discouraged, and will work on faith- 280 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. fully and diligently ; and I trust my delay will not be attributed to any other causes than those I have mentioned. I hope you will continue to favor me with your letters, while I remain your respectful and obedient servant, N. DE RE GULES. Minister Don Matias Romero, Washington. Washington, August 22, 1866. A true copy : F. D. MACIN, Second Secretary of Legation. [Enclosure No. 3. ] La Providencia, June 29, 1866. Sir : General Diaz has left this place with eight hundred men from this state for Ohantla, a town in the state of Puebla, occupied by a band of traitors. I will write you the result of the expedition by the next mail. General Kegules remains at San Antonio de las Huertas reorganizing and col- lecting supplies to continue the campaign in Michoacan. I enclose you two papers which he requested me to send you. I remain your obedient servant, JUAN ALVAREZ. Mr. Matias Romero. Washington, August 22, 1866. A true copy : F. D. MAC IN, Second Secretary of Legation. No. 95. Mr. Hunter to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, August 28, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 22d instant, containing copy of two letters addressed to you by General Don Nicolas de Regules, and of portions of letters addressed to you by General Don Juan Alvarez, on tbe subject of the military affairs of the republic of Mexico, for which be pleased to accept my thanks. I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. W. HUNTER. Seiior Don M. Romero, fyc, fyc, fyc. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 281 [No. 96.] SeJior Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, September 21, ]SC6. Mr. Secretary ad interim : I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States?, a copy of a letter I re- ceived to-day from General Nicolas Regales, chief of the army of the ceutre of the Mexican republic, dated in the city of Zitacuaro the 12rh of July last, giving particulars of the state of affairs in the part of the country occupied by the army of the centre. I am pleased to have this occasion to renew to you, sir, the assurances of my distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. Frederick W. Seward, fyc, Sfc, fyc. [Enclosure.] Zitacuaro, July 12, 1866. Much Esteemed Sir : I hereby acknowledge the receipt of the documents, relating to the withdrawal of the French from Mexican territory, which you had the kindness to send me with your circular of the 26th of April last. You cannot imagine my satisfaction at learning that the United States had favored us with their protection, without any solicitation on our part, and that now we have no fear of a difficulty with that neighboring nation, ou that account. I am particularly pleased with this act of our government, because we are exempt from all blame and must appear worthy before the world. 1 commend you for your participation in the act, and heartily congratulate you on it ; and I hope you will make my sentiments in regard to it known to the government. As I presume you have received my former letters and documen:s, mention- ing my movements, I will confine myself in this to the most recent events in the army under my command. 1 remained in San Antonio de las Huertas more than a month, organizing and drilling the forces that form the basis of the army corps under my command ; but as it was very sickly there, and the supplies were nearly exhausted, I de- termined to make a raid upon this place, from the good accounts I had of it. I effected this on the 1st instant, without opposition, the enemy having evacuated it on my approach, and fallen back to Anganguco and Maravatio. As my force and ammunition are not sufficient to allow me to attack the two places, I remain here. The neighboring towns are armed, and are determined to defend themselves, even if 1 have them. Cavalry companies are organizing in the districts of Tacambaro and Ario, and are busy annoying the enemy. The district of Apatzigan, once not very friendly, lias now arisen in our favor. This change has been made by the good conduct of the new chief I sent there, assisted by the death of Julian Espinoza, the head traitor, who was killed in fight at Tancitaro. There are more than two hundred cavalry, and one hundred infantry arming in Quiroga; and, in fact, they are striving for independence in every part of the State. 282 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. I also take pleasure in informing you that the States of Jalisco, Guanajuato and Toluca are daily increasing the number of defenders of independence. I heard yesterday that a movement was making against the invader in Tenon- cingo and other places under my protection, and that some imperialists took part in it. Encouraged by these proceedings, I only wait till my forces are organized and equipped to commence an expedition, the result of which I will make known to you, whenever it occurs. From what I have already written you, the trouble I have had in organizing my forces must be known to you ; and now I only ask you to do what you can to assist me. In the mean time I remain your friend and obedient servant, N. DE REGULES. Minister Matias Romero. "Washington, September 21, 1S66. A true copy : IGNACIO MARISCAL, Secretary. [No. 97.] Mr. Seward to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, September 24, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 21st instant, transmitting a copy of a letter received by you on the 20th from the chief of the army of the centre of the Mexican republic, in relation to the situa- tion of affairs in the part of the country occupied by that army. While thanking you for the information thus communicated, I avail myself of the opportunity to tender to you, sir, a renewed assurance of my high conside- ration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Seiior Matias Romero, fyc, fyc, fyc. No. 5. MILITARY OPERATIONS OF THE EASTERN DIVISION. List of papers. 98. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with eight enclosures) June 10, 1866. 99. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 7, 1 866. 100. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with seven enclosures) 3\\\y 13, 1866. 101. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 19, 1S66. 102. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with six enclosures) Oct, 6, 1866. 103. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Oct. 12, 1866. 104. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with five enclosures) Oct. 21, 1S66. 105. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Dec. 26, 1866. 106. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with eight enclosures) Nov. 20, 1S66. 107. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Nov. 30, 1 866. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 283 No. 98. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, June 10, 1866. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, copies of documents specified in the an- nexed index, showing the condition of affairs at latest dates in the oriental mili- tary division of the Mexican republic. I accept the opportunity to repeat to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. EOMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, Sfc., fyc, fyc. Index of documents sent by the Mexican legation in Washington to the Depart- ment of State of the United States, with the note of this date, in relation to occurences on the oriental line. No. Date. 1 1866. May 16 2 May 16 3 May 15 4 May 15 5 May 15 6 May 15 7 May 15 Address. Contents. General Garcia to Mr. Romero General Garcia to the President General Garcia to the minister of war. General Garcia to the minister of war. General Garcia to the minister of war. General Garcia to the minister of war. General Garcia to the minister of war. Transmitting correspondence to be forwarded. A statement of recent events on the eastern line. Saying' the line south of Vera Cruz was invaded on the 24th of March last, and explaining- the situation of affairs. Official report of the victory at To- nala, in the State of Tobasco. Official report of the victory of Say- altepec, by General Figueroa. Official report of General Diaz on the victory of Janultepec. News of General Diaz's victory at Putla, in the State of Oaxaca. Washington, June 10, 1866. IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 1.] Amatlan, May 16, 1S66. Sir : I received lately, after much delay, the duplicate of yours of the 3d of January last, which now needs no answer, and your acceptable letter of the 9lh of April last. Our friend General Baranda must have shown you my letter of the 2d instant, reporting the state of affairs here, and by the one I send to-day for the Presi- 284 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. dent, which you will please forward to him when you have read it, you will he informed of the present condition of our affairs, which is not so bad as might be. I am glad to hear that things are going on well in your region. Your most obedient and attentive servant, ALEJANDRO GARCIA. Don Matias Romero, fyc, fyc, fyc. Washington, June, 1S66. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 2. ] Amatlan, May 15, 1S66. Sir : My fears, so often expressed to you, have been realized. As you will see in my official note of to-day to the minister of war, this coast was invaded after the 24th of March last, and from that time till now I have had to contend with a thousand difficulties in its defence. I have needed forces ; I have been in want of arms, because I could get them at no price here, and our minister in Washington could not send me any, though often requested; and so I have not been able to escape from the false position in which I am placed. Fortunately the enemy has committed errors, and was compelled to disband the forces brought to Tlicotalpam. Thanks to the patriotism of the inhabitants, to the bravery of my chiefs and soldiers, to our constant efforts in overcoming obstacles, our present position is not bad, and I have good hopes that the na- tional arms will once more triumph in this line, if fortune does not desert us hereafter. The enemy has the advantage over us in cannons and other elements of war, as long as he remains on a plain bounded by a large river; but it cannot be said that his situation is excellent, because the courage of our soldiers makes up for want of munitions, and we have absolutely penned the enemy in the town of Tlacotalpam, where he has to hide in his trenches. All the inhabitants have gone to the surrounding towns and villages, so the enemy has nobudy to govern there. All the approaches have been cut off by land or water ; and as the water of the river in front of the town is salt, they have to drink that or the dirty well-water. Steamers cannot come down the river, for our forces attack them from the banks. We have forces on the road from Tlacotalpam to Alvarado, that fire on every boat that passes on the river, so none but war steamers can now go up or down. On the banks of the river opposite Tlacotalpam we have forces to annoy the enemy with cannons and rifles; and on the west of the town, where our encampment is situated, we harrass the enemy seriously. I assure you we give him no time to sleep or rest, and I am told he is becoming desperate. Mariano Camacho is at the head of the hostile forces in Tlacotalpam, resisting all these annoyances. It seems he is determined to hold out to the last and perish under the ruins of the city. It is now rumored he will soon receive orders to withdraw, and I think he will have to give up at any rate, even if the rainy season, now beginning, does not compel us to quit the low grounds we now occupy. Fortunately on other parts of the ine we are doing well. Peace prevails in Tabasco and Chiapas despite the reports of an invasion from Yucatan. There is no probability of it now, however, and you will see by my report of to-day to the minister of war that our forces, on the 17th ultimo, recovered the district of Tonala from the imperialists. You will also see an account of the late vie- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 285 tories of General Diaz and Figueroa, at Mexteca and Sayalpec ; these, think, will induce the evacuation of Tlacotalpam. I have no time for more, but remain yours truly, ALEJANDRO GARCIA. Senor Don Benito Juarez, President of the Mexican Republic. Washington, June — , 1865. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 3.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — HEADQUARTERS OF THE EASTERN LINE. On the 24th of March last, after many rumors of invasion in the line south of Vera Cruz, said to be formidable aud commanded by General Count Thun, four large and one small French steamers appeared befored Tlacotalpam, and a force of infantry and artillery came from Omealca, the number of which I could not ascertain at the time. I have never had enough forces to resist an invasion, and have constantly been in need of arms. This was well known to the government, for I applied to the President of the republic frequently, since May of last year, to send me arms, as I could not get them here. So fearing to be overpowered by the enemy, and hemmed in, as I was, on the left bank of the Papaloapam by steamers and laud forces, I determined to cross the river, which I did on the 25th of March, with all the forces 1 had scattered about Estanguela, Cosanialoa- pam and Tlacotalpam. This was fortunate, as the enemy's land forces reached Cosamaloapam on the 26th, and steamers began to ply on the river below Tlaco- talpam ; and if we had not crossed when we did we could not have crossed after- wards. I formed a line of defence on the right bank of the Papaloapam, from Cha- caltianguiz to Santiago Tuxtla ; one column of infantry on the right, and one at San Nicolas, as a central point ; another as a reserve in Nopalapam, with the cavalry in front, ready for any movement of the enemy if he should pursue me in my retreat. The forces of Acayucam and Minatitlan remained in their cantons, to prevent an incursion of the enemy on that side, and those to the north of this coast re- mained in their positions to defend us from a flank movement. My line of defence thus established, I set to work, making use of every mode of defence. Fifteen days passed and the enemy did not appear. Learn- ing that he had only 1,200 men in Tlacotalpam, and that a number of them had been sent to Vera Cruz, I recrossed the Papaloapam and fixed my headquarters in this town, extending my forces from San Geronimo to Cosamaloapam, and began to harass the enemy, now fortified in Tlacotalpam. I next moved my camp to a place two leagues to the west of that city, out of the reach of the gunboats that might come up the river to bombard it. All my forces are now in this camp, except those of Cocinte, Minatitlan and Acayucam ; and we constantly annoy them in the town. Now the enemy is confined to the town limits. I wish to force an evacuation of the place, without risking an assault, as four steamers are anchored in front of the town to defend it. But if the rainy season comes on, and the enemy has not left the town, I shall be compelled to attack it, as it is the only place the water docs not cover during the rains ; and as all the inhabitants have left, I must retake it and let them return to their homes. 286 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. It is scarcely necessary to tell you I have not the elements for a war of this kind, because you know it already ; but fate has placed me here and I must as- sume the responsibility. If I fail it will not be by my fault, for I have asked aid of the government more than once. But fortune must favor the patriotism, the self-denial, and bravery of the loyal Mexicans I have under my command. Independence and liberty ! Headquarters in Amatlan, May 15, I860. ALEJANDRO GARCIA) The Minister of War, at El Paso del Norte. Washington, June 10, 1866. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 4.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — HEADQUARTERS OF THE EASTERN LINE. Citizen Minister : On the 17th of last month the governor and military commander of the State of Tabasco wrote me as follows : "It is four o'clock in the afternoon, and the garrison of Tonata has sur- rendered at discretion after an obstinate contest, with a guarantee of life and liberty. Unfortunately the victory was not gained without a struggle ; we lost several men and officers. I will report the number of killed and wounded as soon as it can be ascertained. In granting life and liberty to the enemy, I think I have acted in accordance with Mexican clemency and generosity, but if there is anything else against me, I am ready to repel the charges. I have the honor to rejoice with you over this victory, which gives us an important place, with its artillery, arms, munitions and other necessaries. Accept the assurance of my appreciation and respect." I have the honor to transmit this communication for the information of the President of the republic, felicitating him upon this new honor to the valiant sons of Tabasco, whom I have already ordered to be thanked, in the name of the supreme government, for this brilliant feat of arms. Independence and liberty ! Amatlan, May 15, 1866. ALEJANDRO GARCIA. The Minister of War. A true copy : Washington, June 10, 1866. IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 5.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC-— HEADQUARTERS OF THE EASTERN LINE. Citizen Ministeu : Citizen General Luis P. Figueroa writes me from Say- altepec, April 27, as follows : " Long live the republic ! Twelve hundred Austrians and traitors, with two four-pound rifled cannons and three twelve-pound mountain howitzers, came within my lines as far as Sayaltepec on the 30th of March last. After a severe battle of six hours they were defeated, and they retreated to Tocatlan, where they were harassed by our troops till re-enforcements joined them with muni- tions. On the 23d they attacked us again, but had to retreat with many killed, wounded, and missing, as in the battle of the 30th. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. ^287 " They returned on the 25th, marched out their best troops, and offered battle. They were again repulsed after cannonading us for five hours. On this occa- sion, as on the others, their loss was considerable. "We collected ninety rifles, ten muskets, three cornets ; sixty killed, fifteen prisoners, and nine wounded. Oar loss was slight." I transmit this communication to you for the information of the President of the republic. Independence and liberty ! Headquarters in Amatlan, May 15, 1866. ALEJANDRO GARCIA. The Citizen Minister of War, Paso del Norte. Washington, June 10, 1866. A true copy : IGNO. MAR1SCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 6. ] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — HEADQUARTERS OF THE EASTERN LINE. Citizen Minister: General Porfirio Diaz, chief of this line, under date of the 30th of April last, writes me as follows : " I have the honor to inform you that, on my arrival at Jamiltepec, the enemy, to the number of more than seven hundred men, with two pieces of ar- tillery, having heard of my coming, left the place. I immediately ordered Gen- eral Leyva in pursuit, and, although he did not succeed in overtaking him, he collected more than four hundred arms and much ammunition. I also ordered the prefect of Jamiltepec to gather up whatever the enemy had left aloiur the road." & I transmit this communication to you for the information of the President of the republic. Independence and liberty ! Amatlan, May 15, 1866. ALEJANDRO GARCIA. The Citizen Minister of War. A true copy : Washington, June 10, 1S66. IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 7.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — HEADQUARTERS OF THE EASTERN LINE. Citizen Minister : General Luis P. Figueroa, in a private letter of the 28th of April last, writes me as follows : " Since my last letter of this date, in relation to General Porflrio Diaz, I have seen another, dated the 14th instant, in Putla, the tenor of which is as follows : 'Putla, April 14, 1866. « As I said, I began my operations in Mistecas. To-day I took possession of Putla, surprising (he enemy, who made no resistance The Spaniard Ceballos was at the head of the forces on a hill. I ordered a part of my cavalry to at- tack them, which was done, routing them completely, and pursuing them till dark. We took seventy rifles, twenty -one muskets, thirty lances, and forty 288 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. horses with saddles from the enemy. He had seventeen killed and lost twenty- three prisoners. As I have no time, you will please forward this to General Garcia.' " I send you this for the purpose above mentioned." I have the honor to make the above communication to you for the information of the government, which will no doubt be pleased to hear of the progress of General Diaz, whom the enemy has so often destroyed. Independence and liberty ! Headquarters in Amallan, May 15, 1866. ALEJANDRO GARCIA. The Citizen Minister of War, Paso del Norte. Washington, June 10, 1S66. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. No. 99. Mr. Seward to SeTwr Romero. Department of State, Washington, July 7, 1866. SlR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 10th ultimo, transmitting, for the information of the government of the United States, certain information with regard to affairs on the oriental line of the Mexican republic, for which be pleased to accept my thanks. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Seiior Don Matias Romero, fyc, fyc, fyc No. 100. Se/ior Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, July 13, 1866. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, the copy of a letter I received from Gen- eral Diaz, chief of the oriental line of the Mexican republic, dated at Tlapa the 9th of May last, informing me of the military operations of the forces under his command in the State of Oaxaca, together with the copy of a communication dated the 15th of June last, and addressed by General Garcia, second in command on the same line, from Amatlan, to the minister of war and marine of the Mexican republic, informing him of the movements recently taken place on the southern coast of the State of Vera Cruz, and chiefly in front of Tlacotalpam, now held by the French. I also enclose the two reports to which the said communication refers. I am pleased to have this occasion of renewing to you, Mr. Secretary, the as- surances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc., fyc, fyc. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 289 [Enclosure No. I.] Tlapa, May 9, 1866. Much Esteemed Friend: Your letters of the 22d of February and 23d of March last have just reached me, and inform me of the good aspect of our affairs in that country. They also tell me of your inability, up to the latest dates, to raise the means I so much need to effectual service. I wish to quit the skirm- ishing in which I am engaged as a pastime, but to operate on a great scale requires money; for without it, the men I can raise are of no service. I have also- received the government orders making me commander-in-chief of the eastern line, a proof of confidence I will remember with pleasure. I cannot say much about our situation here. When orders reached me I could have crossed to the other side of the State (Oaxaca,) but as the enemy has only one point to watch, he could bring all his forces upon me, and as skirmishing did some good, I determined to remain here to wait for supplies, so that I could cross over with some advantage. So if the enemy attempts to move, we can threaten him and hold him in check. There is another reason : I could have more resources and elements of war in those towns, but the men are not so fit for service; being further south, they wish to fight in their own sectious. As the resourses are on that side, and the men on this, it is best to divide them. If I can do it, I will take men from Mixteca, the valley of Puebla, and Tlaxcaia, who are disposed and can place confidence in me. If I cannot get means from you, Garcia, or elsewhere, I shall have to give up my plans and cross the State and do the best I can. I will give you some brief details of my late operations. After my return to- the coast from Mixteca, which I did in good order, though the enemy followed me closely, I changed my base of operations. One column followed me from' Mixteca, and learning that another was coming from Sola and Juquila, I hur- ried and reached Pinotepa before them. There I stopped till both columns- united, and then I went to Lo de Loto, where I waited for the enemy till the 25th of February. He succeeded in scattering my advance, and not one man got back to camp, and the first thing I knew the enemy was in front of me. I effected a retreat, moviug to Ometepec and leaving my cavalry under the com- mand of General Leysoa, with orders to cover our march. That incident inter- rupted my plans. The enemy's cavalry attacked us twice and were repulsed both times. I lost one officer, Manuel Alberto, in the skirmish, killed three of the enemy, wounded many, and took one prisoner. I got some supplies in Ometepec and marched hurriedly to Janieltepec. The enemy was surprised to hear I was a day's journey in a direction different from what he thought. I suddenly countermarched towards his base of operations, and attacked him with such success we captured 232 muskets and some ammu- nition. On the 14th of April I marched to Putla with a small force and routed a de- tachment of 200 men. On the 25th I gathered all the enemy left, secured trans- portation for the booty, and went on the next day to Tlajiaco. The garrisons of that place, Tastlahuaca, and Huajuapaua, had gone to Teposcohila. I ad- vanced to Tolomecal, which the enemy had left for Tantuezlan. They heard of my movements in Oaxaca, and the enemy was re-enforced. I then counter- marched to Tlajiaco, to surprise the Austrian garrison, but it had retired and joined the main body of the army. My movement upon Tlajiaco produced the good effect of calling the enemy's attention in that direction, supposing I was going to attack in force, and General Leysoa reached his place of destination in safety. I think to remain here some days to rest my troops and equip others with the arms I took from the enemy, and do other things which I need not mention. 19 Mex 290 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. My great trouble is want of means. I am invited by all the towns, that offer me men and the arms the empire has furnished them, but I have no money to pay them, and I prefer the small force I have. If I had means I could enlarge my force and rnarch where there are wealthy traitors, and make them pay the expenses of this war. My expenses are small; my soldiers only get twelve cents a day, and often less, and the officers serve without pay. Some advise me to levy forced loans upon the towns, but I do not think it best ; extortion is contrary to my nature, Avhatever Forey may say to the contrary. I have had the last government decrees published. The first, prolonging the presidency, was very favorably received. I have not mentioned this to you be- fore, because I considered it my duty to obey or resign. The plan seems to me not only the best, but the only one to be adopted. The decree for the prosecution of General Ortega and other officers like him is in accordance with the rules and practices of the army I believe in the rigor ■of martial law, and I think the government has done exactly right. I beg you will continue your favors, while I remain your friend and servant PORFIRIO DIAZ. Seiior Don Mateo Romero, WasJiington. Washington, July 13, 1S66. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 2.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — HEADQUARTERS OF THE EASTERN LINE — SECOND GEN- ERAL-IN-CHIEF. Amatlan, June 15, 1S66. .The certified copies of the reports of the chief advancing on Tlacotalpam, which I enclose to your department, will inform you of the principal movements against the enemy holding that place taken place since my last communication, in which I informed you of its occupation by the imperial forces and five French war vessels, and of our encampment at Mototepec, only two leagues from that •city, where our forces now are and will remain some time. You will see by the last report that our camp has been moved from Mototepec because the enemy was re-enforced in Tlacotalpam, and their gunboats prevent us from attacking the place. They bombarded us on the 6th, and destroyed a number of houses, doing much damage to the inhabitants. Another reason for our move is, the rainy season has begun, and the marsh- lands of Tlacotalpam are not healthy, and we were compelled to go to some higher region till the rainy season is over. After a rest in a more healthy iregion we may attaek the enemy with more courage, and perhaps succeed in driving him from Tlacotalpam, the only place he has been allowed to hold in ;the line of my command. I communicate this for the information of the President of the republic. ALEJANDRO GARCIA. The Minister of War and Marine. Washington, July 13, 1S66. A .true copy .: IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 291 [Enclosure No. 3.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — ADVANCED SECTION ON TLACOTALPAM — COLONEL-1N- CH1EF. Citizen General : Yesterday morning, at eight o'clock, the enemy, to the number of two hundred infantry and cavalry, sallied out of the city upon our advance, trying to surprise Commander Eulalio Vela, who was in ambush to watch the enemy hunting cattle. The consequence was a conflict which resulted in our favor, though Commander Vela had but one hundred men of both kinds. The enemy fled in haste, leaving their dead in our hands. When the skirmish began I moved with a column to threaten Fort Hornos. The enemy came out, but soon retreated with the loss of three men and four horses. Commander Vela, whose bravery on this occasion corresponded with his reputation, received three bullet wounds, but did not leave the field till the enemy was driven back to his trenches. Lieutenant Lili was also wounded on an occasion that makes him worthy of recommendation. We had but two of our men killed, while the enemy paid dearly for his audacity. As soon as I heard Commander Vela was wounded, I sent Colonel Pablo Diaz to his aid. We buried sis of the enemy found killed in the camp he had deserted. We also got three horses, fourteen percussion rifles, one sabre, harness, and some very bad provisions. We released two prisoners that had been forced into the ene- my's ranks. We learned from spies that the enemy had sixteen wounded. On this occasion the gunboats could be of no service to the land forces because they were too far off, and the French marines despise the land forces and show contempt for them. This I communicate to you for your information, congratulating you on the happy event that once more proves the valor and resolution of our troops. Independence and liberty ! Camp near Tlacotalpam, May 25, 1866. FRANCISCO CARREON. The Second Ceneral-in Chief of the Eastern Line, at Amatlan. I certify to the above copy Amatlan, June 15, 1866. J. A. RUIZ, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 4.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — HEADQUARTERS OP THE EASTERN LINE — SECOND GEN- ERAL-IN-CHIEF. Citizen Minister : Colonel Francisco Carreon, chief of the advance on Tlacotalpam, reported to me yesterday from the vicinity of that city as follows : "Citizen General: Having fixed upon a plan with Lieutenant Colonel Diaz y Lagos to attack the enemy in his lines, that officer marched with his section at daybreak along the river and began the battle. He was received with artillery and musketry, yet his brave men charged with the shout of viva la republica, and drove the enemy from his trenches. The rangers then made an attack on the other side and succeeded in the object of their attack. Colonel Diaz y L^igos, having effected his design, retired without being molested. That brave officer and his valiant subordinates have demonstrated the true courage of the soldiers on the eastern line. When the firing had ceased in the direction of Ribera I attacked Fort Hornos with equal success. Lieutenant Colonel Ariza 292 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN' MEXICO. at the head of a column composed of the second Zaragoza battalion and the Gosamaloapan, charged bayonets upon the eueiny. who, however, held his posi- tion for a short time, and then suddenly fled to the city. •• Daring these skirmishes there were many personal fights of great honor to the republican soldiers. I then came to Lieutenant Colonel Ariza's aid with my Acayucam company, to drive the haughty imperialists from the heights, whence they kept up a continued fire. The fight continued vigorously, and many houses along the river caught fire and were consumed. While our men v.cre winning fadeless laurels I sent a company to the other side of the town and it accomplished what I wanted. "At five in the afternoon I returned to my camp, after destroying fort Homos. My losses are detailed in annex Xo. 1. •• I cannot say what was the enemy's loss, but we buried eleven bodies, and from traces of blood many wouuded must have been carried off. •• All my officers and men did their duty, but I must particularize the brave conduct of Captain Jose Maria Iglesias. with Ariza's forces, who tell bravely with sword in hand. He had the tribute of funeral honors, as mentioned in 2 and 3. The gallant conduct of Lieutenant Colonels Ariza and Diaz, as well as that of the ranger commanders and other officers, commend them to the gratitude of the nation." I communicate the above, with great respect, for your int'orination, and in just eulogy to Colonel Carreon and the brave Mexicans who fought with him at Tlacotalpam, in defence of national independence. The body of Captain Iglesias was buried to-day, with due honors, in the prin- cipal chinch, where the shade of his glorious memory will ever repose. The Tnxtla national guards joined in the fight, aud did good service on the opposite side of the river. I have not yet had the report of its colonel, Lar- ranaga. Honor and glory to the brave Mexicans who have on this occasion sacrificed themselves for their country. Independence and libertv ! Amatlan. June 3, 1S66. ALEJANDRO GARCIA. The Military Commander of Amatlan, June 15, 1866. A certified copy : J, A. RUIZ, Secretary. [Enclosure Xo. 5. J MEXICAN REPUBLIC FORCES NEAR TLACOTALPAM COLON EL-IX-CHIEF. Citizen General : Last night I heard the enemy had formed a new line of fortifications not far from the first, and I immediately determined to drive him out of them. So, with Colonel Diaz Lagos aud Captain Jimenez. I took a position on the Casemate road, leaving a small force to protect the camp aud baggage. At daylight Captain Jimenez attacked Puente Garcia, and was met bv the enemy's artillery and rifles. Colonel Diaz then came up, and drove the enemv back into the town. Xext, Captain Lauro C'audiani, Lieutenant Albino R eves, and Prudencio Martinez, surrounded the town. I theu sent out two companies of rangers, under Perez and Eohoso, to attack Teran. Captain Alonzo also came up with his cavalry. All these forces charged the enemy at once, and drove him back some distance. As the enemy's cannonade was continuous, I sent Captain Bossa out with one company of the Zaragoza battalion to take then; guns, while Colonel Ariza was to command all our forces. My right wing CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 1 [ . was well protected bv cavalry, and my left was sustained by Lieutenant Zamndio and Barreiro, wi"h a Minatitlan company. I s: iti my line of r - arv in the main road, and took a position with ray own men at Horn -. rhis was sei : :-ely effected when a brisk fire began on both sides. One of the French steamers then besan to bombard the town ; many houses were knocked down, and the thatched ones were bnrned. The spectacle at this moment was sad and im- posing ; the bells of St. Michael's church, occupied by our soldiers, ringing strangely in contrast with the sight of burning houses The enemy had now retreated to their last iutrenchments, and the object of our attack being gained, I ordered our forces to beat a retreat. Our losses are detailed in Xo. 1. Ribera street, and the streets around St. Michael's church, were strewn with dead bodies of the en All the troops of this section behaved gallantly, so I can give no special recommendations : but to comply with my duty, I must make honorable men- tion of the second company of active rangers, commanded by Captain Candiani, and of the Zaragoza battalion, under Captain Rohoso. I have the honor to communicate this to you, with the greatest respc::. Independence and libertv ! Camp near Tiacotalpam, June 6, 1S66. FRANCISCO CARREOX. The General Second in Chief of the Eastern Line, at Amatlan. Amatlan, June 15, 1S66. A certified copy : J. A. RUIZ, Secretary. [Enclosure No 6.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — EASTERN LINE INFANTRY SECTION. After reconnoitring Tiacotalpam on the 9th, wishing to drive the enemy out, I moved a part of my forces yesterday, with a column of cavalry under Colonel Gomez, upon that city, forming two columns of infantry under Lieutenant Col- onels Diaz, Lagos, and Ariza. My schemes were frustrated ; for the enemy retreated as soon as our forces appeared, and burned all the houses behind him. He did this to discover our number, for it was not yet day. The imperialists took refuge in their limited fortifications, and on board the four French war steamers, that instantly opened fire upon us. It did not frighten our soldiers, for they advanced almost to the parapets of the forts. At four o'clock in the morning, while this was going on, several of the enemy's soldiers came over to our side. My sole object was to draw the enemy out of his trenches to an open fiel I fight ; but failing in that. I ordered the retreat of the attacking columns a: six in the morning, by the national road, in sight of the enemy on land and »n She boats. Knowing the enemv in the town depended on his large artillery and the steam- ers moored in the river, and had not the courage to come out. I continued to an- noy him : and this I will continue, informing you of the result. Independence and libertv ! Camp in Mototepec, Mav 15. 1S66. * F. CARREOX. The General Second Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Line. "Washington, July 13. 15 A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. 294 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 7.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — ADVANCED SECTION, x\ r EAR TLACOTALPAM. At eleven at night my forces were in front of Tlacotalpam, about to begin the attack, when the gunboats opened upon us, and we were compelled to retire. They are now on the surrounding heights, determined to annoy the garrison as long as possible. Independence and liberty ! Camp at Aniates, May 29, 1866. F. CARREON. The General Second in Ccief of the Eastern Line. Washington, July 13, 1866. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. No. 101. Mr. Seward to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, July 19, 1S66. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 13th instant, containing a copy of a letter addressed to you by General Diaz ; also of one addressed by General Garcia to the minister of war of Mex- ico, both on the subject of some military operations; for the information con- tained in which please accept my thanks. I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you the assurances of my dis- tinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don M. Romero, fyc., Sfc, Sfc. No. 102. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, October §, 1866. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, the documents specified in the accom panying index, which reached me to-day, giving an account of recent events in the eastern military division of the Mexican republic, the principal of which is the occupation of Tlacotalpam, in the State of Vera Cruz, by the forces of General Garcia. I take the occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, Sfc, fyc, Sfc. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 295 Index of documents sent by the Mexican legation in Washington to the De- partment of State of the United States, with the note of this date, in rela- tion to events that have occurred on the eastern line. No. Date. Contents. 1866. 1 July 28 Letter of General Diaz to Mr. Romero, giving an account of his last op- erations in the State ot Oaxaca. 2 Sept. 20 Letter of General Garcia to Mr. Romero, enclosing the following docu- ments : 3 Sept. 20 Letter from the same general to President Juarez, informing him of late events in the line of his command. 4 July 30 Official despatch from General Garcia to the minister of war, in Chihuahua, communicating the capture of Alvarado. 5 Sept. 8 Official despatch of General Garcia to the same department, on the occu- pation of Tlaeotalpam. 6 Aug. 31 Proclamation of Colonel Teran, second in command on the line south of Vera Cruz, to the inhabitants of the State. Washington, October 6, 1866. IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 1.] Huamuxtitlan, July 28, 1866. Much Esteemed Friend : Your letters of the 10th and l?th of June reached me at the same time. After my letter from Quetzala, to which you refer, I wrote to you from Jamiltepec, informing you of my occupation of that place and of the advantage I gained over the enemy in pursuing him towards Oaxaca. I wrote you from Putla, on my arrival there, where I surprised and routed 200 of the enemy. Four days afterwards I informed you of my march to Tlapaco, my entry into that city, pursuit of the garrison, and my sudden return here. The most important event I mentioned to you was the complete rout of an Austrian column in the sierra, going south, by Figueroa. I have made no de- tailed official report of this to the supreme government, because the mails ven- ture to carry only the smallest papers, and what I received I transmitted to you. I did not send an official despatch, because I had not received one, and I think ■it unnecessary now, after so long a time. I have already informed you of what Figueroa wrote me, and, though you may have received my letter, I will repeat the most interesting. On the battle-field at Soejaltepec we buried 96 dead bodies of Austrians. From there to Fejuacan we saw many dead, but the woods was so dense we could not count them. It was not Figueroa's soldiers, but the inhabitants, who pursued them and fought them in ambush, thus annoying them all along the road. The people even set fire to their houses, so as to deprive the enemy of all shelter. The most heroic of these were the inhabitants uf Soejaltepec, Ix- catlan, and Ojitlan. As to my future operations, they will be where there is most profit. It is 296 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. hazardous to give you information now, on account of the insecurity of the roads ; but I can assure you everything is going on much to my satisfaction. Your friend and servant, PORFIRIO DIAZ. Minister Senor Don Matias Romero, Washington. Washington, October 6, 1866. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 2."] Tlacotalpam, September 20, 1866. Dear Sir and Friend : ***** * It gave me much pleasure to learn, from your letter of the 22d June, that Santa Anna had failed in his secret intentions against this country. I have since received copies of the correspondence between the government, you, and him, by Avay of Vera Cruz, and had it published immediately. Things have changed here wonderfully. We have reconquered this city, thanks to the valor and patriotism of the loyal Mexicans who are with me to make war on the enemy on this coast, as you will see by the correspondence I send you for transmission to the government, which I hope you will do after you read it. The enemy has no place of refuge in this part of the country now but Alvarado, which is only kept by the gunboats ; but the garrison is small, and it dreads an attack from us ; and this we will do as soon as the health of our men permits if the enemy does not evacuate the place soon, which it is said he will do very soon. Your very obedient servant, ALEJANDRO GARCIA. Minister Sefior Don Matias Romero, Washington. A true copy Washington, October 7, 1866. IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretanj. [Enclosure No. 3 ] Tlacotalpam, September 20, 1866. Dear Sir : When I frankly told you in one of my former communications of the desperate state of affairs in the line of my command, on account of the en- emy's invasion in March last, and of other disturbances north and south of it, I assured you that, notwithstanding our want of arms, we would not falter a mo- ment in the national defence, neither I nor any of the patriots who accompany me on the campaign, with so much abnegation and suffering; and now I have the satisfaction to inform you that the aspect of affairs has completely changed, thanks to the prodigious efforts of the good Mexicans who have saved the situ- ation in this part of the country. The invaders well knew that the possession of this city, the natural key to the region watered by the Papaloapam, San Juan and Tereschoacan, with their many tributaries, was a matter of life or death with them ; and they collected all their troops and elements of defence at this point, and their allies, the French, brought up their war steamers to defend them. For this reason it attracted our particular attention, and we determined to make it the object of our attack. On the 10th of August, taking advantage of the absence of the steamers, we CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. ' 297 attacked tbe place formally, the detailed report of which I send to the War Department and to General Diaz. As yon will see by the document, though we could not get possession of the city that day, we frightened the enemy and convinced him that he could not resist another attack from us, and when we prepared to make it the city was surrendered on the 10th of August, as you will see by the despatch which I also send this day to the War Department, and which I have already sent to General Diaz. By the occupation of this place the enemy is free from this coast, and, judg- ing from the condition of the so-called empire, I do not think he will be able to recover it very soon. While in the city, General Ignacio A. Alatorre, who escaped from the French in the city of Mexico, where be was held prisoner, presented himself to me, and I was glad to appoint him again chief of the northern part of the State, where he had formerly rendered such important services, and where he has already started with a small force, arms, munitions and money, which I furnished him for the expedition. I expect he will do much good, for General Alatorre is a chief justly famous on that line. I hear the imperialists have suffered some damage in Zacapoastla, and Tezirytlan. There is no news from Chiapas ; tbe organization of forces is complete there. It is the same in Tabasco, for the French vessels do not call there, and their garrison in Jonuta is of no use to them ; on the contrary, the soldiers are deserting, and these deserters furnish us with arms and amunition in that region. General Diaz wrote to me from Chinautla on the 19th, and says be has pro- gressed considerably. He is acquainted with all the movements of our forces, even those near the city of Mexico. Your very attentive and obedient servant, ALEJANDRO GARCIA. Sefior Don Benito Juarez, President of the Mexican Republic, Chihuahua. Washington, October 6, 1866. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. r Enclosure No. 4.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC HEADQUARTERS EASTERN LINE SECOND-GENERAL-IN CHIEF. Citizen Minister: Captain Thomas Lozano sends me the following good news from Alvarado : "I have the honor to inform you that we captured Alvarado to-day by as- sault, all the munitions of war belonging to the garrison falling into our hands, with seventeen prisoners of war and seven killed of the enemy. I have ordered the authorities to bury them. On our side, Ave have to lament the death of the brave Captain Pilar Salas, several officers wounded, and the loss of several of our best horses. I will make out a circumstantial report as soon as I can obtain the necessary information." Which I have the honor to transcribe for your information and the satisfac- tion of the government. Independence and liberty! Amatlan, July 30, 1866. ALEJANDRO GARCIA. The Minister of War, Chihuahua. Washington, October 6, 1S66. A true copy : IGNACIO MARISCAL, Secretary. 298 ' CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 5.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — HEADQUARTERS EASTERN LINE — SECOND-GENERAL-IN- CHIEF. Citizen Minister: On the 18th of August I wrote to General Porfirio Dias, chief of the eastern line, as follows : "You will see in the acompanying report that I ordered an attack on Tlaco- talpam, in possession of the imperialists, and harmed the enemy so much in the first assault I knew we could not fail. Convinced of this, I arranged a second attack, when the imperialist commander, Don Mariano Camacho, proposed a parley with me. After a conference of some time, he offered to surrender the city to me to-day, if 1 would consent to his quiet withdrawal. He stated his object was to avoid all bloodshed, for the commander of the four French war steamers declared he would shell the town and reduce it to ashes if one of the imperialists was wounded,, and the marines were anxious for an excuse to carry out their barbarous design. " Convinced that it is my duty to spare the inhabitants and permit those to return who have left, wandering in the woods for four months, exposed to the inclemency of the weather and sickness, rather than submit to the enemy; ap- preciating the valor and determination of our troops, and the bravery of the Conejo garrison that frightened the French, and believing that Camacho's pro- posal was honorable to the nation, I accepted it yesterday, and the city was surrendered to me this day. I immediately sent in a guard to protect the in- habitants, and now the city is once more under the protection of the glorious flag of the republic, of which it has been deprived for so long a time. I also have the pleasure of rejoiciug with you and all loyal Mexicans upon the recon- quest of a place of so much importance on this line." Which I have the honor to transcribe for the information of the President of the republic. I am pleased to assure you that peace has been restored on this line by the recapture of Tlacotalpam, and that I am busy organizing a govern- ment for the State. Independence and libertv ! Tlacotalpam, September 8, 1866. ALEJANDRO GARCIA. The Citizen Minister of War and Marine, Chihuahua. Washington, 'October 6, 1866. A true copy : IGNACIO MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 6.] PROCLAMATION. Colonel Luis Mier y Teran to the inhabitants along the coast of Veva Cruz : Fellow-citizens : The undersigned having been appointed to duty on this coast as second in command, he therefore appears here for the purpose of open- ing a campaign, acting under the orders of General C. Ignacio Alatorre, an officer who is well known to you for his skill and brilliant qualities. The last knell for the so-called empire which has tried to fasten itself upon the Mexican nation has been sounded. Unable to remain a cold spectator at this time, I have taken the field against that empire. To this end I have abandoned family and business interests. I have abandoned everything which is dear to a man after this love of country. I intend to continue fighting in my country's defence, and that we may be successful I ask — indeed I count upon — the co operation of all good Mexicans. I feel confident that all such Mexi- cans will aid me — some with their arms, others with their intelligence — and all to defeat tyranny. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 299 Come, then, my friends. Already you know who I am, and you know that I will do only that which is right, and nothing but what is for the restoration to our country of independence and liberty. LUIS MIER Y TERAX. Antigua, August 31, 1S66. No. 103. Mr. Seioard to Se/wr Romero. Department of State, Washington, October 12, 1S66. Sir : I have to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 6th instant, containing some information with regard to certain military operations in Mexico. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. SenorDoN M. Romero, fyc., fyc, t\-c. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. No. 104. Se/ior Romero to Mr. Seicard. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, October 21, 1S66. Mr. Secretary : For the information of the government of the United States, I have the honor to send you the enclosed indexed documents, showing the condition of affairs in August last in that part of the eastern division of the Mexican republic under the immediate command of General Diaz. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assur- ances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, t\c, t\c, fyc. Index of documents sent by the Mexican legation in Washington to the Depart- ment of State of the United States, with a note of this date, concerning events on the eastern line. No. Date. Contents. 1866. Aug. 12 Aug. 20 Aug. 20 Aue. 20 General Diaz's letter to a friend of his giving an account of the latest military operations. General Diaz's letter to Mr. Kornero, from Chiantla, enclosing the follow- ing communications : A note from General Diaz to the minister of war of the Mexican republic, reporting his latest military operations in the line of his command. A note from the same to the war minister, enclosing the official report of General Luis P. Figueroa, from Teotitlau, dated May 1, giving au ac- count of his movements the last of April, 1866. IGNO. MAEISCAL, Secretary. "Washington, October 21, 1866. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 1.] XOCHHUAHUATLAN, August 12, 1866. My Esteemed Friend: * * * #'•...» I have been some days ou the border of the State of Guerrero, doing little, but making the enemy, and even friends, believe I intended to remain. I am preparing a march from the third district of the State of Mexico to Tehuantepec. For the last few clays I have been busy in the northern part of the State of Puebla; and though I have not effected much, for want of means and supplies, I have done the best I could. Right or wrong, I begin my work with prospects of success. I approached Chiantla to protect a movement of a part of its gar- rison. On the 14th, when Jacaquistla was taken, where I got forty horses and much ammunition, a letter informed me that both expeditions were successful. From Chiantla 1 took prisoners, horses, one howitzer, and all the armament and ammunition, to what amount I have not yet learned. The third district of the State of Mexico is in motion, and I have sent Gene- ral Leyra with his cavalry to protect the movement and direct the operations. * * * * * * * I will soon give you the result of my plans. * * * Colonel Visoso routed Nava, the imperialist military commander, who died in action. Although Maximilian supplies me with arms, by distributing them among the people, they are not of the best quality, and I hope soon to exchange them for better ones. I am in great want of ammunition, though General Alvarez furnishes me all he can spare ; and the enemy's arms are so much better than mine, they have a signal advantage. Your friend and servant, PORFIRIO DIAZ. Washington, October, 1866. A true copy : IGNACIO MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 2.] Chiantla, August 20, 1866, Very Dear Friend : I wish to inform you of my present situation and the progress I make ; and, as I have not the time to copy this for the supreme government, I send you the whole official correspondence unsealed, so you may see it before mailing it. # * ^ ^ % ^ * Your affectionate friend, PORFIRIO DIAZ. Sc-So'r Licenciado Matias Romero, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the Republic, Washington. Washington, October 21, 1866. A true copy : IGNACIO MARISCAL, Secretary. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 301 [Enclosure No. 3.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC— EASTERN LINE HEADQUARTERS. Citizen Minister : Profiting by the present inaction of the invading army, thanks to the operations of the republican forces inland, I have determined to make a geneial movement, with the few elements of war in my power, upon the States of Mexico, Puebla, Oajaca, Tlaxcala and Chiapas. I commenced opera- tions on the 10th with some success. On that day, Colonel Jesus M \ isoso took one hundred and fifty men of the Chiautla garrison, and routed the rest under the traitor Gavilo, joining me afterwards with a howitzer and eighty-six muskets he had captured. . . On the 13th of the same month we found ourselves m front ot bluantla, retaken by Gavilo with the aid of the Austrian garrison of Matamoras. 1 twice thought the enemy would attack me that day ; but ne only came out to reconnoitred not daring to leave the protection of the forts. While m that situa- tion I received notice that Lieutenant Colonel Ignacio Sanchez Gamboa, head- ing the inhabitants of Ixcaquixtla, had whipped the traitor Grauados Maldo- nado prefect of Tepeji, killing seven of his men, taking twenty-six prisoners and thirty muskets, and scattering his troops, twenty-eight cavalry joining us during the fight. As Sanchez Gamboa was delayed by his booty, the enemy caught up with him, and he was obliged to join me for protection. Meantime the enemy remained safe in his forts at Chiautla, and did not seem disposed to give me battle in the open field. So I ordered General Francisco Leyra, go- vernor of the third district of Mexico, with his 70 cavalry, to organize and aim all the republicans in his district, and appoint proper officers. \\ ith the torces under my particular command, I came to this place, where I was soon joined by Lieutenant Colonel I. Sanchez Gamboa. While this is taking place here, General Luis P. Figueroa is to menace le- huacan on the north ; Commander Felipe Cruz, with one hundred and fifty moun- taineers of Mixtecas, will occupy the Peras mines on the 12th ; on the same day Colonel Manuel Lopez y Orozco marched from Tamiltepec against lola; anu the Juchitan garrison was to move to Tequisistlan, to hold the road between Tehuan tepee and Oajaca. I am waiting the result of these operations, that were to take place together, and I will thus°extencl my line of operations in this direction, and get all the sup- plies I can. At the same time I will hold the imperialists at Puebla in check by frequent incursions to that city. If the enemy comes out to attack me, as I have reason to believe he will, 1 will retreat, and only give battle when certain of success ; for my sole object is to get hold of the abundant supplies north of Puebla, in Tlaxcala, and even in the city of Puebla, where the people are becoming restless and revolutionary. I will soon have the pleasure of reporting the result of all the manoeuvres in which the forces of Chiapas, Tabasco, and Vera Cruz are not interested, because the first have to remain near Oajaca to watch operations in Juchitan, Tehuaute- pec, and the movement of General Garcia upon Tlacotalpam, and the rest have to defend the approaches to Yucatan. The country and liberty ! Chiantla, August 20, 1S66. l r>T\7 The Citizen General Minister of War, CJiihualiua. Washington, October 21, 1S66. A true copy : , ,. _ w IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. 302 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 4.] MEXICAN REPUBLIC — HEADQUARTERS OP THE EASTERN LINE. In a communication, dated the 1st of May, in Teotitlan del Camino, General Louis P. Figueroa reports as follows : " I have the honor to inform you that I marched on Vera Cruz the 24th of last month with General Garcia, for the purpose of attacking a mixed force of imperialists and French. The expedition failed, and I returned to Tuxtepec, where I arrived the 29th. On the evening of the 28th I heard that two columns of Austrians and traitors had occupied the portion of Santa Domingo along the river of the same name ; that another column of 600 men, with two 12-pounders, coming from Huaetla, were near this place ; and that a fourth column of 500 men with artillery had appeared near Teutila, all to join and attack this place. "From the numerical superiority of the enemy we had little hopes of being able to sustain our position; but as our troops were united I prepared for the defence to the best of my ability. "At 6 o'clock on the morning of the 30th the enemy appeared with two centre columns, protected in flank by artillery. The fight soon became general, and after six hours of constant fire, and several attempts at assault by the enemy, he finally withdrew to Ixcatlan to wait for re-enfoi'cements. He left seventy killed, thirty rifles, twenty muskets, and one cornet. We took several prisoners, but we could not pursue the fugitives, who took to the woods, on account of the few men I had. We lost twenty-five men killed, among them Jose M. Rocha, captain, and thirty men wounded, among them Commander J. Ramirez. The next day I sent the Ixcatlan company to skirmish with the enemy that occupied their homes, and they exhibited their courage and patriotism by burning their own houses to dislodge the enemy. He afterwards made a reconnoissance, retired, and has not reappeared since the 15th. From that time to the 22d there were several skirmishes, and we captured several mules with loads of forage. At 6 o'clock on the morn- ing of the 23d three columns of the enemy made their appearance, just as they had done on the 30th of last month, and commenced an attack, but failing to accomplish anything, they retired. On the 25th they renewed the attack, dis- tributed liquor to the soldiers, and encouraged them by words. They opened their artillery with a brisk fire, and poured their columns upon our ranks. The contest was soon man to man, traitors and Austrians were mingled with the loyal defenders of the republic, and after a sanguinary struggle they were compelled to quit the field. The enemy lost about 200 killed, 114 wounded, a quantity of rifles, and 64 prisoners. Our loss was considerable. We lament the death of the brave Commander Lorenzo Guzman. " I enclose a detailed account of the killed and wounded for the information at headquarters. " I can make no particular recommendation of my subordinates, for they all did their duty, and exhibited great courage in combat." I have the honor to send the above to your department, assurring you this victory has destroyed the enemy's plans of invading the south, and has put our forces into a position to undertake an expedition, of which I hope soon to give you a favorable account. Country and liberty ! Chiantla, August 20, 1866. PORFIRIO DIAZ. The Minister of War, Chihuahua. Washington, October 21, 1866. A true copy : , IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 60o No. 105. Mr. Seward to Se/wr Romero. Department of State, Washington, December 26, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 21st of last October, containing various documents showing the condition of affairs on the eastern line of the Mexican republic during last August, for which I pray of you to receive ray thanks. 1 avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. b WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don M. Romero, fyc, Sfc., fyc. No. 106. Se/wr Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mkxican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, November 20, 1866. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the United States government, the documents specified in the accompanying index, containing official reports of recent events in the eastern military division of the Mexican republic. I call your special attention to two important victories of General Diaz over the French and Austrians on the 3d and 18th of October last, at Miahuatlan and Carbonera, in the State of Oaxaca. I avail myself of this occasion to renew, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. ° M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc, 8fc, Sfc. Index of documents sent by tie Mexican legation in Washington to the. Depart- ment of State of the United States, with the note of this date, in relation to military operations on the eastern line. No. Date. Contents. 1866. Sept. 1 Oct. 6 3,4,5,6 Oct. 5 7 Oct. 11 8 Oct. 18 Communication from General Diaz, in Ixcaquistla, State of Oaxaca, reporting his military operations to the 1st September. Official report, with annexes, of General Diaz to the department of war, of an important victory at Miahuatlan, State ot Oaxaca, 3d October last. , Statements of the killed and wounded at Miahuatlan, and the material of war captured from the enemy. . General Diaz to General Gaicia on the Miahuatlan victory, and Ins march upon Oaxaca. Official report of same to the war department of victory over an Aus- trian column at Carbonera, State of Oaxaca, on the 18th ot October last. IGNO. MAKISCAL, Secretary. Washington, November *20, 1866. 304 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. L] Yxcaquistla, September 1, 1866. Esteemed Friend : Five days ago I entered Tepeji and routed its email garrison, which fled, leaving me some prisoners and arms. I staid there two days and then came to this place. The Austio-French traitors did not venture to follow me, but continued to fortify themselves in Tepeaca. Acatlan is cut off and I will soon attack it. I do not expect to get anything more than arms in these towns. Yesterday morning, at daylight, I sent a cavalry company to the neighboring towns to collect the arms distributed by the French, and it got back to-day with a considerable number of muskets and a quantity of ammunition. I have sent out another expedition to-day for the same purpose. Don Rafael J. Garcia is now acting governor of the State of Puebla, and I have appointed General Ouellar commander of the districts of the valley north of Puebla and Tlaxcala. General Mendez is in command of the Sierra del Puebla, General Ramos is chief of the western districts, and General Leiva is operating near Cuernavaca, while Figueroa is threatening Tehuacan. Your attentive and obedient servant, PORFIRIO DIAZ. Mr. Matias Romero. Washington, November, 1866. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 2. — From the official bulletin, No. 42, Tlacotalpam, October 25, 1866.] REPUBLICAN ARMY EASTERN LINE — GENERAL-IN-CHIEF. Citizen Minister : After my fight with the Hungarians at Nochistlan, on the 23d of September, as you know, I came to this place by Teozacualco and Peras. As soon as my movement was known at Oaxaca, Oronoz was sent out after me, with 1,100 men, and came in sight at half-past three in the afternoon of the 3d instant. As the enemy marched rapidly, I sallied out with my escort to find a place for the infantry on the Nogales hills, west of the town, while General Vicente Ramos held the enemy at bay with his cavalry. Then, with the infantry of Colonel Manuel Gonzales to support me, I located my artillery as follows : The line of battle extended from north to south ; the Morelos bat- talion of 100 men, under Juan J. Oano, was on the right; 'the mountain sharp- shooters, under Felipe Cruz, with 230 men, came next ; and the Patria battalion of 96 men, under Colonel Jose Segura y Guzman, closed the left. On the right was the Chiantla company of 80 men ; the battalion of loyal countrymen came next, consisting of 130 men, under Jose G. Carbo. The line thus established, General Ramos passed through the town and left thirty armed citizens, under Captain Apolinar Garcia, to protect it. To prevent the cavalry from being molested I ordered forty mountain rifle- men and the inhabitants to hide in the fields adjoining the town. The cavalry passed on the right to the rear of our line, while the enemy kept on till he got in front of our line on the hills of Yolveo and the Alatadero ; there, forming into three columns, he opened the combat with artillery. Our riflemen bravely sus- tained the first onset of the enemy, who, thus stopped, profited by the uneven- ness of the ground to continue the fight as he retreated. Seeing the great number of the enemy, I enforced my line with the rest of the Chiantla company and twenty of the Tlapa battalion, under Colonel Juan CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 305 Espinosa Gorostiza. The fight then became general along the line, and, as our ammunition was giving out, I ordered an assault on the enemy's position, and gained a complete victory. Determined upon this, I ordered the riflemen across the river, and ranged the rest of my forces into columns ; General Ramos, with the Tepeji squadron, marched to the rear of Oronoz, so that the enemy was completely surrounded. Then I gave the signal of advance, and placed myself at the head of a column formed of the battalion of Fieles and the Puebla lancers. Colonel Espinosa soon joined me, and we advanced together. Colonel Gonzales and Juan de la Luz Enriquez marched to attack the right flank. Our troops overcame all obstacles, and advanced straight in front of the enemy ; took his artillery, turned it against him, and gained a complete but hard-earned vic- tory. Ramos took the rear with his cavalry, and executed such a rapid move- ment that the enemy could not escape. The scattered enemy was pursued for three leagues, throwing away his arms ; the quantity of which you will perceive by the annexed report, as well as the killed, wounded, and prisoners on both sides, with the munitions, baggage, and pack-mules. I am pleased to inform you that the chiefs, officers, and men behaved with signal gallantry on the occasion, and I can make no special commendations. The traitor officers taken prisoners were shot, in accordance with the law of the 25th of January, 1862. Their names and rank are given in the subjoined list. Some of them were the same that went over to the enemy at the last siege of Oaxaca. I spent the 4th and 5th in this place, reorganizing my forces, enlisting the prisoners taken, and arming the rest of my men with the arms that were cap- tured. I also formed a hospital, and then reviewed my entire force. I start for Oaxaca to-day; it is already in possession of Colonel Felix Diaz, and the enemy is confined to Santo Domingo, Carmen, and Cerro de la Soledad. I have sent for General Luis P. Eigueroa and Colonel Lopez Orozco, with their respective commands. Independence and liberty. Miahuatlan, October 6, 1866. • POREIRIO DIAZ. The Minister of War and Marine, At Chihuahua, (or wherever he may be.) Washington, November 21, 1566. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 3.] List of the lulled, wounded, and missing in our division at the battle of the 3d. INFANTRY BRIGADE, FIELES BATTALION. Killed. — Julian Lopez, corporal ; Lazaro Martinez, Juan de la Cruz, Ignacio Casimiro, Jose Antonio, Refugio Ramos, and Jose Bernardo, soldiers. Wounded. — Juan Martinez, first sergeant; Jose Toribio, Valentin Perez, Felipe Nieva, Felipe Casanova, Joaquin Mora, Juan Morales, Isidro Hernan- dez, Juan Caballero, and Jose Maria Conde, soldiers. Missing. — Manuel Jimenez and Manuel Olivera. CHIANTLA BATTALION. Killed. — Trinidad Tacachi, second sergeant; Lucas Garcia, private. Wounded. — Felix Rivera, captain ; Jose Maria Robledo, second lieutenant ; Jacinto Espinosa and Paulino Garcia, second sergeants; Jose Huertero, corporal. 20 MEX. 306 CONDITION OF AFFAIES IN MEXICO. Privates : Severino Grajeda, Lorenzo Guevara, Nestor Guadalupe, Jose Morao, Andres Augustin, and Martin Palmar. Missing. — Mateo Olea, private. THE PATRIA BATTALION. Wounded. — Lieutenant Martin Cortez ; Bernardo Pastrana, second sergeant ; Jose Cuenca and Antonio Barrera, privates. THE MORELOS BATTALION. Wounded. — Manuel Flores, first sergeant ; Miguel Gaspar and Antonio Tor- res, privates. Missing. — Pedro Guillermo. TLAXIACO COMPANY. Wounded. — Pedro Cruz, private. MOUNTAIN BATTALION. Killed. — Juan Riano. Wounded. — Martin Nunez, corporal ; Benigno Garcia, Alejo Nunez, Anacleto Bruno, and Simon Nicolas, privates. Missing. — Norberto Santiago, corporal ; Juan Hernandez and Luis Lopez, privates. TEHUICINGO COMPANY. Wounded. — Maximo Soriano, private. MIAHUATLAN COMPANY., Killed. — Apolinar Garcia, captain ; Anastasio Salmeron, second lieutenant ; Luis B. Vazquez, Tomas Perez, Angel Chavez, Manuel Garcia, second ser- geants, and Felipe Gareda, cornet. Of the staff: Luciano Olivera, lieutenant. CAVALRY BRIGADE, PUEBLA LANCERS. Killed. — Bartolo Hernandez, captain; Jesus Lopez, ensign; Marcelino Rivera, bugler ; Jose Maria Carballido and Mariano Lozano, privates. Wounded. — Bonifacio Valle, squadron commander; Manuel Mesa, second sergeant; Cecilio Escobar, trumpeter; Tomas Romero, corporal; Jose Ventura, private. REFORM SQUADRON. Killed. — Pedro Lopez, first sergeant; Eduardo Gonzales, corporal; Jose Rojas, Jose Estrada, and Manuel Arroyo, privates. Wounded. — Crescencio Zurita, private. TEPEXI SQUADRON. Rilled. — Juan Montero, captain ; Jose Maria Espinola and Cristobal Vazquez, ■privates. Wounded. — Augustin Olguin, ensign, and Miguel Rodriguez, private. INDEPENDENCE SQUADRON. Killed. — Juan Martinez, private. Wounded. — Santos Zamora, private. CRUZ PICKETS. Missing. — Jose Maria Garcia. This is a copy of the original : M. TRAVESI. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 307 [Enclosure No. 4.] REPUBLICAN ARMY OF THE EAST, FIRST DIVISION. List of the Jailed, ivounded, and prisoners of the enemy in the battle of the 3d. Killed of the French. — 1 chief, 4 officers, and 15 privates. Wounded. — 3 officers and 6 privates. Prisoners. — 3 officers, 7 soldiers. Total, 1 chief, nine officers, and 28 soldiers. Traitors killed. — 4 officers and 32 privates. Idem : Wounded. — 72 men. Prisoners — 7 officers, 295 men. Total, 11 officers and 399 men. Miahuatlan, 5tk October, 1SG6. SAMUEL SANTIBANEZ. A copy of the original : M. TRAVESI. [Enclosure No. 5.] REPUBLICAN ARMY OF THE EAST — FIRST DIVISION HEADQUARTERS. List of arms, gun-carriages, cartridges, infantry and cavalry equipments, mu- nitions, equipments, and other articles taken from the enemy at the battle of Nogales, near Miahuatlan, on the 3d. Artillery. — 2 mountain howitzers, 4-pounders, with carriages for same; 2 swabs, 2 rammers, 2 ammunition sacks, 4 regulation chests for grenades, 4 sets regulation harness, 129 howitzer cartridges, 41 canisters for sam'e. Ammunition for infantry. — 15,000 ball cartridges for Enfield rifles, 14,240 for percussion guns. Arms for infantry and cavalry. — 330 Enfield rifles, 115 other guns, 5 Missis- sippi rifles, 2 common rifles, 2 Minie rifles, 37 muskets, (one ounce,) 50 lances, 9 sabres, 1S6 bayonets for Enfield guns, and 43 others. 5 war chests, 5 cornets, 360 pounds crackers, 100 pounds salt, 17 pouads coffee, 16 pounds of tobacco. Note. — Forty-eight pack mules were taken from the enemy. MANUEL SANTIBANEZ. Miahuatlan, October 5, 1866. A copy of the original : M. TRAVESI, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 6.] REPUBLICAN ARMY OF THE EAST FIRST DIVISION HKADQUARTERS. List of hilled, wounded, prisoners, and deserters of the French at the battle of the 3d. Testart Zacharie, battalion commander; Ferdinand Bandens, sub-lieutenant; Camille Charles Tamborini, sub-lieutenanl, ; Heduo Luis, Chevrillon Morelle, sergeants ; Louis Lelievre, Paul Pouillon, Jean Fouques, Emilie Masson, Jean Weber, Joseph Pigaults, Jean Stoffer, J. Mayseu, Boisseau Gontier, Charles Chene, and two other privates whose names are not known. Wounded. — Captain Charles Mayer, First Lieutenant Sylvester Monlau, (died in hospital,) Sergeant Puech. Privates : Maroc, Augustiu, Monteil, Alexander Vandevayer, (died in hospital,) and Desmure. Prisoners. — Lieutenant Santory Auge Toupain; Louis Eugene Toupain, 308 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Jules Jean Certain, Joseph Marie, Adolphe Fleurch, Nicolas Antoine, Jules Francois Pincon, Jules Moracchini, Francois Moracchini, Victor Adolphe Barat, Albert Vandevayer, Alexander Vandael, and Charles Victor Julienne, privates. Deserters. — One man, named Le Rick. A copy of the original : M. TRAVESI. List of traitor officers taken prisoners on the 3d of this month and, shot, in con- formity with the law of the 25th of January, 1862. Infantry captain Mariano Heras, infantry captain Victoriana Rivas, infan- try captain Joaquin Jijon, infantry lieutenant Jose Maria Flores, sub-lieu- tenant Benjamin Cabero, Lorenzo Valverde, and Rafael Velasco. MANUEL SANTIBANEZ. Miahuatlan, October 5, 1866. A copy of the original M. TRAVESI, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 7.] Mexican Republic, San Felipe del Agua, October 11, 1866. Esteemed Comrade : Under date of the 4th instant I wrote you, giving you an account of the splendid victory obtained by the force under my com- mand over the expedition coming to attack me at Miahuatlan, under the orders of Oronoz, but knowing that my letter was miscarriecl, I direct you this, giving you an extract of said letter, in whicb you will see in brief, with all its details. About three o'clock of the afternoon of tbe 3d instant the enemy appeared, advancing rapidly upon this place. I decided to go out immediately and meet him, and leaving General Ramos with the cavalry to detain him a few moments, I placed the infantry quickly on some rising ground that appeared to me advan- tageous, and soon the enemy opened fire on us. The column of the enemy was composed of 1,200 men, of three arms, of which three hundred were cavalry, and two mountain howitzers. The sharp fire of the enemy was answered with spirit by our advance sharpshooters, and near sunset, noting that the enemy did not make a general attack, and finding myself nearly without munitions, I concluded to attack him, for which purpose I organized my columns and descended from my positions upon the enemy's lines. On crossing the river that separated our positions, the enemy's camp fell into disorder, and on charging them his Dattal- ions commenced to run, (having formed in some few groups, making a slight re- sistance, ) followed by our cavalry. They were fast falling into our power, being killed and wounded on the field of battle. All the arms, two pieces of artillery, munitions, say fifty mule loads, and various other effects of war ; also, more than four hundred prisoners of war. On the field about eighty killed. Of the French not one escaped. The greater part were killed, and among them their commander, Testard. The moral effect is greater than the positive triumph. As a consequence, my brother, who was near the capital, (Oaxaca,) occupied it immediately with some force from the hills, and the enemy, filled with panic, made but feeble resist- ance, shutting themselves in their fortifications of the Cerro, Santa Domingo, and Carmen. After securing the field of battle and reorganizing my forces, that were considerably increased, I marched on the city to direct the siege. Figue- roa has to come here with his forces, and I expect momentarily Lopez Orosco, with troops from Costa Chica. The siege is well organized, and the enemy know well that they cannot re- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 309 ceive assistance. I have my headquarters at this point, which is very conveni- ent for the operations. General Alejandro Garcia, Tlacotalpam. PORFIRIO DIAZ. [Enclosure No. 8. ] NATIONAL ARMY — HEADQUARTERS OF THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE EAST. Headquarters at Las Minas, October 18, 1866. Citizen Minister: After the battle of Miahuatlan, on the 3d instant, about which an official report has been sent to your department, I marched to Oaxaca, which was besieged by Colonel Felix Diaz, took active measures to perfect the siege and shut up the garrison, and just as I was about assaulting it I heard that a column of 1,500 men, of infantry, cavalry, and artillery, was coming to aid the besieged garrison. I at once left Oaxaca, and came without delay to meet the column. To-day at noon I met the enemy at "La Carbonera." The battle began at 1 p. m. with great tenacity and determination on both sides. It is 7 o'clock p. m., and we are at Las Minas, having followed the enemy for three leagues, and captured 396 Austrian, Polish, and Hungarian prisoners, among whom are seven officers, four mountain rifled guns, over 600 carbines, and great abundance of munitions. I have had some very dear losses. I have no time to lose, as I must prevent the escape of the enemy, which was at Oaxaca with very good artillery and great abundance of arms, ammunition, and clothing. I will send you afterward a detailed account of this important victory. Please congratulate the citizen President for it. PORFIRIO DIAZ. Citizen Minister of War, Chihuahua. No. 107. Mr Seward to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, November 30, 1S66. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 20th instant, containing certain documents relating to recent events on the eastern military line of the Mexican republic, for which be pleased to ac- cept my thanks. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don M. Romero, §c, fyc, Sfc. No. 6. THE PRESIDENTIAL TERM OF PRESIDENT JUAREZ. List of papers. 108. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with 15 enclosures) June 13, 1866. 109. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 7, 1S66. 310 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 110. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with 3 enclosures) November 1, 1866. 111. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero November 9, 1966. 112. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with 9 enclosures) November 21, 1866" 113. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero November 28, 1866. No. 108. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation to the United States of America, Washington, June 13, 1866. Mr. Secretary : For the purpose of keeping the United States government informed of the satisfactory manner in which the decree of November 8, 18G5, issued by the constitutional government, has been received in the Mexican repub- lic, by which the prolongation of the period of service of the President until it be possible to hold a new election is decreed, I have the honor to send with this note a copy of No. 11 of the official paper of the government of Mexico, published at the town of Paso del Norte the 8th of March last, which contains a communication from General Garcia Morales, governor and military commander of the State of Sonora, dated at La Noria, the 1st of February previous, and another by the political chief of the Territory of Lower California, addressed to the Mexican consul at San Francisco, who transmitted it to the minister of foreign rela- tions, in which communications both functionaries express the completest ap- proval, and that of Mexicans residing within their respective jurisdictions, of the measure indicated. I also send a copy of No. 16 of the official newspaper of 17th May last past, in which are published two communications on the same matter addressed to the department of foreign relations and government, one by General Don Domingo Rubi, governor and military commander of the State of Sinaloa, and the other by General Ramon Cowna, commanding the united bri- gades of Sinaloa and Jalisco, in which they manifest their own opinion and that of their subordinates as entirely favorable to said decree. I send also, lastly, various printed acts signed by citizens of the State of Tabasco, in which absolute approval is expressed of the decree prolonging the constitutional term of President Juarez. I avail gladly of this occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc, fyc, fyc. [Enclosure No. 1. — Translation.] Government and Military Command of the State of Sonora, In camp on the Noria, February 1, 1866. I have received with positive satisfaction the two decrees issued by the Presi- dent under date 8th November last, and the circular of the department which accompanied it ; the first of them on the prolongation of the functions of the supreme magistrate of the nation, while the condition of the foreign war does not permit the making of a new constitutional 'election ; and the second on the mode of substitution for it, if, during the war, it should fall through. The anomalous circumstances under which, unfortunately, the republic is placed ; the void or silence of the constitution on this point of such vital interest to the country ; the spirit of articles of 78, 79, 80, S2 of the same fun- damental code ; and, finally, the amount of powers which the legislative power CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 311 • of the Mexican union devolved on the executive at the date of the 11th Decem- ber, 1861, can superabundantly justify the first of said measures, in which not even the enemies of the government will ever be able to see anything else than the intense zeal of the President for legitimate action, the closest investi- gation of his determinations, and, above all, his singular self-denial in encoun- tering a position so trying as the present without other recompense than the satisfaction always caused by the discharge of duty, however onerous it may be. Independence and liberty ! J. GARCIA MORALES. D. ELI AS, Secretary. The Citizen Minister of Relations and Government, Paso del Norte. Washington, June 13, 1866. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 2.— From No. 11 Periodico Official, 8th March, 1866.] Consulate of Mexico at San Francisco, San Francisco, January 24, 1866. Citizen Antonio Pedrin, political chief of the territory of Lower California, says to me, under date of 16th instant, from San Jose, as follows : " With your valued communication, dated 27th December last past, I have received two numbers of the official paper which you had the kindness to send me, in which are published the decrees which the President of the republic is- sued through the department of foreign relations and government ; one relating to the prolongation of the functions of the President, and the other on the re- sponsibilities of General Jesus Gonzalez Ortega. ft In acknowledging the receipt of this communication, I acknowledge with pleasure that, in my opinion, the citizen President could not adopt a more pru- dent measure, because if it is true that it might affect certain partialities inter- ested in a change of administration, there is nothing more sure than that none of our public men can fill the immense void which would be left in the absence of the power — the father of the Mexican republic. "By his side we know that we always hold combined faith, honor, and con- . stancy, sustained by the national party — out of it, God only knows what would become of Mexico under actual circumstances." I have the honor to transmit you this, that you may make report to the Pres- ident of the republic for his information. I reiterate to you the assurances of my distinguished consideration. JOSE A. GODOY. The Minister of Foreign Relations, Paso del Norte. Washington, June 13, 1S66. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 3.] Government and Military Commandancy of the State of Sinaloa, Concordia, December 24, 1765. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt from your department of the cir- culars of the 28th of October and the 8th of November, and of the decrees is- sued at the last date. 312 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. These supreme dispositions will be rigorously adhered to by this State under my command, for in them we see security to the nation, and the responsibility of those who have abandoned the republic at a critical moment and gone abroad. These excellent decrees have been ordered to be circulated in the districts, and by general order among the united brigades of Sinaloa and Jalisco. , 1 make this communication to you for the information of the supreme magis- trate of the nation. Independence and liberty ! DOMINGO RUBI. F. SEPULVEDA, Secretary. The Citizen Minister of Foreign Relations and Government, Chihuahua. [Enclosure No. 4.] Republican Army, Headquarters of the United Brigades of Sinaloa and Jalisco, Concordia, December 24, 1865. The circulars and supreme decrees, issued on the 28th of October and 8th of November from your department, have been received. The good sense of the nation will see in these documents security for the supreme authority of the nation, and a protection to the defenders of national independence, in contrast to those who, bearing the name of soldiers of the republic, desert the flag and leave the country. These supreme dispositions shall be made known by general order to the men of the united brigades of Sinaloa and Jalisco. I make this communication to you for the information of the supreme magis- trate of the nation. Independence and liberty ! RAMON CORONA. The Citizen Minister of Foreign Relations and Government, Chihuahua. [Enclosure No. 5. — Translation.] The feople of Tabasco anal citizen Benito Juarez — acts requesting him to- remain in office till the end of the war. Tabasco, 1866. Third seal. — Fee, four reals. — Executed in the principal administration of Ta- basco, for the years 1866 and 1867. The governor and military commander of the State of Tabasco assembled the inhabitants of San Juan Bautista on the 4th of March, 1866, to ascertain if they were in favor of prolonging the presidential term of citizen Benito Juarez, con- stitutional President of the Mexican republic, according to decrees issued at Paso del Norte, on the 8th of November last ; and to organize the meeting, the governor was called to the chair, and Juan R. de la Rosa was named secretary. The decree having been read aloud, the object of the meeting being for that purpose, and all present having manifested their will in favor of prolonging the presidential functions of citizen Benito Juarez, the following resolutions were passed unanimously : 1st. The inhabitants of the capital of the State of Tabasco support with all their will and all their strength the decree issued on the 8th of November, 1865, by citizen Benito Juarez, prolonging his presidential term, till circum- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 313 stances allow tlie nation to hold a constitutional election for his successor ; and the inhabitants of the capital of Tabasco acknowledge no other authority than that now exercised by citizen Benito Juarez.' 2d. The same people of Tabasco express their full confidence in citizen Benito Juarez, and thank him for the constancy and abnegation with which he has de- fended the independence and autonomy of the nation. And thereby this act was concluded and signed by those present, with me, the secretary, to which I certify. G. Mendez. M, M. Moreno. Coruelio Castillo. Mariano Pedrero, esq. Francisco de P. Aguilar. Jose Payro, esq. Justo F. Santa Anna. Tomas Pellicer. . Carlos Zepeda. J. M. de Codes. Felomeno Lopez de Aguado. Rafal Oviedo, esq. J. A. Paillet. Sebastian G. Sanarao. Prudencio P. Rosado. Carlos Miguel. Isidro Delgado. Mateo Pimienta. Felipe Gonzalez. J. M. Carretino. F. Sosa Barbosa. Manuel A. Peralta. Juan A. Prado. M. Payan Ortiz. Antonio Abad Hernandez. Leon Alejo Torre. Ignacio Mayo. Ziburcio Vazquez. Olivero Figueroa. Manuel M. Lombardini. Marcelino Garcia. Jose M. Burelo. Vicente Damas. Emetrio Fabre. Feliciano A. Cao. J. Longino Diaz. Anastacio Arjona. Timoteo Sauchez. M. Silenciario Rodriguez. Manuel G. Fuentes. Felix Amador Diaz. Estanislao Jimenez. Joaquin Garcia. A. Martinez Marin. Nicolas Herrera Morales. Manuel Mayo. Antonio Jesus Diaz. Pedro Fuentes. Isidoro Alfaro. Tranquilino de la Rosa. Jose Eugenio Garcia. Nicolas Hernandez. Meregildo Chable. Jose Isaac Martinez. Fernando Lozaro. Cenobio. Jimenez. Casiano Gomez. Matias Mayo, for Jose Brandespino. Ignacio Herrera. Onofre Garcia. Jose Trinidad Hernandez. Jose M. Flores. Roman Romero, for self and Francisco Cana. Juan D. Marufo. Eusebio Bautista. Jose M. Jimenez. Santiago Rove. Avelino Lopez. E. Santa Maria. Norveto Osorio, for Placido Gonzalez, Bernabe Figuel, and Meliton Suarez Canuto Balle. Crescencio Ramon. J. V. Altamirano. Telesforo Valle. Loreto Pinzon* Manuel de Dios. Eleuterio Jimenez. Mauricio Gonzalez. Estevan Garcia, Francisco Magana, and Estanislas Garcia. Jose J. Alfaro. Doroteo Ortiz. Mauricio Landero, for self and father. Felicito Landero. For me and the citizens Bonifacio de la Cruz, Gregorio Jimenez, Andres Bautista, Loreto Isquierdo. Evaristo Hernandez, Pragedis Galicia, Jose de la Cruz Galicia, 314 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO, Bernabe Canto. Juan Morales, for self and Victoriano Perez. Juan de la 0. Torres. Trinidad Sevilla. Ricardo Pena, for self and Bentura Garllardo. Jose M. Pagani. Antonio Gonzales. Jose M. Codes, for Damasio Jesus and Felipe Lazaro. Felipe de J. Lopez. Florentino Camacho. Ponciano de la Torre. Manuel Lara. Tranquilino Perez. Manuel Olan, for TJrbano Notario, Eustaquio Chapuz, Francisco Ca- brales and Saturno Geronimo. Jose M. Garcia. P. Sanlucas Perez, for Benigno Mon- dragon, Francisco Jesus, Gregorio Cupido and Hilario Arias. Alejandro Loreto. Manuel J. Falcon. Toribio Osorio. Pablo Castaldi. Vicente Jimenez. Juan Medrauo. Piedad Osorio. Antonio Garcia. Nicolas Romero. Casimiro Ramon. Estanislas Martinez. Jose Augustin. Hilario Arias. Ildefonso Arias. Lazaro Garcia. Aniceto Oliva. Catalino Osorio. Juan Garciliano. Isidoro Hernandez. Casme Morales. Roque Garcia. Leonardo Ramirez. Teodoro de los Santos. Jose del Carmen Baliaje. Julian Zavala. Eleuterio Ramos. Liberato Rodas. Josd Osorio. Pedro Baez. Ricardo Ramon. Maximiano Garcia. Encarnacion Oliva. Patricio Roda. Fiburcio Mendoza, Jose de la Cruz Gomez, and Pedro Sancbez. Jose Julian Perez. Augustin Cortez. Manuel Loebesega. For me and Marcos Cruces, Caifdela- rio Jimenez. For my father Martin, Sabino Mar- tinez. J. Cenobio Alvarez. Servulo E. Castro. For citizen Isidor Garcia, Servulo E. Castro, Meliton Gomez. J. Leon Mendez. Joaquin Tellez. Prudencio de la Rosa. Jose Gil Ramos. For citizens Lazaro Mendoza, Nicolas Corzo. Victorio Chable. Benigno Mendoza. Jose Maria Ramon. Clemente Ramon. Victoriano Ramos. Faustino Garcia. Paufilo Perez. Juan Garcia. Manuel Lopez. Frederico Lopez. Jose A. Jimenez. Antonio de la Cruz. Santiago Loreto. Vicente Osorio. Maria Mendoza. Cosme Morales. . Tenorio Jimenez. Juan Mondragon Canon. Eusebio Osorio. Augustin Roche. Juan de la Cruz Sanchez. Eduardo Mendoza. For me and Gregorio Dominguez, Francisco S. Leal, Severino San- chez, Antonio Soler, Sisto Cordero, Victoriano Olivas, Marcial Gil Mor- gas, Amego del C. Isaac Sandoval, and for me, Pablo Estrada. Amieto Guzman. Victorio Garcia. Ruperto Mendoza. Remigio Carraseo. Justo Perez. Jose M. Gonzales. Aniceto Jimenez. Teodoro Mayo. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 315 Juan Jose Perez, and Ildefonso Geronimo, and Prudeucio de la Cruz. Saturno Geronimo. Rafael Lopez. Pedro Osorio. Tomas Sosa Ortiz. Felipe S. Dias. Domingo G. Mag-ana, Dolores Ramos.. Sylvestre Perez. Engenio Carrillo. Natividad Ramos. Perfecto Gil. Manuel Galvez. Manuel R. Valenznela. Jose Natividad Rodriguez. Fidencio Hernandez. Manuel Morales. Juan R. de la Rosa, Secretary. Pablo V. Ortiz. For me and citizens Juan Pedro Leon and Matias Barriento, Aniceto Cor- rea. Santiago P. Nunez. . Ignacio Velazquez. Faustino Interiano. Felipe Zurita. Canuto Sanchez. Amador Morales. Filomeno Cordova. Jose M. Argaes. For me and citizens Perfecto de Dies, Caetano Barriento, Fiburcio Juarez, Frodan R. Hernandez. G. Forralba. Candelario Vesa. Prospero Diaz. C. Callejas. [Enclosure No. 6. j In tbe city of San Antonio de Cardenas, on the 25th of February, 1866, I, Jose Leandro Dominguez, acting subaltern chief of this place, intending to give due effect to the superior disposition from the headquarters of the eastern line relative to the Mexicans in this State, declare freely their opinion whether or not they agree that the well-deserving citizen Benito Juarez shall continue to exercise the presidency in accordance with the supreme decree issued by him in Paso del Norte on the 8th of November last, and in conformity with the su- perior consent of tbe government of the State, communicated to us by the chief prefect of the district, have summoned all the inhabitants within the jurisdic- tion of this city for that purpose, who being present and being informed of the opinion of the headquarters of the eastern line, and of the circumstances that caused the prolongation, by decree, of the presidency of the well-deserving citizen Benito Juarez, who by his heroism, constancy, abnegation, and patriotism has lent such important services to the nation, particularly in the present foreign war, by which he has earned the title of well-deserving of the Americas, they declared unanimously that they accept in all form the mentioned supreme decree, issued at Paso del Norte on the Sth November, 1S65, and by the same they recognize and will recognize citizen Benito Juarez as President of the Mexican republic, in conformity with article 1st of the supreme decree already mentioned. And to confirm it, they all sign with me, giving as concluded this act, which will be sent in original to the governor of the State, to act upon it as he may think proper. L. Dominguez. P. Valenzuela. P. J. Sanchez. Manuel A. Hernandez. Candelario Ibarra. Jose D. Casanoba. Francisco G. Echoegaray. Gumecindo Ren don. Augustin de la Fuente. Francisco Romero. "Wiuceslao Ojeda. Ramon A. Echalaz. R. E, Cecia. Teodoro Rosaldo. Miguel Hernandez. Jose M. Lopez. Mariano Alfaro. Rufmo Tua. Andres Casino. Comelio Gamas- 316 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Juan G. Sanchez. Jose M. Fleite. Francisco Casanova. Miguel Lara. Eufino Perez. Pedro Sanches Gallegos. Gregorio Sanchez. Pedro Torres. Juan Gongora. Francisco P. y Zapata. Marcos F. Rosales. Pedro 0. P. y Lopez, by order of my Macedonio Cortes. father Manuel Gallegos, for myself Manuel Palma. . and citizens Pioquinto Cuevas and Guillermo Colorado. Pioquinto Ortiz, who cannot write. Casiano Guzman. Antonio Ruiz, for myself and the po Salvador Novarola. liceman Roman Perez, Feliciano Felipe Gonzales. Aguilar, and Anastacio Lopez, who Dolores Gallegos. cannot write. J. Crescendo Zapatos. Hilario Fuentes. Antonio Veer. Eligio Gamas. Manuel Orlaineta. Ramon Rodriguez. [Enclosure No. 7.] In the city of Santiago de Teapa, of the free and sovereign State of Tabasco, on the 25th of February, 1866, the principal inhabitants of the district assembled In the City Hall, by invitation of the civil prefect, to learn public opinion in re- gard to the decree of the 8th of November last, in Avhich citizen Benito Juarez, constitutional President of the republic, for just reasons of necessity, which he gives, has been forced to prolong the supreme government of the republic in his own person. The decree in question having been read, and the one of the same date deposing citizen Jesus Gonzalez Ortega from his place of presi- dent of the supreme court of justice, and the official note of the commander of the eastern line, which says that General Jesus Gonzalez Ortega, as president of the court of justice, protested in the United States against the decree that prolongs the presidency of the person now holding the office, the presiding authority observed that the people of the present meeting could now express their opinions and wishes freely and voluntarily in regard to the continuation in office of citizen Benito Juarez, interim President of the republic. By virtue of the full powers with which he is invested, and the necessity of not leaving the government without a head, he was compelled to issue the decree that had been read; and all the citizens present unanimously, without dissent and without discussion, (for it was deemed unnecessary,) adopted the following resolutions t Article 1. Citizen Benito Juarez is recognized, received, and obeyed as President of the Mexican republic till it can be freed from its enemies, now occupying a large portion of its territory by force of arms, and till a new con- stitutional election for a chief of the republic can take place. Art. 2. A vote of thanks is given to the well-deserving citizen Benito Juarez, for his self-denial and the many sacrifices he has made of his person on the altar of his country by continuing in the supreme command of the republic while it is laboring under its present trials and tribulations. Art. 3. An act is made out containing these resolutions, the original of which is to be sent to the citizen governor and military commander of the State, through the proper source, and for consequent action. And thereby this act closes, all present signing it. Jose M. Bastar. Cecilio Pedrero. Silverio R. Garido. Ramon J. Pedrero. Fernando Carrillo. Evaristo Carrera. Augustin Figueroa. Rudecindo R. Carrillo. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 317 Joaquin Gonzalez. Julian Castro. Cristobal Castro. Juan M. Pinto. Jose Hipolito Ramos. Ramon F. Palavicini, Jose Becerra. M. Zapata. Tomas Casanova. Augustin Gonzalez. Francisco Quintero. Luis M. del Valle. Juan Pio Zurita. Fulgencio Palavicini. Augustin Roca. J. Victor Fernandez. Geronimo Ricalde. Manuel Melo. Gabiiel Berrueta. Benigno Palavicini. Segunclo Palavicini. Miguel N. Casanova. C. Giorgana. P. Vuelta. A. Conde. Fulgencio E. Casanova. Nicolas Padilla. Juan M. Pinto, for Simeon Rodriguez. Manuel Arrivillaga. Ramon F. Palavicini, for Leon Mendez. Vicente F. Melo. N. Resendes. Felix A. de Castro. Ramon F. Ramos. Sebastian Zapata. Pedro Medina. Marcelino Gonzalez. Jose Puig y Sevilla. Manuel R. Solis. Rafael Giorgana. Eduardo Bastar. M. Saturnino Basan. Clemente Hernandez. Jose Arguelles. Tiburcio Carrera. M. de la Flor. Anselmo Escobar. Jose Gurria. Jose Prats. Bernardo de Aguila, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 8. j In tlie town of Navidad de Cunduacan, on the 27tli of February, 1S66, a considerable number of citizens assembled in the ball of tbe civil prefect, to con- sider a circular issued by tbe general-in-cbief of tbe eastern line, on tbe 1st in- stant, and sent to tbe supreme government of tbe State, requiring tbe people to express their sentiments freely in regard to tbe permanency of citizen Juarez in tbe office of President of tbe republic, till tbe conclusion of the present war. First. The town of Cunduacan acknowledges citizen Benito Juarez as the only legitimate President of the republic, by virtue of the decree which he was pleased to issue on the 8th of November last, at Pas-o del Norte, and by which he now exercises tbe functions of President of the republic. Second. The town of Cunduacan gives its vote of confidence in the worthy President, citizen Benito Juarez, for the energy and firmness with which he has sustained the flag and honor of the republic against foreign invasion. Third. In conformity with the mandate of the superior government of the State in the said circular, the present act is addressed to him in original by the civil prefect. Rafael A. Quevedo. For myself and Locadio Ruis, Rafael Taraseno. For me and Mr. Eugenio Sanchez, Wenseslao Fuentes. C. de la Fuentes. Concepcion Reyes. Francisco Fuentes. Sebastian Garcia. Noverto Fuentos. Francisco Burelo. Manuel Priego. S. Alpuin. Evaristo Trujillo. Jose del C. Sastre. Santos Cruces. Isidro Naranjo. Jose Martin Cupido. 318 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. For me and citizen Francisco Madri, For me and citizen Juan Crisostomo Miguel Lopez. Fuentes, Mariano Inuireta. Pedro Cabrera. Antonio Angles. For me and Annario Presenda, Jose For me and Manuel Taracena, Jose de Jesus Ross. M. Oollado. For me and citizen Leandro de Dios, For me and Jose Garcia, Gregorio Jose Z. Marin. Basso. For me and Serapio Custodio, Jose Juan de Dios Lopez. M. Cupido. Juan de N. Aguilar. E. Presenda. For me and citizen Jose Jesus Zapata, Antonio Cabrera. Juan G. Taracena. Deciderio G. Rosado, Jose Bernardo Aparicio. Presbitero Manuel Sabine Contreras. Arcadio Zentella. M. Sanchez Marmol. Sarapio E. Zentella. Pedro F. Heredia. Jose M. B. Angle. , Jose M. A. Angle. Francisco Pareira Sastre. Jose Angel Cortasa. For me, Rev. Father Silvestre Va- Juan E. Priego. lenzuela, and for me, Alejandro Procopio T. y Torres, Valenzuela, Manuel Fuentes. Federico Guzman. Miguel Torres Mazo. Manuel Crespo. Marcelino Gutierrez. Caciano Cruz de la PeSa„ Bartolome Victorica. [Enclosure No. 9.] In the town of San Isidro Comalcalco, en the 25th of February, 1866, the people of the place assembled in the Town Hall, by summons of the civil pre- fect, from an order of the superior State government, dated the 17th instant; and the circular of the general-in-chief of the eastern line having been read to the people assembled, in regard to the protest of citizen Jesus Gonzalez Ortega against the supreme decree issued by citizen Benito Juarez, prolonging his functions as President of the republic as long as tne cruel war waged against us by France may last, endeavoring to impose an imperial government upon us ; and the meeting having been addressed by the civil chief, stating that the persons present were requested to give their opinions upon these questions, of so much importance in the present condition of the country, the following reso- lutions were unanimously adopted : 1. Citizen Benito Juarez is recognized as President of the republic, because he is the only person in whom the Mexicans have confidence, as with so much faith and abnegation he has supported the national cause and sustained the flag of his country. 2. The pretensions of General Gonzalez Ortega to assume the presidency of the nation by right of his position as president of the supreme court of justice, is disavowed and rejected, as he was not in the country at the time. 3. Let this act be communicated to the citizen governor of the State, as the free vote of the inhabitants of the town of Comalcalco, and in accordance with the will of all Mexicans faithful to the national cause. And thereby this act closes, and is signed by all citizens present, and by me, the secretary, who certify it. Victor Gonzales, Francisco Hernandez Ubaldo Gon- P. Mendez, zalez. B. Fuente. Perfecto Diaz Asenso. Jose A. Ferrer. Aniceto Cordova. Miguel Bosada, Jose Mariano Hernandez. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 319 Francisco Chapus. Cenon de los Santos. Jose M. Arjona. Jose M. Graniel. Pascual Villanueva. Simon A. Garcia. Estevan Garcia. Domingo Ceballos. Manuel Flores. Evaristo Enrique. Manuel A. Martinez. Sebastian Burelo. Juan J. Arevalo. Francisco M. Oollado. Luis Gonzalez Gongola. Andreas Ceballas. Federico Gomez. Angel Peralta. R. Rojo. F. Canton. Anatasio Flores. Onesifero Diaz y Pinson. Felipe B. Oalderon. Jose Maria Perez Romero. J. Dionisio Prado Pacbeco. Pedro Mendez Boza. Faustino Perez Romero. Nicolas Suarez. Carmen Mendez. Faustino Alonzo. Manuel Perez. Matias M. Hernandez. Teodoro Perez. Pedro J. Fernandez. Jesus Prado Pacbeco. Julian Gil y Tantos. Feliciano Cordova. Mamerto Gonzales. J. Rafael Martinez. Jose A. Gonzales. Jose Dionisio Castellano, [Enclosiu-e No. 10.1 In the town of San Antonio de Padua de Nacajuca, on the 28th of February, I860, the inhabitants assembled in the Prefects' Hall to consider a circular from the governor and military commander of the State, dated the 17th, and contain- ing a note from the general-in-chief and military commander of the eastern line, of the 1st, stating the disagreeable and serious question that has arisen in the country, and even outside of it, in consequence of the protest of General Jesus Gonzalez Ortega, while in the United States, against the decrees of the supreme government of the republic, of the 8th of November last, and aspiring to the su- preme magistracy, as president of the court of justice ; and the documents having been read, the civil chief invited those present to express their opinions, in ac- cordance with the wish of the circular. The vote was unanimous for citizen Benito Juarez, the legitimate president of the republic, to continue in office till a new election could take place. And thereby this act concluded, and is signed by all present, and certified to by me, the secretary. Jose del R. Perez. R. Leon. Hilario Leyva. Jose M. Ramon. Matias Ybancovich. Melecio Denis. Perfecto Ramon. P. Ferrer. Manuel R. Alvarez. Claudio Rodriguez. Eusebio Ruiz. Ildefonso Esperon. Manuel A. Mendez. Manuel A. de Leon. At the request of Francisco Marquez, Manuel A. de Leon. For citizens Mariano Olan, Jose Sa- lome Lopez, Manuel Lopez, Juan Mogana, Narciso Garcia, Gaspar Lopez, Claudio Brabata, Gabino Sanchez, Domingo Burelo, Jose Quirino Soberano, Hilario Leyva. For citizens Cecilio Perez, Urbano Marquez. Manuel Aumada, (can't write,) Autonio Esperon. Candelario Flores. For citizens Jose Antonio Soberano Yannario Sanchez, Jose Amado Ribera, Francisco Cupil and Epig- menio Burelo, Jose M. Fueutes. Manuel C. Diaz. Jose Contreras. 320 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. For 0. Feliciano Lazaro, same. Jose M. Arias. Cruz Mier y Celis. Justo Sanchez. C. Flores. Augustin Gomez. J. H. Leoniso. Baltazar Hernandez. Marcos Ney. Carlos Frias. Felix Marquez. Manuel Olan. For my father, Manuel Eodriguez, Orecencio Perez. For J. del C. Olan, Manuel A. Mendez. Manuel Mendez Varga. Jose M. Fuentes, Secretary. Manuel R. Rizo. Juan de D. Gomez. Raymundo Gordillo. Juan Cordova. Rosalino Olan. Jose Maria Clemente. Marcos Perez. Francisco Magdonel. Jose del Rosario. G. Perez. B. de J. Leon. Juan Crisostomo Isidro. Domingo Gomez. Jose Rio Pena.. Gabino Ramon. Cirilo May. J. Luis Ramon. [Enclosure No. 11.] In the town of Huimanguillo, chief town of the district of the same name, on the 4th of March, 1866, the authorities and inhabitants, together with the people of Riberas, met to consider the governor's circular of the 26th February, requesting the opinion of the people whether citizen Benito Juarez shall con- tinue as President of the nation till the end of the present war. The vote having been taken, it was unanimously agreed that Juarez, who had sustained the national cause under such trying circumstances, should retain the presidency till the close of the war. And thereupon the present act was concluded and signed by all present and by me, the secretary, to Avhich I testify™ Jose M. Sol. F. Tronco Montero. Francisco de S. Colorado. Bruno Girodo. Bernardino Fuentes. Francisco Molina. Crescendo D. Gallegos. Antonio del Valle. J. Salomon Reyes. Francisco Mendez, Jose Pidad Gallegos. Guadalupe Pardo. Jose Angel Calles. Miguel A. Gonzali. Mariano Colorado. Ignacio Lara. Julian Cadenas. Quirino Mendez. Celso Montiel. Pablo Sanchez. Jose M. Lopez. Pablo Alpuche. Anastasio Hernandez. Anselmo Hernandez. Jose M. Morales. Pedro Priani. Macedonio Acuna. Juan B. Perez. Amado Palma. Vicente Aguilar. Feliciano Garcia. Gabriel Salaya. Dimicio Sanchez. Francisco Troncoso. Juan Campo Seco. Francisco Rueda. Lorenzo Contreras. Jose Aguilar. Felipe S. Fuentes. Patricio Cortasa. Amado Bettran. Rafael Diaz. Carmen Hernandez. Manuel Garduzar. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 321 [Enclosure No. 12. ] In the town of Balancan, chief pi .ice of the district of the same name, on the 25th of February, 1866, the inhabitants assembled in a place designated by the chief civil functionary, where a communication from the citizen governor and military commander of the State, dated the 17th instant, with another from the headquarters of the eastern line, dated the 1st, was read, the substance of which was, that citizen Benito Juarez, by a decree of the 8th of November of last year, had prolonged his powers as president of the Mexican republic, as an election could not take place, as prescribed by the fundamental charter of the nation, as long as this war lasted ; and the vote having been taken, it was freely and unanimously declared that the well-deserving citizen Benito Juarez should retain the presidency of the republic till the termination of the war. And thereupon this act was concluded and signed by all present, with the proper authentication. For citizens Francisco de la Cruz, Genaro Moreno, Ciriaco Jimenez, and Candelario Martinez. For citizens Jose Cano, Telesforo Ordones, and Baltasar Masariego, Francisco Abreu. Luis Rodriguez. At the request of citizens Ambrosio Dorantes, Espiridon Acate, Car- men Alias, Jose J. Terron, and Miquel Ramirez, Luis Rodriguez. Nicolas Baesa. Manuel Zetina. At the request of citizen Marcello Ri- bera, Francisco Moreno. Roman Perez. Segundo Baeza. For citizen Iguacio Losa, J. Dionisio Ramirez. Juan E. Perez. Antonio Barroso. C. N. Ramirez. D. Gutierrez Julian Quintero. Mignel A. Bustamente. Severo Arevalo. Calisto J. Rubio. Joaquin Alcocer. Candelario Martinez. Sisto Argaez. Francisco Lisarraga. Jose M. Tonsutn. Domingo L. de Llergo. Francisco Abreu. Roman Parra. Juan P. Rivera. Vicente Moreno. For citizens Juan P. Rivera, Anasta- sio Alpuche, Evaristo Lazaro, and Francisco E. Lisarraga. Felipe Garcia. Faustino Solano. J. Domingo Ramirez, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 13.] In the town of Jalpa, capital of the district of the same name, on the 25th of February, 1866, the undersigned citizens assembled, Tinder the presidency of the chief civil authority, and the meeting being called to order, the circular from the headquarters of the eastern line was read, requesting the free expres- sion of opinion about the continuation of citizen Benito Juarez in office as President of the republic, in accordance with the decree of the 8th of Novem- ber last ; and considering that nothing is more just than to confirm, by popular vote, the worthy citizen who has given so many proofs of loyalty, patriotism, and abnegation in the sacred cause sustained by the nation, in his office, and to declare that the continuation of citizen Benito Juarez in power, under present circumstances, is in fact a guarantee of national independence and acknowl- edged principles, have proposed and adopted the following resolutions : 21 MEX. 322 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Art. 1. The inhabitants of this place unanimously favor the permanency of citizen Benito Juarez in the office of first magistrate of the nation, according to the principles established in the supreme decree before mentioned. Art. 2. Let the original of this act be addressed to the citizen governor and military commander of the State for his superior information and consequent action. Done in duplicate, and signed by all present, and attested by the secretary. Feliciana Martinez. Jose Rafael Ferrer. J. Maricio Ferrer. Manuel M. Caralvo. Antonio Ortiz. Sisto Garcia. Jose Antonio Zapata. Vicente Ferrer. Pomposo Martinez. Francisco Ferrer. Ramon Guzman. Vicente Hernandez. Jose A. Garcia. Pablo A Marquez. Jose A. Dominguez. J. Eligio Alejandro. Claudio Vasquez. Jose M. Vasquez. Manuel Garcia. Pedro A. Gonzalez. Jose M. Guzman. Macedonio Hernandez. J. Rafael Caraveo. Juan J. Guzman. Nicolas Hernandez. Juan E. Perez. Fernando Carillo. Antonio Vira. Cresuncio Majaiia. Jose D. Guzman, Secretary. Excequiel Gomez. J. Victor Magana. Fidencio Ferrer. J. M. Ferrer. J. del Rosario Ferrer, Jose del C. Ferrer. Jose Leandro Vinagre. Francisco Dominguez. Jose Jesus Martinez. Cecilio Dominguez. Andres Gonzalez. J. Inez Castillo. J. Guadalupe Lopez. For my step-father, Victor Lopez, and the people of the Palma ward, Juan J. Montejo. For citizen Clemente Ramon, and at the request of citizens of Cande- laria ward, Juan J. Montejo. For citizen Estanislas Hernandez, and at the request of cit'zens of St. Luis ward, Juan J. Montejo. For citizen Pioquinto Mendez, and at the request of citizens of Santa Anna ward, Juan J. Montejo. At the request of citizen Aniceto de la Cruz, Jose D. Guzman. On the petition of citizen Pedro Ale- jandro, J. Rafael Caraveo. [Enclosure No. 14.1 In the town of San Marcos del Paraiso, on the 25th of February, 1866, a great number of inhabitants having met in the City Hall by special invitation of citizen Faustino Morales, subaltern civil chief of this place, who presided at the meeting and stated that a communication of the 25th instant, relative to the decrees issued by the supreme government of the republic at Paso del Norte on the 8th of November last, prolonging the functions of the actual President till the end of the foreign war, required the vote of the people thereon ; and the decree prosecuting General Jesus Gonzalez Ortega having been read with the other, the vote was taken whether citizen Benito Juarez should continue to hold the supreme power of the republic. It was resolved that as there were good and powerful reasons for the supreme government to issue those important documents, as, owing to a state of war, no election for his successor could take place; and considering that citizen Benito Juarez, for the constancy and firmness with which he has sustained the honor and integrity of the nation in its prolonged CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 323 contest with France, not only deserves the public confidence of his fellow-citi- zens, but deserves to be made perpetual President of the magnanimous and powerful Mexican republic, because he has won a reputation for it far superior to the decrepit nations of Europe, and has sustained its standard with dignity, maintaining the national autonomy which has never swerved from the great principles contained in the code of 1857, the people therefore will that he con- tinue in command according to the prescriptions of the said decrees, and adopt the following resolutions : . ' . . 1. The inhabitants of the town of Paraiso, loving and admiring the great civic virtues that adorn the enlightened citizen Benito Juarez, and having a decided" confidence in his loyalty, constancy, and abnegation in defence of the independ- ence of his country, all agree that he shall continue to direct the supreme destiny of the country, as directed by the decree of the 8th of November last. 2. That a copy of this act be sent to the civil chief of the district, to be com- municated to the superior government of the State and to the chief of the eastern line, giving the opinions and votes of the subscibers. And thereupon the meeting adjourned, after the act had been signed by all present and by me, the secretary, who testifies to the same. Faustino Morales. Cenobio de los Santos. _ Francisco Mao-ana. For me and citizens Bonifacio Coliado, Gabino de los^Santos. Juan Hidalgo Balboa, Jose Maria For citizens Florencio Tejada, Jose Sanchez, and Joaquin Pelegrino, Angel Tejada, and Luis Alejandro, Oastulo A. Vera. Francisco Magana. For me and citizens Juan Dominguez, For citizens Jose Maria Alejandro, Luis Magaha, Sebero Perez, and Merced Cordova, and Ramon Perez, Claudio Carrillo, Salvador Hernan- Guadalupe Romero. dez, Ramon Garcia. Fructuoso Hernandez. For me and citizens Pablo Ab.alos, For citizens' Pedro Abalos, Juan To- Andres Rodriguez, Juan Diego mas Flores, and Oresencio Gongora, Izquierdo, and Juan Villareal, Juan Gavino de los Santos. B. Hernandez, Timoteo Alejandro. Jorge Garcia. Pablo Cancin. Teodosio Magana. Rafael Abalos. Vicente Vazque. Jose Jesus Abalos. For me and citizens Policarpio Do- Jose E. Alejandro. minguez, and Julian Dominguez, Victor Perez. Timoteo Alejandro, Claudio Ale- Juan Pablo Palma. jandro. Petronilo Perez. Evaristo Perez. Severo Dominguez. Antonio Romero. Petronilo Magana. Pablo de la Cruz. This is a true copy of the original, and I certify to it. PETRONILO MAGANA, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 15.] In the town of Santa Cruz de Chichicapa, district of Comalcalco, on the 3d day of March, 1866, the inhabitants assembled in the Town Hall by invitation of the subaltern civil chief, who read a communication from the commander of the eastern line, submitting an important question to the decision of the people, namely, the attempt of General Jesus Gonzalez Ortega to rob the presidency from the worthy citizen Benito Juarez. Considering that the supreme decree of the 8th of November last, issued in Paso del Norte, is a just and necessaVy 324 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. measure, as it saves us from a crisis, because an election for President cannot take place, on account of war, in accordance with the fundamental code of 1857, and as citizen Juarez could not vacate the place, because citizen Gonzalez Ortega, who was to fill it, was absent at the time ; and whereas war should settle all home disputes, the people of Chichicapa, free to vote on national questions, have agreed upon and adopted the following resolutions : 1. The well-deserving citizen Benito Juarez, as the only man whom the Mexicans have trusted and can trust, is acknowledged and shall be recognized as President of the repulic. 2. We reject the protest of General Jesus Gonzalez Ortega against the su- preme decree of the 8th of November last, with all our energy and power. 3. We also reject any other future protest that may be made against the acts of [Rest of the pamphlet is wanting.] No. 109. Mr. Seward to Mr. Bomcro. Department of State, Washington, July 7, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 13th ultimo, containing a copy of No. 11 of the official paper of your gov- ernment, publishing certain letters of Mexican citizens with regard to the decree prolonging the presidential term, and to thank you for the information. I embrace this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWAED. Senor Don M. Romero, fyc., fyc, fyc. No. 110. Mr. Romero to Mr. Sevjard. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States, Washington, November 1, 1866. Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to enclose to you a printed pamphlet containing forty-nine acts of the principal official corporations, and particularly of the councils of the most important towns in the State of Chiapas, in the Mexican republic, acknowledging the legality and expediency of the decrees issued on the 8th of November last by the government of Mexico, in one of which the duration of the term of office of the President of the republic was extended till a popular election could take place, which was impossible at that time (and is yet) on account of the foreign invasion. With this opportunity, I am pleased to repeat to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc, fyc, fyc. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 325 [Enclosure No. ...] The State of Chiapas to citizen Benito Juarez, expressing the popular senti- ment by approval of his decrees of the 8th of November last. The people of Chiapas, reposing quietly in the sincerity of their preference for citizen Benito Juarez as President of the republic, have accepted without hesitation, and even -with pleasure, the supreme decree of the 8th of November of last year, prolonging the presidential period during the time the hazardous circumstances of the present foreign war may last, and till, when the war is over, he who receives the popular suffrage may take charge of the government. It was never once presumed that the termination of the constitutional period of the presidency of Juarez would be the signal of alarm to the low, mean, miserable passions of certain statesmen, who, coveting the exalted position, forget their honored antecedents, their dignity of free citizens, and even the critical circumstances in which the republic is now struggling. The protest of Manuel Ruiz, ex-minister of the supreme court of justice of the nation^ and re- ports of other protests, only serve to increase the dislike to personalities, and the esteem and affection for the intelligent and virtuous Juarez, who has no other aspiration, no other wish, no other desire, than the safety and happiness of his country. The people of Chiapas, following the inclinations of their conscience and their heart, and in conformity with the wishes at headquarters of the eastern line, hastened to express their will by means of acts indicating their adhesion, trust, and confidence in the present worthy chief of the repub- lic, in whom the country has placed its hopes with just cause ; for to suspect a man who, during the last revolution of three years, led the people in triumph to the glorious conquest of the sacred principle of legality, would be to com- mit a crime. To show that the people of Chiapas are grateful, and know how to appre- ciate the virtues of the well-beloved citizen ; to prove to the enemies of the country that the heroic example set by the chief of the republic will always be seconded with enthusiasm by the simple but brave people who will defend their rights and liberties at the cost of every sacrifice ; to demonstrate to the ambitious, who think themselves necessary to the government, that the people are not now what they were in common revolutionary times, when common persons, such as Santa Anna, contended for power, we will let them know, once for all, that the people think, judge, reward, and punish ; that, taught by the experience of the long civil war to distinguish sincerity from hypocrisy, they have learned what is true patriotism, and have determined to estimate it prop- erly by suitable rewards, and have learned the false machinations of ambition, to despise them and punish them. The following documents show the truth of all this, as our readers will be pleased to find : Office of the Governor and Military Commander of the State of Chiapas, Comitan, March 6, 1866. The commander of the eastern line wrote to the governor and military com- mander of the State, on the 1st of February, as follows : "A serious question has arisen in the country and beyond it ; citizen Benito Juarez, as constitu- tional President of the republic, on the 8th of November last continued his duties as such, as you will see by the enclosed decree in the official bulletin, No. 29. It is said that General Jesus Gonzalez Ortega protested against the decree while in the United States, as president of the supreme court of justice, which capacity is not accorded to him by citizen Juarez, as you will see in the decree of the 8th of November, which is also published in the bulletin. The 326 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. exceptional circumstances in which the present foreign war has placed the na- tion prevents an election of a supreme magistrate to rule the destinies of the country according to the constitution, and though the opinion is already formed at headquarters in favor of the existing order of things, because it believes that citizen Benito Juarez has a right to the presidency by virtue of his first elec- tion, in accordance with our actual laws, yet it wishes to know the opinion of the eastern line in the affair ; and therefore I address myself to you, to have the vote taken, in the manner you think most proper, of all good Mexicans found in the jurisdiction of your worthy command, and report to me if it con- forms to my opinion, for my information and consequent action." I communi- cate this to you by supreme command, for your information and that of authori- ties under you, to whom you will make it known, that they may act as their conscience dictates for the true interests and general good of the country. Country and liberty ! RAMIREZ. The Civil Chief and Military Commander of the Department of -. (The rest of the pamphlet contains the resolutions of corporations, learned societies, and popular meetings in nine different departments of the State of Chiapas, approving the decree of the 8th of November extending the presiden- tial term of office. The form of these resolutions has been frequently translated in former communications to this department.) [Enclosure No. 2.] The acts are from the following corporations : No. 1. Supreme court of the State of Chiapas, San Cristobal las Casas, March 18, 1866. No. 2. Literary University of the same State, San Cristobal las Casas, March 10, 1866. Department of Comitan. No. 3. Political and military command of the department of Comitan, Comitan, March 10, 1S66. No. 4. Military command of the department of Comitan, Comitan, March 6, 1866. No. 5. Ayuntamiento of the department of San Bartolome de los Llanos, March 13, 1866. No. 6. Political command of the same department, March 31, 1866. No. 7. Ayuntamiento of Zapaluta, March 19, 1866. No. 8. Ayuntamiento of Zocoltenango, March 15, 1866. No. 9. Political command of Zocoltenango, March 15, 1866. No. 10. Court of the department of Comitan, April 7, 1866. Department of San Cristobal. No. 11. Ayuntamiento of San Cristobal las Casas, March 14, 1866. No. 12. First battalion of Chiapas, San Cristobal las Casas, March 14, 1S66. No. 13. Ayuntamiento of Teopisco, March 13, 1866. No. 14. Ayuntamiento of San Juan Bautista Chamula, March 13, 1866. No. 15. Ayuntamiento of San Lorenzo Zinacantan, March 21, 1S66. No. 16. Ayuntamiento of Amatenango, March 16, 1866. No. 1.7. Criminal court of San Cristobal las Casas, April 3, 1S66. , No. 18. Court of San Pedro Chenalko, March 17, 1866. 39," CONDITION OP AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. O'l ( No 19. Court of Huertan, March 6, 1S66. No. 20. Courts of Santa Maria Magdalena, March 30, 1S66. No. 21. Courts of Santa Marta, March 30, 1866. Department of Chiapas. No. 22. Ayuntamiento of Chiapas city, March 14, 1866. No. 23. Court of the department of Chiapas, March 25, 1S66. Department of Tuxtla Gutierrcs. No 24. Ayuntamiento of Tuxtla Gutierres city, March 14, 1S66. No' 25. Military and political command of the department, March 14, 1S66. No! 26. Court of the county of Tuxtla Gutierres, March 31, 1866. No. 27. Ayuntamiento of Ocosocuantla, March 24, 1866. No'. 28. Courts of Ocosocuantla, March 24, 1S66. No. 29. Ayuntamiento of Zintalapa, March 27, 1866. No. 30. Ayuntamiento of Tomala city, March 26, 1S66. No. 31. Court of the Tomala county, March 20, 1866. No. 32. Ayuutamiento of Mapastepec, April 5, 1866.^ No. 33. Ayuntamiento of Pigigiappa, March 31, 1866. Department of Simojovel. No. 34. Political and military command of department, March 19, 1866. No. 35. Ayuntamiento of San Juan, March IS, 1866. No. 36. Court of Simojovel county, March 17, 1866. No. 37. Ayuntamiento of San Juan Bautista Istobol, March 17, 1S66. No. 38. Ayuntamiento of Simojovel, March 17, 1S66. Department of Pic/tucalco No. 39. Political and military command of the department, March 27, 1S66. No. 40. Ayuntamiento of Pichucalco, March 27, 1S66. No. 41. Court of the department, March 28, 1866. No. 42. Courts of the city of Pichucalco, March 31, 1S66. Department of Soconusco. No. 43. Ayuntamiento of Zapachula, March 28, 1866. No 44. Political and military command of Zapachula, March 2t No. 45. Ayuntamiento of Tuxtla Chico city, March 25, 1S66. Department of Chilon. No. 46. Political and military command of the department, Ocozingo city, March 8, 1866. No. 47. Ayuntamiento of Chilon, April 11, 1S66. Department of Palenque. No. 4S. Ayuntamiento of Palenque, April 13, 1866. No. 49. Ayuutamiento of San Jose, Catasapa city, April 14, 1866. >S, 1S66. [Enclosure No. 3.] The governor of the State of Chiapas to the citizens of the State. Fellow-citizens: The supreme government of the republic having issued the decree of November 8, by which the powers of the actual^ President — the citizen Benito Juarez — are continued until a constitutional election of the person who can substitute him can be held, the government of this State has accepted 328 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. it without any objection; convinced, as I feel, of the legal foundation upon which it is based, of the urgent necessity which authorizes it, and that, in the distressing circumstances through which the nation is now passing, it was not possible to act otherwise without sacrificing the interests of the public cause, to prescribe political forms established for normal times of peace. Far from this, and owing to the iniquitous war made against the republic, we have to act solely inspired by sentiments of patriotism, the only hope left to the nation in the fear- ful ordeal she has now to undergo. Nevertheless, if there are any doubts, any distrust as to the legality of the acts of the first magistrate of the nation, these ought to disappear before the ex- plicit and unanimous manifestation of the people ; and the people, free from any compulsion, have proclaimed his permanency in power until the causes which gave occasion to the decree thus sanctioned have ceased to exist, for they respect more the substance than the form, more the spirit than the letter of our insti- tutions. You, Chiapanecos, in the midst of the stormy crisis we have traversed, you have been faithful to the cause of our independence and to the illustrious genius who has guided with firmness the destinies of the magnanimous people which will elevate him for his virtues to the highest power, giving thus the best and most unmistakable proof of their fidelity and good sense, for the good of the country — for your own good. Follow, then, that path of honor and glory, and your conduct will always find imitators, and your acts will make a brilliant page in the history of the present war. Chiapanecos, an admirer of your noble conduct in the bitter days of misfor tune and trial of our beloved country, I shall always regard that conduct as a model of virtue — a sublime example worthy of imitation. Live, then, for your country. Let her triumph be the object of your constant efforts and sacrifices. Thus you will fulfil the duties which God has imposed upon you, and thus you will leave to your children a free country worthy of being inherited. JOSE PANTALEON DOMINGUEZ. TUXTLA GUT1ERRES, Apj±l 12, 1866. With simplicity have the documents here printed been written, but with sin- cerity also. The frank and spontaneous expression of a people who sanction with their will the decree of November 8 is registered in them, asking the per- manency of the illustrious citizen Don Benito Juarez in the presidency of the republic for the whole time during the critical situation brought about by the foreign war. The people of Chiapas have pledged themselves to die defending the flag of the country carried aloft by the firm hand of the President. They will keep to their pledge in spite of all the obstacles that the enemy may oppose, in spite of the miserable ambition of some bad Mexicans, because the people of Chiapas love with faith, with enthusiasm. Liberty and independence ! No. 111. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero. Department of State, Washington, November 9, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 1st instant, containing various acts passed in the State of Chiapas, in the Mexican republic, recognizing the legality and expediency of the decrees issued CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 329 on the 8th of last November, by the government of Mexico, in one of which the duration of the term of office of the President of that republic was extended until a public election could take place. I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. e WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Sefior Don M. Romero, 8fc. } fyc., Sfc. No. 112. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation. ] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, November 21, 1S66. Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, the documents in the annexed index, some of which, taken from the official paper of the Mexican government, show the adhesion of several States of the republic to the decree of the Sth of November, 1865, declaring the continuance of the presidential term till a new election can take place. I think proper to call your attention, in a special manner, to let- ters addressed to me on that subject by Mr. Bias Bruzual and Mr. Domingo F. Sarmiento. One is, as you are aware, envoy extraordinary and minister pleni- potentiary of Venezuela to this country, and the other is a minister of the same rank from the Argentine Republic, and accredited to this government. Their letters you will find among the annexed documents. These distinguished South American statesmen, of acknowledged enlighten- ment, who cannot be suspected of mean interests — for they have nothing to hope or fear from Mexico, or any other desire, than the success of the American cause at large — agree upon the convenience and necessity of extending the presidential term till a new election can take place. I embrace this occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurance of my most distinguished consideration. ° M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, $c, Sfc., fyc. ;30 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Index of documents sent by the Mexican legation in Washington to the Depart- ment of State of the United States, with the note of this date, in relation to the decrees of the 8th of November , 1865. No. Date. Contents. 1863. March 17 March 4 July 9 April 13 March 8 1865. May 31 1866. Nov. 16 Nov. 21 The governor of the State of Tabasco sends the minister of relations the act of adhesion of the city of San Juan Bautista to the decrees of the 8th of November, 1865. Act to which the foregoing note refers. Eeply of the department of relations to the governor of Tabasco. The consul of the republic in San Francisco, California, communicates to the department of relations a note from the governor of the State of Chia- pas, reporting the adhesion of that government to the decrees of the 8th of November, 1865. The governor of the State of Guerrero to the consul in San Francisco, Cali- fornia, asking him to forward the adhesion of that State to the decrees of the 8th November, 1865, to the general government. Letter from Mr. Bias Bruzual, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipo- tentiary of Venezuela, accredited to the govenment of the United States, addressed to Mr. Romero, stating his opinion that the functionaries elected by the people in Mexico ought to continue in the discharge of their duties till a new election can take place. Letter from Mr. Domingo F. Sarmiento, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the Argentine republic, accredited to the government of the United States, addressed to Mr. Romero, expressing his opinion that the President of Mexico ought to continue the execution of his duties till a new election can take place. Mr. Romero's answer to the above letter. Washington, November 21, 1866. IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 1. — From the official paper of the constitutional government of the Mexican republic, Chihuahua, July 20, 1866, No. 2J.] DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN RELATIONS AND GOVERNMENT — THE CIVIL GOVERN- MENT AND MILITARY COMMANDANCY OF THE STATE OF TABASCO. San Juan Bautista, March 17, 1866. I have tlie honor to transmit to your department the original act expressing the opinion of the people of this capital in regard to the decree issued hy the supreme magistrate of the republic on the Sth of last November. Have the kindness to make it known to the worthy magistrate who so successfully and constantly rules the destinies of the republic, and assure him that the sentiments of this government and of the people of Tabasco in general accord with his. Accept, therefoie, the sincere asseverations of my profound respect and esteem. Independence and liberty ! G. MENDEZ. The Minister of Foreign Relations and Government of the Republic, Paso del Norte. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 331 [Enclosure No ?.] An act drawn up in the city of San Juan Ba.utista, capital of the State of Tabasco, in support of the decrees of the 8th of November, 1865, prolonging the presidential term of citizen Benito Juarez. In the city of San Juan Bautista, of Tabasco, on the fourth clay of March, 1866, the people of the capital assembled at the summons of the civil governor and military commander of the State, to say if they accept or not the prolong- ation of the presidential term decreed at El Paso del Norte, on the 8th of Novem- ber last, by citizen Benito Juarez, constitutional President of the United States of Mexico ; and having proposed, in order to make the act regular, that a pres- ident and secretary be named, the citizen governor was elected by acclamation to the first place, and citizen Juan R. de la Rosa to the second. The decree having been read, and all citizens present having manifested their will to be in favor of the continuation of the presidential functions of the citizen Benito Juarez, the following" resolutions were unanimously adopted : 1. The people of the capital of the State of Tabasco support with all their will, and all their force, the decree issued on the 8th of November, 1865, by citizen Benito Juarez, prolonging the presidential term till the circumstances of the nation can enable a new election of some one to succeed him; and the people of Tabasco, in consequence, acknowledge no other legitimate authority than that now exercised by citizen Benito Juarez. 2. The same people of the capital of Tabasco give a vote of supreme confi- dence in citizen Benito Juarez for the abnegation and constancy with which he has defended the independence and autonomy of the nation. And so this act concludes, and is signed by the present citizens, with me, the secretary, which I certify. G. Mendez. M. M. Moreno. Cornelio Castillo. Lawyer Mariano Pedreza. Francisco de P. Aguilar. Francisco Vidana. Justo F. Santa Anna. Thomas Fellices. Carlos Cebada. P. P. Rosado. J. M. de Codes. Filomeno Lopez de Aguado. Lawyer Rafael Oviedo. S. G. Sanaraz. P. A. Paillet. Isidro Delgado. Carlos Moguel. M. Payan Ortiz. Mateo Trinierete. Felipe Gonzales. J. M. Garrebino. Manuel. Perales. F. Sosa Barbosa. Antonio M. Hernandez. Ignacio Mayo. Tiburcio D. Vasquez. Oliverio Figueroa. Vicente Damas. Victoriano Peres. Juan Morales. Juan de la C. Torres Ventura Gallardo. Ricardo Pina. Trinidad de Sevilla. Antonio Gonzales. Jose M. Pergani. Darnaso Jesus. Felipe Lazaro., Felipe I. de Lopez. Juan A. Prado. Amado Morales. J. Medrano. Florentino Camacho. Ponciano de la Torre. Manuel Laray Marchena, Tranquilino Perez. Urbano Notario. J. Eustachio Ghapus. Jose Jesus Garcia. Jose de la Rosa Contreras. Eligio Mencloza. Nicolas Mendoza. Manuel D. Olan. Pedro Fuentes. Saturno Geronimo. Toribio Osorio. ;32 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Leon A. Torres. Manuel M. Lombardini. Marcelino Garza. Prisciliano Jimenez. Lawyer Jose M. Burelo. Emeteris False. Isidoro Alfaro. Feliciano A. Cae. J. Longino Diaz. Anastasio Arjona. Manuel G. Fuentes M. Silenciario Rodriguez. Timoteo Sanchez. Estanislao Jimenez. Joaquin Garcia. A. Martinez Marini. Nicolas Herrera Morales. Manuel Mayo. Felix A. Diaz. Antonio Diaz. Bernabe Canto. Juan de la Rosa, Secretary. Benigno Mondragon. Francisco Jesus. Gregorio Cupido. Hilario Arias. - J. Sanlucas Perez. Pablo Oastaldi. Jose M Garcia. Vicente Jimenez. Alejandro Loreto. Tranquilino de la Rosa. Jose Eugenio Garcia. Nicolas Hernandez. Hermenegildo Chaves. S. Isaac Martinez. Fernando Lozano. Cenobio Jimenez. Casiano Gomez. Jose Brandespin. And one hundred and sixty-three others. [Enclosure No. 3. — Translation.] DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN RELATIONS AND GOVERNMENT — GOVERNMENT BRANCH SECTION FIRST. With your despatch of the 17th of March last you sent me the act drawn up in the capital of your State, manifesting the approbation given to the decree of the 8th of November last declaring the prolongation of the term of the Pres- ident of the republic till the circumstances of the war will permit a new con- stitutional election. As expressed in the decree, it was issued because it was thought to conform to the spirit and provisions of the constitution, and to the will of the Mexican people. The citizen President justly appreciates the will of all the signers of the act, not only because it is spontaneous and the vote of free citizens, but because it is also the opinion of the government, as well as of the worthy sons of Tabasco, who have frequently given strong proofs of their patriotism in this war. Independence and liberty ! Chihuahua, July 9, 1S66. LERDO DE TEJADA. Citizen Gregorio Mendez, Governor of the State of Tabasco, at San Juan Bautista. [Enclosure No. 4.— From the official paper of the constitutional government of the Mexican republic, No. 18, Paso del Norte, May 31, 1866.] Department of Foreign Relations and Government, Consulate of Mexico in San Francisco, San Francisco, Ainil 13, 1866. J. Pantaleon Dominguez, the citizen governor of the State of Chiapas, writes me on the 15th of February as follows : " Informed of the contents of your worthy despatch of. the 15th of December last, and of the decrees issued by the supreme government of the republic relative CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 333 to the prolongation of the functions of the actual President, and to the respon- sibility assumed by citizen General Jesus G. Ortega, I this day order this cir- culation and publication in the State under my command, and that they be made known to the citizen governors of Tabasco and Vera Cruz, to whom I also send your despatch and a copy of the letter written to you by the first magistrate of the nation. In communicating this information to you, with due respect, I have the honor to reproduce to you the vows of my singular appreciation and con- sideration." And I have the honor to transcribe it to you, that you may be so good as to place it in the knowledge of the supreme magistrate of the republic. I protest to you the assurances of my esteem and consideration. JOSE A. GODOY. Citizen Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, Minister of Foreign Relations and Government, at Paso del Norte. [Enclosure No. 5.] GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE OF GUERRERO. With your despatch of the 15th of December last I have this day received two decrees issued by the citizen President of the republic, on the 8th of Novem- ber of the same year ; one of which declares the continuance of your functions till the condition of the war may permit a new constitutional election, and the other that there is cause of prosecution against General Jesus G. Ortega for remaining abroad without a permit from the supreme government, with the title of general, having resigned the place as president of the supreme court of justice ; and also a circular issued at the same time, explaining the fundamental causes of the issue of said decrees, with the copy of a private letter from the citizen Presi- dent recommending you to circulate the documents, and declaring his resolution to consecrate himself as ever to the defence of national independence, under all circumstances and in every emergency. As the reasons that induced the supreme government to issue said decrees are explained in the documents, and as there is no doubt the union congress has authorized him to issue the decrees, I will merely say to you that this govern- ment and all the inhabitants of the State agree that you should continue in the presidency of the republic on the said terms, assuring you if it had been other- wise it would have caused great grief in the State, which sees the principles he defends personified, and a certain triumph of the republican cause in the well- deserving citizen who has displayed so much constant energy in the defence of the inalienable rights of the country. I beg of you to make this known to the supreme government, and present my thanks for the patriotic resolutions, and accept for yourself my distinguished esteem and consideration. Independence and liberty ! La Providenza, March 8, 1866. D. ALVAREZ. Jose A. Godoy, Consul of the Republic in San Francisco, California. [Enclosure No. 6.] New York, May 31, 1S66. Esteemed Sir and Friend : Before leaving Washington a few days ago, you asked my opinion about what should be done in case the constitutional elections cannot take place in Mexico, on account of the occupation of many of 334 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. the towns by the enemy that has invaded the republic. I will answer in a few words, for the question seems very plain to me. The Mexican constitution, like all democratic constitutions, consists of two principal parts : one establishes the authority and manner of executing it, and the other the periodical renovation of national official functions. If the nation is prevented from effecting the latter by vis major, it is not excused from obeying the functionaries constitutionally elected to carry on the government ; and those functionaries are not excused from their duties because the nation is prevented from complying with the precepts of the constitution for their succession. For this reason I think the present functionaries of the republic ought to continue in office as long as the nation is disabled from relieving them, accord- ing to the dispositions of the fundamental law. To think adversely would be believing in national dissolution, because an elective formula could not take place ; it would be believing the constitution could aid the invader by displacing the functionaries called to represent it and defend it against exterior attack. So far from thinking the present functionaries, chosen by popular election, ought to retire from their psots before the nation could relieve them, I think that natural law obliges them to continue in the discharge of their public duties, the continuation of which is prescribed by the supreme law of self-preservation. I am of the opinion that the authority of the high functionaries chosen by popular election ought to consider their offices continued till the nation is in a condition to relieve them ; and so the President of the United States of Mexico ought to declare by virtue of the power conferred upon him by the last national congress. Thus I answer your question, and subscribe myself your obedient servant, B. BRUZUAL. Mr Matias Romero. Washington, November 21, 1866. A true copy IGNO. MARTSCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 7. J New York, November 16, 1S66. Dear Sir: With the greatest diffidence, by means of this letter, I comply with your request to state' in writing my opinion in regard to General Ortega's protest as president of the supreme court of justice against the decrees of Juarez prolonging his presidential term till a new election can take place. My want of confidence proceeds from the fact that most of our constitutions contain disposi- tions that have no precedents in those that have acquired an established juris- prudence by sanction of time, and I run a risk of venturing solutions to practical questions, that may be deemed fort ign, because the case in question is so strange. It is much to be desired, if Mexico recoveis her usurped territory, to have her constitution remodelled after those that have been tested in various countries, so that in cases like the present there may be sources and authorities to give antecedents and principles to satisfy the public conscience. The present condition of Mexico is a sad one! Just on the point of shaking off the foreign incubus, with two public powers differing in their understanding of an article of the constitution, in danger of falling into the flames of another civil war! Is it not to be feared that honest ci.izeus may embrace one or the other party without reflection, or as they may interpret the constitution according to their personal interests, or for the renovation of public powers? It is not the only country of Spanish America that is disputing about constitu- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 335 tional rights, obscured by want of plain rules that have given rise to civil wars and deplorable revolutions. For this reason it is very necessary to fix the constitutional dispositions in Mexico, by means of an explanation of its principles ; and to this end I wish to contribute the following brief considerations : All constitutions fix a limit to the extent of the dispositions that tend to insure the exercise of individual rights, and it is the preservation of the thing constituted the state, the nation. No disposition relating to a private interest, or ri°-ht, can endanger the preservation of the whole; and, therefore, when it is decreed that the sessions of congress shall be public — for the people have the privilege to know the reasons for law — it is provided they may be secret when- ever reasons of public convenience require it. It is the same with the first right of man, his personal liberty, which is guaranteed to him by the constitution whenever it is suspended without sufficient cause according to law ; but it is provided that in cases of insurrection or invasion, when public security requires it, the person arrested shall not be informed of the cause of his arrest. England and the United States acknowledge these limitations, and others too numerous to mention, to rights acquired by time at the cost of immense sacri- fices. Public safety, now threatened in Mexico, must, therefore, be the test, as long as the present situation continues, to prove the intrinsic value of secondary dispositions. The periodical change of the executive prevents the establishment of a despotism from habit or force ; but this precaution, laudable in peace times, in case of insurrection or invasion must be subordinate to the safety of the nation by means of force. As the part of the country that is free is under martial law, and the rest held by the enemy, the provisions for changing authorities are null, as they cannot be executed. The constitution of Mexico disposes that the president of the judicial power shall execute the duties of the executive, in its default ; and in this particular it differs from the other American republics, that confer the power upon the head of the legislature. The spirit of that disposition is easy to understand ; it intended to place power in the hands of an official who could have no interest in party questions, so that he could exercise no influence on the free vote of the people. The existence of a president of the supreme court supposes a fixed residence in the capital, in discharge of his official duties. Would the constitution make a president of the court that had no court to preside over, or no fixed residence in the place where the court ought to meet ? Is it a personal right granted to that functionary by the people, like that conferred upon the vice-president 1 No. The president of the supreme court of justice exercises his functions in a locality designated by the constitution. His name has nothing to do with the office ; whereas, in case of the president and vice-president, the name is everything. From this simple and rational principle, we ask : Can there be a president, of the supreme court of Mexico residing in New York, NeV Orleans, or anywhere in the United States ? Can the supreme court emigrate and act outside his juris- diction 1 Can a simple justice of the peace in Matamoras cross the Rio Grande, order arrests, and impose fines in the territory of the jurisdiction he has aban- doned 1 It is the duty of the president of the supreme court to be always found at his post, by the notary, who informs him of causes under his jurisdiction. If he is not found, and it is known that he has left the country, the fact must be made known, so as to show the place is vacant, for his functions cannot follow him out of his jurisdiction. If there be a constitutional point solemnly recognized, it is certainly that the place is vacated when the functionary moves out of his jurisdiction. The right of governing England belongs to a family, and is hereditary by the laws of suc- cession ; and yet, when James the second left the country, going beyond the 666 CONDITION OF AFFAIES IN MEXICO. limits of his kingdom, and not called out by duty, Parliament declared the throne vacant, and did not call his successor to fill it, because he was the heir of a deceased father, and not the heir of an absent person. If, then, a king ceases to be such by absenting himself from his country, can a judge, who has not officiated for years, and is living out of the country, continue to be judge? I must here call attention to an observation I have previously made, namely, that the person called by the Mexican constitution to exercise in certain cases a kind of regency is the president of the judicial power, and not the legislative head, as in most other republics. That is to say, an employe whose duties are con- fined to the seat of government cannot be governor of a state, general in the army, a traveller abroad, or an ambassador, without resigning his judgeship, the business of which confines him daily to his duties. Perhaps you ask, but what has this constitutional disposition to do with General Ortega, who appears to have an office abroad 1 Now come the considerations that show the danger to the safety of the country of offices held out of it. The person is exposed to the in- fluences of a foreign state, which he may use to the injury of his country, as is shown in the present case. General Ortega finds himself restricted in his pretensions by the policy of the United States, that favor Juarez. If we admit him to any legitimate right to the presidency, we must confess that the dignity of the republic has been tarnished by his imprisonment. If we take the opposite, and suppose him favored by the United States, we would have a President of Mexico under a foreign jurisdiction, and recognized by a strong neighboi giving him hospitality, and acting in the interests of a country that might not always be the interests of Mexico. These considerations seem to me to be of great weight in sulving the disposi- tions of the constitution. It is not now proposed to hold an election, for it is impossible. No tyranny is to be put down ; all that is to be done is to continue to resist foreign invasion ; and to succeed in this, the person who began it must remain in office, and this course is dictated by common sense. "Don't swap horses in crossing the stream," said Mr. Lincoln, in accordance with popular opinion that re-elected him to the presidency, so as not to derange the machinery of war, which is the executive. Taking advantage of the actual fact, General Ortega's high military qualities do not improve the present situation ; to do that, it must be so expressed by election, or we must suppose that a chief justice is expected to possess military- qualities. But the constitution does not make General Ortega regent ; it appoints to that office whomsoever is president of the supreme court ; and the only person who cannot be and ought not to be called to the presidency of the republic by the spirit of the constitution, while the country is struggling for independence against a foreign power, is the president of the supreme court of justice, who is supposed to be versed in the laws, to be just in his decisions, but not skilled in arms to defend with the sword his threatened country. Most likely Mexico is the only country in the world where a general is chief justice. If events should make it desirable to have military men as judges, the constitution would be vio- lated, and its intention frustrated, for the judge was to be a man having no party prejudices : but here we have one, a general, watching every opportunity to get into the presidency. President Juarez, now in exercise of the supreme power, carries on the war as President, which is not a theory of right, as is supposed, but a fixed fact that it would become necessary to destroy, and turn those arms that should be used against the common enemy against the governor of a State, the result of which would certainly be a deplorable civil war, and, possibly, the elevation of Gen- eral Ortega to the presidency. The fact that the United States do not support the pretender's aspirations, and continue to acknowledge the government of President Juarez, is of no importance to the partisans of the liberal interpretation CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 337 of the constitution, but it is of great consequence to the people of Mexico, and for the success of the terrible war that is ending so gloriously. First save the thing constituted — that is, the country, the nation, the republic — that is of the greatest importance. Each clay has its task. When the time comes for the election of a President of Mexico free aud independent, then the venerable jurist who is fulfilling his daily duties as chief justice in the city of Mexico will be made regent during the interregnum of the country. It would be well for General Ortega to be at the head of victorious legions at that time, for I cannot think he is buried under the musty law tomes of his law library. General Ortega, in the United States, is beyond reach of the case provided for in the constitution. Let a general have all the influence possible; let himbe the head of a political party ; but he is not that president of the supreme court to whom the constitution proposes to trust the executive power during an interregnum. History has shown the troubles of regencies in war times, and the people of Mexico would be very unforeseeing to put such obstacles in the way of the present executive, embarrassing his action, only to comply with a simple rite of the constitution that could not provide for emergencies of such a serious nature as now exist. If there be yet doubt about the power of the executive to continue his func- tions during a congressional recess, or during the absence or resignation of the president of the judicial power, it is settled by the permanent nature of the office. Our constitution compels the annual meeting of the legislature. In some of the United States their sessions are biennial, and the English Parlia- ment did not order to be convoked regularly, at least once every five years, but in the reign of James the Second. The executive power has other rules. In monarchies a successor is legally named for every emergency, and a regent is appointed by law. " The king never dies," (mort le roy — vive le roy,J is the t; aditional formula to show that executive action never ceases for a moment. Republics provide for possible emergencies by naming a vice-president, or, in default, of him, presidents of the senate, or persons designated by other constitu- tions, succeed to the presidency. In the present case, where there is no death, resignation, or inability of the incumbent, and when no election can take place, no real interest of society re- quires a change of administration that might weaken the mere military power of the executive. On the other hand, all precepts of the constitution for ordi- nary cases ought to rest in abeyance, so as not to endanger the safety of the nation, which is of the most importance. 1 will conclude by calling your attention to the pei*nicious effects of those differences from the practices of all other nations. That precept of the con- stitution that calls the president of the supreme court to succeed the chief ex- ecutive has not done the good that was expected ; for, instead of an impartial judge, we find in the place a general with titles, antecedents, and political de- signs ; and that certainly was not intended by the constitution. My opinion is, the best thing that can be done to provide for future events will be to suppress the interrex, aud create a vice president. With rny wishes for the prosperity of Mexico and your own happiness, I remain, with sentiments of particular esteem, your very obedient servant and friend, D. E. SARMIENTO. Mr. Matias Romero, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of Mexico, in Washington. Washington, November, LS66. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. 22 MKX. 338 CONDITION OF AFFAIES IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 8. ] Washington, November 21, 1866. My Dear Sir : I had the honor to-day to receive your acceptahle letter of the 16th instant, in which yon express in writing, agreeably to my request, the opinion you gave me verbally in your visit to me on the 12th, in regard to the expediency and legality of the decrees issued by the President of the Mexican republic, on the 8th of November, 1S65, prolonging bis presidential term till a new election can take place. As your opinion is that of a distinguished South American statesman of ac- knowledged information and sound sense, who can have no low interest, or any other reason but the success of the American cause in general, it cannot fail to have a good effect upon persons outsit e < t JY'exico not acquainted with the sub- ject, and will remove some doubts concerning the pretended rights of General Ort'ga to the presidency of the Mexican republic. I say on persons outside of Mexico, because inside of the republic the opinion is unanimously in favor of the expediency and necessity of those decrees and considers the conduct of General Ortega as unpatriotic and seditious. It is a fact that no authorized voice in Mexico has been raised against the decrees, and it is now more than a year since they were issued. No military chieftain has regarded them as un- constitutional ; only a few discontented lugitives from the country in time of foreign war, and residing in the United States, support General Ortega's preten- sions. I send a copy of your letter this day to my government, and also to the State Department of the United States of America. I remain, sir, your most obsequious friend and obedient servant, M. ROMERO. Don Domingo P. Sarmiento, Envoy Extraorainary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the Argentine Republic, New York. A true copy Washington, November 21, 1866. IGNO. MARISC XL; Secretary. No. 113. Mr. Seward to Mr. Ilomero. Department of State, Washington, November 28, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 1 6 tli instant, containing a number of the official paper of the Mexican gov- ernment of the 22d of last October, in which is given some correspondence which passed between you and Sefior Lerdo de Tejada, in regard to Senor Don An- tonio Lopez de Santa Anna. I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don M. Romero, fyc, fyc, fyc. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 339 Mo. 7. CONCERNING DE SANTA ANNA. List of papers. 114. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with two enclosure?) May 26, 1*66. 115. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 6, 1866. 116. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with eleven enclosure.?) Aug. 12, 1866. 117. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Aug. 20, 1866. 118. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward,' (with sixteen enclosures) .. ..Sept. 29, 1866. 119. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Oct. 9, 1866. 120. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with two enclosures) Nov. 16, 1866. 121. Senor de Santa Anna to Mr. Seward Dec. 12, 1S65. 122. Same to same May 21, 1866. 123. Senor Mazuera to Mr. F. AY. Seward. . . May 26, 1866. 124. Senor de Santa Anna to Mr. Seward June 26, 1866. 125. Same to same . Aug. ] 0, 1866. 126. Mr. Seward to Seiior de Santa Anna Aug. 16, 1866. 127. Don Antouio Lopez de Santa Anna, jr., to Mr. Seward.. .Nov. 7, 1866. 128. Mr. Seward to Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, jr.. . .Nov. 8, 1S66. 129. Mr. Seward to Mr. Courtney Nov. 8, 1866. 130. Mr. Courtney to Mr. Seward Nov. 14, 1866. 131. Mr. Seward to Seiior de Santa Anna Dec. S, 1S66. No. 114. Senor Romero to Mr. Seivard. [Translation. — Unofficial. J Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, May 26, ] 866. . My Dear Sir : In conformity with the promise I made in my interview with' you in the State Department this morning, I have the honor to enclose the copy of a communication addressed to me, on the 21st instant, from Elizabethport, by Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, in which he offers his services to the Mex- ican government, and my answer to it yesterday, informing that I was not au- thorized to consider the proposal, but would submit it to my government. Your respectful and obedient servant, M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc., Sfc, $$c. (For enclosures see enclosures Nos. 5 and 7 in document No. 116.) No. 115. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero. Department of State, Washington, July 6, 1S66. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 26th of May, containing copy of a letter addressed to you by Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, and your reply thereto, and to thank you for the in- formation. I embrace this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most dis- tinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don M. Romero, Sfc.. 8fc, Sfc. 340 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. No. 116. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation in the United States, Washington, August 12, 1866. Mr. Secretary : Continuing my communications to the government of the United Stales, of the chief occurrences in the Mexican republic at this critical period of its political existence. I send you to-day the enclosed indexed docu- ments relating to Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's offer of his services to the Mexican government, and the determination of my government not to accept them, as of no interest to the cause, and for other reasons given at large in Mr. Lerdo de Tejada's note, of -which I enclose a copy, (No. 8,) and to which I alluded in my interview with you at the Department of State on Thursday last, the 9th instant. 1 embrace the occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. EOMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, Sf-c., fyc, fyc. Index of documents sent by the Mexican legation in Washington to tlie Depart- ment of State of the United, States, with the note of this date, in relation to Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's offer of services to the Mexican govern- ment. No. Date. Contents. 1 186( May 15 2 June 5 3 4 June May •20 5 May 21 6 May 25 7 May 25 8 July 6 9 Aug. 6 10 July 12 Protest of the New York Mexican Club against Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's manifest to the Mexican people, dated at Elizabethport, New Jersey. Reply of the New York Mexican Club to the manifest. Mr. Romero sends a copy of Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's offer of services to Mr. Lerdo de Tejada. Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna makes a formal offer of his services for the Mexican government to Mr. Romero. Mr. Romero sends Mr. Lerdo de Tejada a copy of his reply to Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Mr. Romero infoims Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna that his offer will be sent to the government of the republic, as he is not authorized to decide upon it. Mr. Lerdo de Tejada informs Mr. Romero that the government of Mexico cannot accept the services of Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Mr. Romero informs Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna of that determina- tion. Decree of the usurper Maximilian ordering the secpiestration of Don An- tonio Lopez de Santa Anna's property in Mexico. Washington, August 12, 1866. F. D. MACTN, Second Secretary of the Legation. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 341 [Enclosure No. ].] Protest of the Mexican Club of New York against D. Antonio L. de Santa Anna. Nkw York, May 15, 1866. Whereas, on account of the arrival of Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna in the United States, rumors have prevailed that he will attempt to interfere again in the affairs of the Mexican republic, which he has oppressed, impoverished, and betrayed, the Mexican Club of New York, whose members are republicans, attached to the independence of their country; considering that the aforesaid Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna has been the most obnoxious man to Mexico, the source of her evils and calamities, the promoter of disorder and anarchy, the. violator of every law, the destroyer of freedom, the oppressor of the people, the corrupter of society; considering that to all these titles, which render him odious and which created against his tyranny the most popular revolution recorded in the annals of Mexico, he adds that of traitor to his country; for, in 1S54, Avhile holding the dictatorship he usurped, he committed his greatest offence in the betrayal of his country by empowering Don Jose Gutierrez Estrada to ask in his behalf from the European nations the establishment of a monarchy in Mexico; considering that as soon as this crime was accomplished by the aid of French intervention, Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, rejoicing over the foul deed he had originated, made haste to tender his fealty to the Archduke Maximilian of Austria, recognizing him as the emperor of Mexico; and, finally, considering that if he afterward issued manifestoes against the empire, they do not obliterate the crime which he perpetrated, and are but an evidence of his being consistent only in his inconsistency, and of his having not received from the invaders the reward he expected from his treason; They do hereby declare and protest: 1st. That they see in Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna the most odious tyrant, who betrayed the cause of native independence', and abused the public power. 2d. That they believe that his name alone would be sufficient to stain the noble cause which the Mexican people are struggling to maintain, and to en- danger the consolidation of liberal institutions, and make certain the impunity of every traitor; that the Mexican people cannot trust the word of the man who has ever abused them, and that were they to see him in the national territory they would claim that, in satisfaction to law and justice, he should be submitted to trial, and receive exemplary punishment, as guilty of high treason. The Mexican Club resolves that the foregoing declarations be published, to prevent public opinion from being misguided, and the candor of the men who sympathize with the cause of Mexico from being abused; and they entertain the warmest conviction that the republicans of Mexico shall never concur in the irreparable error of dishonoring their ranks by admitting among them the man who was always the foe of freedom, and who, abusing all honor, begged for Mexico the shameful foreign yoke she now wears. FRANCISCO ZARCO, President. Juan J. Baz, Jose Rivera y Rio, Francisco Ibarra, Pedro de Baranda, Pantaleon Tovar, Juan A. Zambrano, Jesus Fuentes Muniz, Juan M. Zambrano, Francisco Elorriaga, Rafael de Zayas, Santiago Vicario, M. Gamboa Pritchard, Juan N. Navarro, Eulalio Degollado, jr., Felipe B. Berriozabal, Fernando Maria Ortega, Jesus G. Ortega, Juan Urbina, Jacobo Rivera, Francisco Paz, 142 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Epitacio Huerta, Luis Legorreta, Rafael Huerta, Pablo Roclia y Portu, Gaspar Sanchez Ocboa, general of the republican army of Mexico. Joaquin Villalobos, Francisco G. Morales, Joaquin G! Ortega, Manuel Quesada, Pedro Sautacilia, Francisco Gonzalez Rodriguez, Andres Bravo, Cipriano Robert, Secretary. Jose Montesinos, Guadalupe Garcia, Juan Keats, Francisco Venegas, Andres Trevino, Jose Maria J. Carvajal, Antonio L. Carvajal, Juan Moreno, Juan Galindo, Jose Maria Carvajal, jr., Jose M. Boves, Frederico G. Fitch. [Enclosure No. 2. General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna to the Mexican people. From time to time nations are tried by Heaven in order to teach them that they should walk in the paths of reason, and to awaken in them noble senti- ments of justice and of duty. The city of Numa reached the highest point in the scale of human greatness while right remained her guiding star, virtue her counsel, and union the shield and strength of her sons ; but later, when those saving principles had become forgotten, the mistress of the universe, became a slave, and was forced to learn the language of Attilaand Alaric, in order to exe- cute the orders of her masters. Such is the destiny of those nations that abuse the gifts and advantages with which Providence favors them. History is full of great but sorrowful examples of this fact. A sad fate has fallen upon our beloved country. The s.lence inspired by tyranny and the despondency of our fellow- citizens have succeeded the joyous festivals of liberty. The most ener- getic and expressive words lack strength and meaning to depict the desolation of our fields and the mourning that fills our cities. Yet we will not despair. Mexico has within herself powerful elements to enable her to triumph over the evil and to even blot out her past record of misfortune. The heroic resistance of our compatriots confirms this hope, and we should not forget that "a people fighting ior liberty and independence is invincible." On casting a glance over the blood-stained plains of Mexico, it is a consoling thought that all our misfortunes have been useful for the present and fruitful in lessons for the future. Those misfortunes have developed and strength- ened the national sent ment; and from the midst of the nation's ruins we have begun to build up a new and a moral country, under the impulse of our common participation in misfortune. There were Mexicans, it is true, but no nation. Now all our domestic hatreds have been concentrated into one common cry of vengeance on the invaders of the sacred s< il left to us by our fathers. Yes, tire nation does exist in the hearts of Mexicans, and great are the lessons which we have gathered from the field of error and experience to guide us in forming the rule of our future conduct. Though having followed different routes, we meet to-day at the same point, tired, it is true, but not overcome by our constant fight- ing. Let us emlnace one another at this critical moment of our existence; let us work in concert for our common cause, as we did in those glorious days when we broke to pieces the chains of the conquest ; let the nation rise as one man, and the sceptre as well as the crown of Maximilian will fall and be buried in the depths of the seas. Our riches and prosperity in days gone by were the cause why our civic virtues, undermined by luxury and indolence, were disappearing CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 343 from clay to clay ; but adversity and poverty commenced to develop aga ; n in the nation those same virtues which are the strength and the glory of every people. Let us learn in the great school of misfortune to give their fall value to those precious gifts of liberty and peace. Let every Mexican become, a soldier of the republic, and after the victory has been won and the clash of arms has ceased, he will be a good citizen, skilled in defending the conquests made by his pa- triotism and having an interest in their preservation. Although it is contrary to my character, and notwithstanding my natural re- pugnance to speak of myself, it is incumbent upon me to do so on this occasion. Never, not even for a moment, have I ceased to be a Mexican, whatever may have been, at different times, my opinions regarding the system of government suitable to my country. Nor can I with justice be accused of self-will or ego- tism, for the motive of my action has always been the happiness and prosperity of my native country. Providence has chosen that my history should be that of Mexico since 1821, when I figured as one of the leaders in the struggle for independence, and that heroic country should inscribe her name, with my aid, on the map of nations. I first proclaimed there the republic on the 2d of De- cember, 1S22, announcing a hitherto unknown divinity, as the Apostle did on the Areopagus ; and so little prepared were the people for understanding and worshipping it worthily, that at various times the doubt assailed me whether I had accomplished my work. In the plan according to which a Mexican na- tionality was first organized our independence had been brought about in connec- tion with the idea of constitutional monarchy. This was, at that time, the faith- ful expression of a very general desire in Mexico of an aspiration that was not for- eign to honorable motives. Besides, in the other sections of Spanish- America the cry for independence has arisen, protesting against the intruding government of Napoleon I, and swearing fealty to Ferdinand VII, son of the dethroned mon- arch. It is well known that the bad policy of the sovereign turned that senti- ment into one in favor of complete emancipation, and that the genius of leaders like Bolivar and San Martin did the rest. Many distinguished and patriotic Americans had their thoughts bent upon monarchy at the time of organizing the new governments ; and some of the ministers sent to Europe carried with them instructions to negotiate on that basis. The idea of a republic, however, pre- vailed, and Spanish America was divided and organized under that form, and the flag which covered her indomitable legions in a hundred battles was tri- colore.il. This is not the proper place to speak of the armed European intervention, nor does it belong to me to speak now of that diplomatic combination, much less to write its history. 'Withal, it is necessary to state that- the tripartite inter- vention, as it was presented to us, differed totally from the manner in which it has been understood and carried out by a single one of the conflicting parties. The intervention of three nations, each one powerful enough of itself to carry out any definite resolution regarding Mexico, could not be considered as a com- bination to usurp our rights, since its co-operation was generally regarded as a neutral element, and as a means afforded to the Mexicans for putting aside par- tisan excesses so that they might be able to discuss, to reason, and come to an understanding as to the most adequate and convenient manner of constituting their form of government for the maintenance of their nationality, independence, and autonomy. But the original plan of the intervention having been broken up by Erance, in taking upon herself alone the initiative in the matter, there came a total change over what had appeared to be the means of arriving at a set- tlement; and, from appearing as a mediator, the foreigner changed himself into the arbiter of our destinies. It was necessary at all hazards to visit the theatre of events in order to investigate the proceedings and attempts being made by the new interventionists. With this conviction, and following the suggestions of old friends, I resolved to go to Vera Cruz. What took place on my arrival 344 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO is known to all. General Bazaine rudely drove me from the Mexican territory, and I was obliged to re-embark shortly after my arrival. I bear no resentment on this account. I am rather glad that the outrage was committed, because it may have saved me from making certain compromises which circumstances might have imposed upon me, and because it opened my eyes regarding the in- tentions of the interventionists. Having been absent from Mexico since LS55, other agents took upon themselves to represent and direct public opinion, en- tirely free from my influence. It was others who were the guides of the allied invasion, who negotiated with the archduke, and who finally escorted him to the capital. My antagonists say that I went thither in search of an elevated posi- tion near the archduke. The truth is that I went thither in order to look after the interests and liberties of my compatriots, and not to separate myself from the real interests of the people. To what greater glory could I aspire ? What more could he have given me who was styled emperor ] Open the history of Mexico, and it will be seen that all my ambition has been satisfied. Nothing could be of greater value in my eyes than the sash of general of division and the title of " well deserving of his country," with which, in 1829, on the banks of the Panuco, the people's gratitude rewarded my patriotic efforts in achieving the national independence. For no other honor have I more regard than for the wounds with which I am covered — memorials of our glorious struggles against powerful nations. I have thus in no manner compromised myself with the empire. I belong entirely to the republic, and, in presence of the danger that menaces our coun- try, the names of all parties disappear from my sight. I am not a conservative, nor am I a liberal. I am a Mexican. It becomes me now to set forth the conduct which I have followed in my last administration, and that which has governed me since. In February, 1853, while I was living in a city of New Granada, I was called by my compatriots to exercise discretionary powers — a measure believed to be salutary in the midst of the nation's conflicts, divided as she was by hatreds and under the rule of anarchy. I was obliged not to hesitate. Duty, patriotism, dictated my resolution, I flew at the call of my fellow-citizens, and in April of that year I assumed charge of the supreme direction of affairs. The power of dictator is a tremendous one, but I accepted it with the consciousness of doing good, and with the determination to use prudently so formidable a trust. I felt in my heart enough patriotism not to go beyond the wishes of my fellow-citizens, sufficient love of glory not to render myself unworthy of its favors, and a pro- found respect for posterity not to render myself unworthy of its applause. Fortified with these convictions, I undertook the struggle' against the obstacles which the genius of discord was heaping up on the road to peace, to order, and to the progress of the nation. Two years and four months did I bestow upon that task, with a vigorous energy and an unshakable resolution. Confidence on all sides was awakened, trade flourished, the arts sprung up, and the domestic as well as the foreign credit of the republic was re-established, as it were, by magic. 1 have the approval of my conscience ; it tells me that I have done my duty. Supported by the whole nation, the acts of my administration were received with respect; sustained by a splendid army, full of courage, disciplined, and addicted to my person, and having in my hands the destinies of the people and army, which they had placed there themselves, what better chance could there be to revive in my favor the plan of Iguala ? But, say what my adver- saries will, I am a stranger to the ambition of vulgar souls ; sentiments more elevated find a home in my soul, as well as higher aspirations. In order to have worn the imperial diadem, it would have sufficed for me to have stretched forth my hand ; but never has the royal purple dazzled my eyes ; and if at any time I could have dreamed of it, the bloody picture of Yturbide would have aroused me in time to fly from the seductive and treacherous delusion. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 345 Generals and even governors of departments awaited only my acquiescence in order to proclaim me emperor on my birthday; but, faithful to my principles, I was obliged to use even threats in order to silence the proposals of those who thought it a personal honor to me and an advantage to the nation that I should wear the crown. In the midst of intestine convulsions minds were blinded by the extreme exaggerations of party, and despairing of being able to constitute ourselves in any stable manner under a republican system, persons were not wanting to blame me publicly as the prompter or the originator of the inter- pretation that was given to the plan of Iguala, after Yturbide's failure. A few years afterwards, in Mexico, as well as in other sections of Spanish America, a feeling of disappointment sprang up on witnessing the sad results produced by the trial given to our new institutions ; and many men of well-disposed and of strict principles became disabused to such an extent that Generals Bustamente, Bravo, and Paredes, among us, and the illustrious San Martin, in South Amer- ica, believed it to be their patriotic duty to advocate the establishment of a monarchy. There had been, on other occasions, attempts made to call a con- stituent assembly, in order to submit this retrograde step to its decision. Many worthy persons, during my last administration, wished to revive the same idea, and for this reason Senor Gutierrez de Estrada was authorized to have an understanding with the different courts of Europe, and to inquire what were the ideas of foreign sovereigns on the subject before such a project should be undertaken. But the war, which at that time absorbed the attention of Europe, prevented said mission from having any result ; hence the project was for the time abandoned. From this exposition it follows that the document which has been presented as overwhelming and conclusive against me is, on the contrary, a source of satisfaction to me, as it shows forth an act of disinterestedness and self-denial on my part. As if to give greater force in my detriment to the publication alluded to, there have been likewise printed, with some alterations, certain letters, which have been confided to the discretion of friends for circulation. I will not under- take to call such conduct by its proper name, but I may be allowed to ask whether, by any chance, the ideas contained in said letters brought the inter- vention to Mexico and seated Maximilian upon his throne? How can my supposed complicity in such acts be explained when contrasted with the action of the French authorities in driving me from Vera Cruz, after having forcibly made me sign a paper recognizing events that had already taken place ] In what document of that time, public or private, did my name appear as an accom- plice of the intervention 1 What favors have I received from the archduke 1 His silence gave full sanction to the violence used against my person. My adver- saries admit that they have failed to bring the matter home to me, and that their deductions, with regard to the letters in question, are not as tenable as has been maintained. On the other hand, is it just to make me alone responsible for an idea which, in addition to the examples already cited, has occupied the attention of other thinking and patriotic men, who, while they erred in judgment, did not do so knowingly, but in perfect good faith ? Bolivar, who indignantly spurned San Martin's views, became subsequently the advocate of the form of a republic called Bolivian, which has been denominated monarchical by a number of libe- rals ; and yet three or four years later many eminent Colombians favored the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in South America, and made certain diplomatic moves in the premises for the purpose of causing the new states to be ruled by European princes. Iturbide, the liberator, was less disinterested, as he derived personal advantages by his own interpretation of the sentiments upon which the Iguala plan was based. That error cost him his life ; but his countrymen speedily discovered, after his death, the great services rendered by him to the nation, and how patriotic and generous were his imperial projects. 346 CONDITION OP AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. I refer to these facts as the most convincing record in the annals of Spanish America, and, I ask, may I not also have erred in good faith, as well as so man}' other men of sound principles and recognized ability'? Wherein is it criminal or unpardonable that I should have despaired, as many others have done, of our republic, and allowed a tiial of a constitutional monarchy, estab- lished without my co-operation, and when the sceptre was not to be held by me? A bandage covered the eyes of our people and my own. We have jointly erred and suffered, and we have now warning and experience. I am not ego- tistic, and I desire to take part in repairing our error. Where is the Mexican who can refuse my services without incurring the opprobrium of history, or deny me the right to fight, and die, if necessary, in the defence of our desolate hearths? If it is desired to achieve a solid and enduring peace, is it just or right to turn the back upon an old soldier of the nation, who only asks his countrymen for a spot of ground where he can stand and fight against the usurpers of our rights? Who is there that has sufficient authority to say to me, "Stand back ! you are a Mexican, but you cannot be allowed to draw your sword, as of yore, in defence of the country which gave you birth, and of the republic which you yourself founded?" Upon what prin- ciple, whether liberal or conservative, could such injustice be upheld? In the great struggle of our country no element, however insignificant it may appear, that can be used to the advantage of a nation, can be considered useless. Further, I perceive, in view of the facts already stated, and of the events that have taken place in our country during the last five years, that the gener.il ten- dency of the people is in favor of a republic, and that monarchy is an impossi- bility in Mexico. In Spanish America the throne is the forerunner of the scaffold. Party sentiment must not be made the criterion of the course of con- temporary actors. It rests with history to give an impartial version, and I am certain that history will do me justice. Staid together, my countrymen ! Let us consign all such recriminations to oblivion, for they are detrimental to our country. I have given an explanation of my public acts, and in like manner I am ready to give any guarantees for my sincerity that may be required. Do not forget that domestic dissension, when the soil of our country is being profaned by foreign invaders, is equiva- lent to desertion in the face of the enemy ; and that, although there is no mili- tary law whereby it can be punished, yet we must pass through the ordeal of an inflexible and avenging posterity, which will reward only self-denial, patriot- ism, and true magnanimity. Juarez is a good patriot, and Ortega is a worthy son of Mexico. Why are they not united ? Why augment, through their disunion, the afflictions of our fellow-citizens? I hope yet to see them friends. It is not for me to say who has a right to the presidency, nor on whose side is the law ; my object is to avenge the affront offered to our country by driving far from her midst the im- placable tyrants that oppress her. Let all dissensions among our compatriots cease, and let all hatred be reserved for the foreign domination that covers us now with ignominy and shame. Juarez and Ortega should put an end to their resentments by a cordial embrace. Long and strenuously have the defenders of the republic struggled in Mexico ; and, notwithstanding such great heroism, so firm a constancy, and so much sacrifice, the work is to-day no further ad- vanced than it was in the beginning. By reason of my antecedents, of my position in the conservative party, and even of my long absence from the country, I believe myself to be the one called upon to reconcile all minds, setting the example of submission to the constitu- tional government, as I now sincerely do. Thus I perform a patriotic duty, I obey the impulses of my own heart, and I satisfy the desires of hundreds of Mexicans who have called me to action. It will not surprise me to find my con- \ CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 347 duct misconstrued and base intentions attributed to me, inspired by egotism. I expect that already ; I am prepared for all. But I shall nevertheless feel for my country at the sight presented by some of my fellow-citizens rejecting all association with me in these solemn moments of our country's life. I shall have fears lest our past experience and the warnings which we have received prove of no avail in producing union. Those who so oppose me will have given an eloquent explanation of our past misfortunes ; but let them take note that I will never cowardly abandon the cause of the reptiblic. Should my hopes be frus- trated by unexpected events, or through the influence of bad passions, I shall have fulfilled my duty at all events, and the world can judge whether others have done theirs more faithfully than I have. My heart is young enough and my arm is strong enough to take part in the glorious struggle which is destined to achieve the second independence of Mexico. I feel that this is in accordance with my antecedents, my position, my years, and the glory which I desire for my name. I do not wish to give up the sole ambition that impels and rules me — namely, to drive our oppressors beyond the ocean, to re-establish the re- public, and then withdraw to private life once more. No throne on earth could tempt me from that retirement, and I solemnly declare that on the day of vic- tory I will demand no other reward. Let us advance and unite the standards of our country which have been torn by the hands of the usurpers. Let us set again on its sacred pedestal the statue of Lberty, thrown down by the invaders. Let us give no rest to the tyrant who oppresses us. He has changed our vast plains into frightful deserts, where the bones of our brethren, immolated on the altar of duty or victims to the hired assassins of an empire, lie bleaching. He ruins the nation's exchequer and makes monetary contracts abroad that are unwarrantable, believing that it will he easy for him to throw their weight upon the shoulders of- our martyred peo- ple. The Austrian prince has spread a veil of mourning over the glory of our annals, and in place of the prosperity which he promised, In; has loaded us with misfortunes, and has covered us with contempt and ignominy. Thousands of widows and orphans cry out for vengeance. Let us avenge them, compatriots ! Union and fraternity be among us until we accomplish this ! It is now time, Mexicans, to forget forever our past contentions, and to make a strenuous effort, at once terrible and simultaneous, against our enemy. The tremendous onslaughts of our indomitable soldiers will bring the reveille of ■liberty, joy to the hearts of mothers, and rejoicing to our country. Heaven grant that the contentment which I foreshadow be not disturbed by new fratri- cidal dissensions! Union shall be my watchword before the fight! Union, again, after our victory. God alone is infallible, and it would be monstrous presumption on my part were I to set myself up as free from error during my long public career ; but, with my hand on my heart, I can say that never has my will been an accom- plice in my faults, but rather in impotence of human nature to accomplish good in the absolute. Trust to the sincerity of my words and intentions. I cannot, I should not, nor will I, close the book of my life with a falsehood. I only seek for my tomb a new laurel tree, whose shadow shall cover it in the midst of peace. Let us hasten the hour of our national triumph. Confide in my words, and he ready. Down with the empire! Long live the republic ! A. L. DE SANTA ANNA. Elizabbthport, New Jersey, June 5, 1866. 348 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 3.] Mexican Club in New York, Neio York, June 20, 1866. The manifesto issued by Senor Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at Eliza- bethport, on the 5th instant, suggests many and various reflections to any one acquainted with the history of Mexico. As soon as we knew that Senor Santa Anna was desirous to intrude himself again into our political affairs, we published a protest against his pretensions. It will, then, astonish no one if we present now some of the main reflections occurring to us on reading this last address. Senor Santa Anna begins by laying down certain general maxims of historic morals, which, if they can be applied in any manner to our country, involve ideas absolutely erroneous. He speaks of the punishments that Heaven sends upon people who abuse the gifts and advantages that Providence bestows upon them, and then applies them to our country in these words : " Our riches and prosperity in days gone by were the cause why our civic virtue, undermined by luxury and indolence, were disappearing from day to day." (See Manifest, p. 4.) We regret that Santa Anna, who has played such a prominent part in the history of Mexico for so many years, should make an assertion so ridiculous to men of sense, though it has been very often repeated. We have never been rich, happy, and lazy. Though our country has many elements of wealth, chiefly mineral, they have not been developed, nor can they be, from natural causes and for social reasons entirely foreign to the will of the Mexican people. The natural features of our country, its numerous and immense mountains, its want of navigable rivers, and even of spring-water in many parts, are nat- ural disadvantages that have retarded the progress of civilization, impeding moral and material progress, and easy modes of communication. The lamentable condition in which we were left by the ignorance of our con- querors, the ideas of intolerance and fanaticism we inherited from them, have been some of the obstacles to the prosperity of Mexico, and, in general, of all the Spanish American countries. For these causes, entirely independent of our will, we have been poor and miserable, and hence the revolutions that have troubled us ; it was not the sup- posed abuse of gifts and advantages, so lightly spoken of by soma. Mexico can be, and will be, rich and happy; but it has not yet become so, because, in the order of nature, it is impossible for a new-born infant to have the strength of a giant. Is not the four years' brave resistance of the people against their invaders a proof to Santa Anna that the civic virtues of the people have increased, and not diminished ? But you should not be surprised, continues Santa Anna, that the great men of Mexico and South America should have similar ideas ; mine was a project never realized. If crimes are to be excused because notable men have committed them, courts of justice had as well be shut, and the word moral blotted from the dictionary. Traitors have lived in every nation, and, without going back to remote times, Santa Anna may look at the late President of Santo Domingo as a notorious example. In regard to the failure of his project, Santa Anna takes care to tell us that it was not through him it failed, " but on account of the war that then absorbed the attention of Ezirope" (See page 10 of the Manifest.) We will here mention his reason for recognizing the Maximilian intervention at Vera Cruz, in another mauifest published at St. Thomas, the 8th of July, 1865, after General Bazaine's rude treatment made him suddenly change from monarchist to republican. CONDITION" OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 349 "1 must explain," said Santa Anna to the Mexicans. "The newspapers of the capital published my recognition of French intervention. That act was not of my free will ; it was forced upon me by circumstances." " The steamer in which I came had hardly cast anchor in the port, when the French commander of Vera Cruz came on board and informed me that 1 could not land till I signed, a conditional paper. If 1 did not sign I was to go back on the same steamer. The conditions were that I recognized the intervention, and the monarch elect, and I should address no manifest to the Mexican people. This insolence excited my indignation ; but a long voyage made my wife very sick, and the advice of friends who came on board to see me persuaded me to sign the condition " In Santa Anna's reply to General Bazaine at Vera Cruz, on the 12th of May, 1864, he says, as he did not understand French, when he signed the paper, he thought he was only required to recognize intervention and Maximilian, Nut not to remain mute. Both these documents say that Santa Anna recognized the emperor Maximilian and French intervention ; but the explanation is not very satisfactory. In 1864 he told General Bazaine he did not know what he was signing, be- cause the writing was in French ; and in 1865 he said the proposals of the com- mander of Vera Cruz had caused him great indignation ; and this is a certain proof he knew what he was signing. When General Santa Anna speaks of himself, he does not wish to be accused of inconsistency. Perhaps not ; but whoever looks at any of the periods of his life cannot but confess that he changes his opinions with considerable facility. He was a warm republican in 1822-r— lukewarm and discouraged after a little while; he was a monarchist from 1853 to 1S64, at least; and again he is a de- cided republican and a partisan of constitutional liberty in 1866. If we add to this the time in which he was partisan and defender, as a military man, of the Spanish domination, we shall see that the charge of inconsistency, which he thinks very hard, is justly deserved, and he cannot deny that we have a reason to call him changeable. One of the proofs of levity given by General Santa Anna is to have believed and said that one of the objects of the tripartite intervention was to secure the happiness of Mexico. Any one having the slightest acquaintance with history and with the human heart would have known that natives are not in the habit of shedding their blood and expending their treasures disinterestedly, and for the simple pleasure of doing good. Still further, all sensible men, all independ- ent newspapers of every country, pointed out with the greatest clearness the true object of the three Powers in interfering in the business of Mexico — the destruction of republican institutions during the civil war which reddened the territory of the United States. Every one said — and among them General Prim, whose official opinion cannot be doubted — that the Mexican republic was to be destroyed and a, monarchy substituted in its place, and that the Archduke Maxi- milian of Austria was to be at the head of that monarchy. On the 30th of No- vember, 1864, the same Senor Santa Anna wrote from San Thomas to his old friend and agent Don Jose Maria Gutierrez Estrada, and this before the allied forces had reached Vera Cruz, the following : " The candidate of whom you speak to me (his Highness Archduke Fernando Maximiliano) is the best you could find; therefore I hasten to give him my ap- probation." It seems that Senor Santa Anna knew as well, or better than any other, that the true object of the intervention was to destroy the republic and substitute for it a foreign prince supported by foreign bayonets. Nevertheless, he asserts that he was ignorant of what was going on, and on that account lie thought it was necessary for him to go over to the intervention in order to investigate its proceedings and its attempts, and to watch over the guarantees and freedom of 350 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Lis countrymen. This is the natural explanation of his visit to his country in 1864. Here he will allow us to remind him of the following facts : On the 28th of February, 1864, the clay following his arrival at Vera Cruz, he addressed to Don Juan d"e Dios Peza, who styled himself Under Secretary of War and Navy of the Regency, a communication, in which, after acquainting him with his presence in that city, he uses the following words : " In coming back to my native country, my intention is to co-operate, as much as I can, in the consolidation of the form of government that the nation has thought proper to adopt under the beneficent protection of the illustrious Prince designated in the high counsels of Divine Providence to raise the nation from the abyss of misfortune into which she was plunged by anarchy. " I bring to the knowledge of the regency that it can have my humble ser- vices, and dictate the orders it wishes to the oldest veteran of the Mexican army." This very clear expression of sentiment, signed by Senor Santa Anna, per- fectly agrees with a humble letter which he previously addressed to Archduke Maximilian on the 22d of December, 1863, and with the manifesto of the nation published in Orizaba. This manifesto was the cause of the order of General Bazaine compelling him to re-embark. Amid his thousand praises of the arch- duke, and a thousand protestations of obedience, Senor Santa Anna says : " If it had been possible for me to follow the Mexican commission, your high- ness Avould have heard through the lips of one of the pioneers of independence, who occupied for so many years the first place among his countrymen, the rati- fication of what the worthy president of that c mmission has expressed with so much eloquence and sincerity." In the same letter he says that the empire with Maximilian at its head was the only remedy capable of curing the disease of Mexico, and the last dawn of its hope, and he concludes it with these expressive words : " I hope your imperial highness will condescend to acknowledge in the oldest veteran of the Mexican army a devoted and disinterested friend, and your most obedient servant, who wishes you the greatest happiness, and humbly kisses the imperial hands of your imperial highness." At that (bite, not very remote, SeQor Santa Anna showed an enthusiasm and a devotion to the empire which strongly contrasts with his present declarations in favor of the republic. The former manifesto resembles the latter only in this, that it describes with glowing colors the good and prosperous state of Mexico during the last dictator- ship of Senor Santa Anna — an opinion which the Mexican people undoubtedly does not share, for they rose in mass against his Highness (a title which he took and compelled other people to acknowledge) and forced him to leave suddenly the territory of the republic. The rest of that document strongly censures all the republican governments of Mexico, and all those of the Hispano-American countries, and especially that presided over by Senor Juarez, that good patriot, as he calls him himself so deservingly in his present manifesto ; and at the same time shows his complete attachment to monarchy and to Maximilian " At solemn moments the good man sought to speak the truth with frankness and sincerity. The illusions of youth are gone ; in presence of so many disas- ters produced by that system (the republican) I will not deceive anybody; the last word of my conscience and my conviction is, the constitutional monarchy." Senor Antonio Santa Anna does not confine himself to praise of the monarchy and the archduke, but entreats the Mexicans in the most pressing manner to preserve the memory of the magnanimous monarch Avho has extended to them, so opportunely and generously, his powerful hand. Are we not justified, with such facts before us, in doubting the assertions of his last manifesto, " that he went to investigate the proceedings of the intervention- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 351 ists and look after the interests and liberties of his countrymen, and that he never aspired for a high position in the gift of the archduke 1" In his present manifesto Senor Santa Anna says : " I have in no manner compromised myself with the empire ; I belong entireljr to the republic, and in presence of the danger by which our country is menaced, the name of all parties disappears from my sight. I am not a conservative, nor am I a liberal ;lama Mexican." The contrast between Santa Anna's manifesto of 1S64 and his manifesto of 1866 is so strong, that everybody will naturally feel inclined to inquire after the cause of this marvellous conversion. Mr. Santa Anna having prepared the question, we proceed to give the answer : " General Bazaine " says he, " rudely drove me from the Mexican territory, and I was obliged to re-embark shortly after my arrival. I bear no resentment on that aceount. I am rather glad the outrage was committed, because it may have saved me from making certain compromises which circumstances might have imposed upon me, and because it opened my eyes regarding the intentions of the interventionists." In one word, the rude treatment of General Bazaine is the reason why Senor Santa Anna extricates himself from his precedents, and forgets his warm ad- vocacy of the intervention. We do not think that we do him an injury in believing that he would now be one of its strongest supporters if, instead of having received the order to re-embark, he had received with the imperial deco- ration his appointment as commander in some of the corps of the imperial army. It is impossible to deny, however, that he proceeds systematically. Opposed to the intervention because ill-treated by General Bazaine, who represented it, he addressed, or at least said he was going to address, his complaints to the French Emperor in order to obtain the justice to which he was entitled. This monarch undoubtedly approved the act of the commander of his armies, as Senor Santa Anna did not receive (at least nothing is known on that subject) the apology which he expected. What was the reason of his anger against Maximilian 1 Mr. Santa Anna tells it : " What favor did I receive from the archduke ? Does he not by his silence fully approve the violence which was committed against my person'?" Few explanations can be as conclusive as this. Senor Santa Anna knew that the intervention was in opposition to the wishes of his countrymen, because General Bazaine bids him to re-embark ; he lost all faith in monarchy and all his enthusiasm for Maximilian, because the latter approved by his silence the conduct of the French general. We appeal to all sensible men to say if it is a temerity on the part of the antagonists of Senor Santa Anna to doubt of his conversion, and to suppose that in 1864 he went to Mexico to look for a high position from the archduke, and not to look for the security and the liberties of his countrymen. In following the examination of the present manifesto, we find that Senor Santa Anna attempted to get rid of the accusation of having once aspired to the imperial crown, yet appearances condemn him. During the dictature which he exercised in Mexico from the month of Febru- ary, 1853, down to the month of August, 1855, his policy assumed such a course that everybody, the ignorant and the wise, foreigners and Mexicans, supposed that he was ready to proclaim himself emperor of Mexico. He suppressed all shadow of national representation, all vestige of popular election. All public officers, beginning with the governors of departments, and ending with the most insignificant of them all, the sub-prefect, were directly or indirectly appointed by him. He also ordered every one of his officers to be called by his respective title, while, according to the laws of the republic, these titles were to he given in writing only. He revived the order of the Knights of Guadalupe, which 352 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. was established by Emperor Iturbide, and appointed himself, of course, master of the order, changing the title of excellency, which had hitherto been given to the President of the republic, into that of serenissima highness. He created an army, which he- dressed richly, and which he called his highness's guard ; in short, he behaved in such a way that he cannot accuse the people of levity in attributing to him the intention of wearing the crown. This happened iu 1853 and 1854, at a time Avhen the memory of the prince resident of the French re- public, and that of the coup d'etat of the 2d of December, was still fresh in all minds. There is a circumstance which we ignored, and that Senor Santa Anna has just revealed to us : " Generals, and even governors of departments," says he, " awaited only my acquiescence in order to proclaim me emperor on my birthday. * * * It was enough for me, in order to wear the imperial crown, to stretch out my hand.' Senor Santa Anna will allow us a slight observation. We do not doubt for a single moment that the generals and governors appointed by his serenissima highness would have been disposed to proclaim him emperor, because worse things were seen in the Roman senate in the time of Tiberius; but we doubt very much that the Mexican people, who could not suffer him as dictator, and com- pelled him to fly in August, 1855, would have tolerated him as a king. Perhaps we are mistaken ; but Seiior Santa Anna will agree that our doubts are not without foundation. If this is not sufficient, there is another conclusive proof: the full power which he gave to Seiior Gutierrez Estrado on the 1st of July, 1865, "to enter into arrangements and make the proper offers to the courts of London, Paris, Madrid, and Vienna to obtain from those governments, or from any of them, the establishment of a monarchy derived from any of the royal races of those powers." Here Ave cannot biit confess that the arguments of Seiior Santa Anna are extremely happy. This document proves conclusively that on the 1st of July, 1854, he did not think to make himself an emperor, but to sell his country, preparing to transfer it, with its hands and feet tied up, to the power of its conquerors, or to some other foreign princes. This, which, in accordance with the most obvious principles of universal morals, we call treason, Seiior Santa Anna calls a master-stroke of disinterestedness. Of such a disinterestedness Seiiores Almonte, Marquez, and other traitors, supporters of Maximilian, could boast with as much reason. * * * He thought himself bound only to recognize the French intervention and Maximilian. " But why insist iu charging me?" says Seiior Santa Anna in his last mani- festo. "I sinned, and I repent; and to cause all my wrongs to be forgotten I am here now ready to fight, and die, if it is necessary, in defence of the inde- pendence of the republic, of the constitutional government to which I submit." " Where is the Mexican who can refuse my services without deserving the op- probrium of history, or deny me the right to fight, and die, if necessary, in de- fence of our desolated hearths ? * * * Do not forget that domestic disunions, when the soil of our country is being profaned by foreign invaders, is equivalent to desertion in the face of the enemy. * * * Let all dis- sensions among our countrymen cease, and let all hatred be reserved for the for- eign domination that covers us now with ignominy and shame." " By reason of my antecedents, of my position in the conservative party, and even of my long absence from the countiy, I believe myself to be the one called upon to re- unite all minds. * * * Confide in my words and be ready." However inclined we are to believing what Seiior Santa Anna tells us, Ave cannot erase from our memory that the same arguments he presents now in favor of the republic, he presented a few months ago in behalf of the intervention and of Maximilian. Then, upon his heart he swears that his last words were in favor CONDITION OP AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 353 of monarchy; now, he assures us that they were in favor of the republic. What reasons can we find to believe the last better than the first ] As he wishes, however, to fight now for the republic, and to contribute to it3 triumph, we concede that Senor Santa Anna is right in the desire. Nobody can prevent him from doing it. Let him disburse a portion of his immense wealth on the purchase of arms to increase the number and the power of the independent soldiers. Let him go to Mexico, unfurl the tri-color banner, and precipitate him- self against the invaders who are profaning the soil of our country. It may be so, but let us understand each other. If we are to believe the city newspaper which has taken charge of assisting Senor Santa Anua, the latter wishes that the constitutional government should appoint him general-in-chief of the republican armies. Can Senor Santa Anna imagine that any one of these deserving, hungry, naked, disarmed citizens, who have been constantly struggling against the power of France for the last four years for independence and the republic would consent to obey him 1 Does he believe it possible that the constitutional government which represents that people, who keeps still fresh in its memory the defection of Urugua and others, could forget the protest Senor Santa Anna made yesterday in opposition to that of to- day, and give him command of that army which is the pillar of Mexican nation- ality ? We are ready to concede that Senor Santa Anna's conversion is genuine. But who can tell us that if Senor Santa Anna was sick again, or if the French were to lay a snare for him like that of making him sign a document in the French language he does not understand, he would not transfer the army given him by the government for the defence of the republic to its enemies 1 We beg Senor Santa Anna to dismiss his fervor, and lie will be convinced that these mistrusts and doubts are all natural ; that every person, however in- different to our party divisions, is led to entertain them. There is yet another reason which we beg Senor Santa Anna to weigh with impartiality. This very party, which has not bargained nor ever will bargain with the invader — those armed citizens whom he justly called heroes — they are the same who have been fighting till they have achieved the conquest of great princi- ples, upon which rests now the Mexican constitution as well as its civil and religious liberty. That conservative party to which Senor Santa Anna formerly belonged, over which he has now, according to his own confession, a great influence, has been the constant adversary of that principle. Supposing Senor Santa Anna to act in good faith in defence of independence; will any one be accused of levity who fears that he would destroy, after his triumph, the work that Maximilian and the French did not dare to touch — a work that they wished to consider as a title of glory and popularity 1 Does Senor Santa Anna believe that these doubts and fears, so well founded, would give him such a fame as to enable him to conciliate opinions ? We could add more, but enough has been said to prove that we bear no per- sonal hate to Senor Santa Anua, nor are we moved by a spirit of partisanship. None of these motives inspired the protest we signed on the loth of last May. Simply citizens for the most part, and far remote from the influence of office, no one can say that we see in Sefior Santa Anna a terrible rival and obstacle to our aspirations. All of us are moved solely by the love of our country, and by the wish to see it independent, for which we have fought and are ready to fight again. FRANCISCO ZANCO, President. CIPRIANO ROBERT, Secretary. 23 MBX. 354 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 4.] No. 389.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, May 24, 1866. Messrs. Louis Gr. de Vidal y Rivas, Dario Mazuera, Rafael Pombo, and A, Baiz called on me this morning. The first mentioned delivered me a letter from Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, dated in Elizabethport, the 21st instant, of which I enclose a copy. After seeing the commissioners I will reply to Mr. Santa Anna's communica- tion, and will send a copy of my answer to your department. I repeat the assurances of my distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paso del Norte. [Enclosure No. 5.] Elizabethport, New Jersey, May 21, 1866. My Distinguished Compatriot : I Lave arrived in the United States on my way to our country, so worthily represented by you here, and I would have been pleased to visit you in Washington to inform you of the object of my jour- ney ; but as this is impossible at present, I have commissioned my friends Don Louis Vidal y Rivas, Colonel Dario Mazuera, and Don Abraham Baiz, with Don Rafael Pombo, who volunteers to accompany them, to represent me. They will present to you this letter, and I beg of you to receive what they may say as coming from myself. I cannot remain an indifferent spectator of the misfortunes of our country, and I comprehend that my apparent indifference would be a crime. Under the present circumstances it is of the most urgent necessity for the triumph of the national cause that all factions should be reconciled ; and that confidence should be restored both in the country and abroad, there must be a vigorous organiza- tion and unity of action. My antecedents, and numerous manifestations that have been addressed to me from all parts of Mexico by former friends and even political opponents, by disappointed imperialists and by indifferent republicans, persuade me that I am the one who is called upon to set the necessary example as a loyal soldier and disinterested citizen, and to reconcile the national elements in order that the en- tire nation, as a single man, may work under the direction of its chief magis- trate, and that the triumph may be as we cannot but desire, truly national, sat- isfactory to all, and giving sufficient assurance of a final, powerful, and respecta- ble reorganization. It is not strange that I am not yet judged with the impartial judgment of history ; that day has not yet come. When it does, then can be applied to me the words of Montesquieu : " The errors of statesmen are not always voluntary ; they are often the necessary consequences of the situations in which they are placed, where difficulties reproduce difficulties." My enemies have seen in me only a Sylla ; but now my greatest desire is to prove to them that I should not be compared to that ferocious Roman, except in entirely separating myself from public affairs when I still had power to con- trol them. 1 have already once voluntarily given up public position when I still had powerful means for sustaining myself. Now it is my intention to co- operate towards the restoration of the constitutional republican government in the capital of Mexico ; to see the people in the way of freely reorganizing them- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 355 selves by means of their representatives, and then immediately to withdraw to private life, in order to die respected and tranquil in the bosom of my country. My ardent dream, my ambition, is to struggle once more for the independence of my country, and to re-establish the republic I was the first to proclaim in 1822, to pass the remainder of my years in the enjoyment of the love of my fellow countrymen, and to merit that there shall be inscribed over my tomb the glorious title of a good citizen. Of the firmness and sincerity of my intentions, if it is possible there can be any doubt, I am disposed to give whatever proofs may be exacted ; and very- far from wishing to act on my own account and thus promote still another con- flict and a new dissension in the constitutional camp, I commence bv addressing myself to you in order that we may come to an understanding with regard to the manner of my co-operation ; and I beg to request that you will transmit this communication to Sefior Juarez, as if addressed directly to him in asking his commands. I do not doubt that the people of our country will in the end profit by the- experience we have had. I am now neither conservative nor liberal; I am only a Mexican, and I open my arms to all my countrymen. In a few days I will publish a manifesto, which I hope will satisfy all who desire to know my sentiments and the object of my journey. The gentlemen, in charge of this letter will give to you all necessary explanations, and you carti speak to them as you would to me. I hope, however, to have an opportunity to see you and to renew to you per- sonally the assurances of my high appreciation and esteem. Your obedient servant and countryman, A. L. DE SANTA ANNA. His Excellency Don Matias Romero, fyc, Sfc, fyc. [Enclosure No. 6.] No. 391.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, May 25, 1866. The commissioners of Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna called upon me- again to day. ********* I answered Mr. Santa Anna's letter, of which I sent you a copy yesterday, im the terms which you will see in the enclosed copy of my answer. I repeat the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO.. The Minister of Foreign Relations, Paso del Norte. [Enclosure No. 7. ] Washington, May 25, 1866; Dear Sir: Your commissioners, Don Louis Vidal y Rivas, Colonel Dario' Mazuera, Don Abraham Baiz, and Don Rafael Pombo, placed in my hands yes- terday the letter which you have been pleased to address to me under date of the 21st instant, from Elizabethport, advising me of your arrival in this country, on your way to Mexico, where, as you inform me, you desire to go to fight for the independence of the country, under the direction of its chief magistrate. In compliance with your request in the said communication that I would transmit the same to the President of the republic, I forwarded yesterday a copy- to the minister of foreign relations and of government. 356 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. I have listened with interest to what your commissioners have stated, to me, in your name, with regard to your intentions and the motives that have guided .your conduct. To avoid any misunderstanding, I think it proper to put my reply to them in writing, to be delivered to you as the result of their mission. It' you had not been the first to propose the establishment of a European monarchy in Mexico, when you were at the head of the nation, and had not recognized and sustained the intervention which the Emperor of the French is inflicting upon our country, as is proved by the documents recently published, I do not think there would be any difficulty in the government of the republic accepting and making use of your services, for, in a foreign war so holy as the present, all party differences should disappear; and, in my opinion, not even the President would have the right to prevent any Mexican, desirous of defending his country, from complying with his duty in this regard. But, unfortunately, in your case, there are peculiar circumstances that change the aspect of the question. Besides resting now under the stain of having recognized and given all the weight of your influence to the treasonable project of overturning the national government of our country and establishing another that would make it a mere dependency of France, there is the circumstance that during the later years of your life you have been intimately associated with the reactionary party of Mexico, which is the party, as is well known, that has been the promoter and supporter of the unpatriotic designs that I have mentioned. This is calculated to give rise to apprehensions that in the participation you are seeking to secure in the affairs of the republic you might undertake either to promote another revolution, as you have often done before, in favor of that party, or for the purpose of protecting the guilty members of it, which would be a new cause of disagreement and a great evil to our country, as thus the just expectations of our people would be frustrated ; or, at least, that you might try to create a new party, and thus give rise to other dissensions which could only result in the benefit of our invaders. All these circumstances render it a difficult •question, in my judgment, to decide whether it would be for the interest of our country that your services should be accepted or not. This question, as well from its grave importance as from the knowledge it requires of the circumstances of the nation, can only be decided by the chief magistrate of the republic to whom the Mexican people have confided its destinies. 1 do not doubt that you are disposed to make the proper explanations and to give the necessary securities ; nor do I doubt that, in view of all this and of the circumstances of the republic, the President will decide as may be best for the interests of the country. Without awaiting his decision, I can say that I believe it to be your duty not to undertake any proceedings that may create difficulties or complications for the government or the nation if your services are not accepted. I am, very attentively, your obedient servant, M. ROMERO. Senor Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, Elizabethport. [Enclosure No. 8.] No. 289.] Department of Foreign Relations and of Government, CJiihuahua, July 6, 1866. With your note (No. 389) of the 24th of May last you enclosed to me copy of the communication addressed to you, under date of the 21st, by Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, and with your note (No. 391) of the 25th of the same month you enclosed to me copy of your reply. In this communication Senor Santa Anna manifested to you his desire to now CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 357 lend his services to the cause of the republic against the foreign intervention, and he asked you to transmit his communication to the government. You re- plied that you had so transmitted it, and explained to him the reasons why you judged it proper that you should leave it to the government to determine whether his services should be accepted or not. Your two notes have been laid before the President of the republic, and he has approved your conduct in the affair. Since the commencement of the existing war, in which Mexico defends her independence and her republican institutions against the pretensions of a for- eign intervention, it has been the constant rule of the government of the repub- lic never in any manner to refuse to accept, on account of past differences of a purely political character, the services of all Mexicans who in good faith desire to volunteer and loyally to defend the cause of their country. Far from op- posing difficulties to those who have so proceeded, impelled by a noble patriot- ism, the government has justly esteemed and has accepted with satisfaction the services of those whom it might before have considered as political adversaries. Many of these are now combatting under the flag of the government, and others have already consummated their consecration to the country by a glorious death. If the government could consider Senor Santa Anna in this condition, it would not hesitate for a single moment in thankfully accepting the offer of his services ; but the grave charges which appear in all his previous conduct do not permit it to have any security in the loyalty of his intentions, nor even is there any doubt which might incline it in his favor. This is not the occasion to enumerate the numerous charges that have been made and are now being made against him by honorable men of all parties and of all opinions, who consider him as the first and most constant promoter of an- archy, of immorality and of corruption. It is sufficient now to notice particu- larly the principal part which he has had in placing in peril the independence of the country, and in bringing upon it all the evils of a foreign intervention. In the documents which have been published by his own accomplices, it is seen that when at the head of the government of the republic he solicited in 1854 European intervention, that he continued laboring for the same object thereafter, and that when Maximilian was proposed as its instrument he hum- bly offered to him his person, his influence and his services. Scarcely two years have passed since Senor Santa Anna came to the national territory with the hope of obtaining the reward of his treason, and solemnly protesting that the last conviction of his life was the monarchy, and his last desire to submit him- self to a foreign power. Defrauded in his hopes, rejected and banished by his own accomplices, who feared they might afterwards be betrayed by him, he did not even then resolve to serve his country, even although impelled by resentment at the insults he had received. The intervention then appeared powerful, and he did not wish to participate in the perils of the defenders of his country. Not until two years afterwards has he come to offer his services, when he has seen that the last hour of the intervention is about to strike If those who, led by him, have called in the foreigner, have believed that they had well-founded motives to distrust and fear that he would afterwards prove a traitor to them, how much greater would be the distrust and apprehension, upon seeing him at their side, of the defenders of the republic. Remembering that he had affiliated with all parties, that he had proclaimed every cause, and that he had recently protested his final adhesion to the foreign monarchy, they would not wish to combat in the same camp, fearing that he would deliver them up, and they would not wish to unite with him, much less place themselves under his orders, fearing that he would contrive their destruction. They would even fear, as already some have said, that he came sent by the foreign intervention in order to introduce an element of discord among the de- 358 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. fenders of the republic, and in order that, on the termination of the intervention, those who have favored and sustained it might have in him a friend and sup- porter. Even supposing that the intentions of Senor Santa Anna should now be loyal, the constant suspicion which would be awakened by his past acts would render not only useless under the present circumstances, but even prejudicial, the ad- mission of his services. Although the government might wish to place in him some confidence, it does not believe it possible that it would also be felt by the defenders of the national cause. In order not to believe in his new protests of patriotism, they would repeat that he has violated before all his oaths, and that he has broken before his most solemn engagements. In order not to believe his new protests of loyalty to the republic, they would repeat the charges that have been made, that as an officer he has been disloyal to all the governments that have employed him ; that as the head of the govern- ment he has been disloyal to all the parties who have aided him to power ; and that as a Mexican he has been lately disloyal to the cause of his country. For these considerations the President of the republic does not believe it in any manner compatible with his duty to admit the offer which Senor Santa Anna has 'now sought to make of his services. Nor does he believe that his manifestations or protests of patriotism can be in any manner considered as sufficient to relieve him from the very grave charges which exist against him. Senor Santa Anna having asked you to transmit to the government his com- munication, you will be pleased to transmit to him this reply. I renew to you my most distinguished consideration. LERDO DE TEJADA. The Citizen Matias Romero, Minister of the Mexican Republic in the United States of America, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure No. 9.] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, August 6, 1866. In my letter to you on the 25th of May last, in reply to yours of the 21st of the same month, I informed you I had sent your note of that date to the gov- ernment of the republic, in accordance with your wishes. This day I received a note from Mr. Lerdo de Tejada, minister of foreign relations and government of the republic, dated in Chihuahua, the 6th of July last, and numbered 289, containing the answer of our government to your offer of sendees. In accordance with instructions to me in that note, I send you a copy of it. I embrace the occasion to renew the assurances of my most attentive con- sideration. M. ROMERO. Senor Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, New York. Washington, August 12, 1866. A true copy : F. D. MACIN, Second Secretary of the Legation. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 359 [Enclosure No. 10.] We, Maximilian, emperor of Mexico, decree : Article 1. There shall be appointed a receiver to take an inventory of the property which Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna possesses within the limits of the empire. Art. 2. Said receiver shall keep an exact account of the revenues yielded by such property, and shall make deposit of said revenues for safe-keeping, without deducting any sums except such as, with the approbation of this government, shall be allotted to the members of Santa Anna's family actually residing within the territory of the empire. Art. 3. No contract having relation to the said property shall have the force of law without the written approbation of the said receiver. Our minister of the interior is charged with the execution of the present decree. Given at the palace, in Mexico, the 12th day of July, 1S66. MAXIMILIAN. By order of the emperor JOSE SALAZAR LLARREGUI, Minister of the Interior. No. 117. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero. Department of State, * Washington, August 20, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 12th instant, containing some documents with regard to the offer of General Santa Anna of his services to your government and the refusal of the same to accept them, for which be pleased to accept my thanks. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. Senor Don M. Romero, Sfc, fyc, 8fc. WILLIAM n. SEWARD. No. US. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seivard. [Translation. ] Mexican Legation to the United States of America, Washington, September 29, 1866. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, the documents mentioned in the accom- panying index relative to Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's offer of his ser- vices to the government of Mexico, to which I alluded in my notes of the 26th of May and the 12th of August last to your department. I am pleased to avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you, Mr. Secre- tary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, §c, 8fc., fyc. 360 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Index of documents sent by the Mexican Legation in Washington to the De- partment of State of the United States, with its note of this date, relating to Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. No. Contents. 1 1866. Sept. 5 2 Sept. 20 3 Sept. 25 4 July 29 5 Aug. 5 6 Aug. 16 7 Aug. 19 8 9 Sept. June 7 28 10 July 16 11 12 July Aug. 17 27 13 Aug. 28 Aug. 28 14 Sept. 1 15 Sept. 5 Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's reply to Mr. Eomero's letter of the 25th of May last, and Mr. Lerdo de Tejada's note of the 6th of July following. Mr. Romero's refutation of Don A. L. de Santa Anna's charges and impu- tations in the preceding letter. Mr. Mariscal sends a copy of said letter to Mr. Ferrer de Conto, to be pub- lished in the Cronica. Protest of Mexicans residing in San Francisco, California, against Don Antonio L. de Santa Anna's interference in public affairs in Mexico. Protest of Mexicans residing in New Almaden, California, on the same subject. Protest of Mexicans residing in San Andres, California, for the same purpose. Protest of Mexicans residing in Virginia City, Nevada, for a similar purpose. Protest of Mexicans residing in San Juan Bautista, with the same intention. Extracts of the case of Taylor against Montgomery and Canedo, about the purchase of the steamer Agnes, in the name of Don A. L. de Santa Anna, to bring him from St Thomas to the United States. Extracts from the report of the suit of Don A. L. de Santa Anna against Abraham Baiz, for embezzlement of money given to him intrust. Reply of Abraham Baiz's lawyers. Santa Anna's case in the supreme court of New York, before Judge Bar- nard, against Dario Mazuera and Abraham Baiz for breach of trust. Notice of the suit of L.fUartin Montgomery against Don A. L. de Santa Anna, demanding $60,000 for services rendered as his agent. Santa Anna's power of attorney given to Dario Mazuera, in St. Thomas, on the 12th of December, 1865, authorizing him to act for him in tbe United States. Notice of L. M Montgomery's suit against Don A. L. de Santa Anna, for services rendered. Notice of Emilia Cupia's suit against Don Luis G. Vidal y Rivas, for debt and his imprisonment. Washington, September 29, 1866. IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 1.] No. 8 West Twenty-eighth Street, New York, September 5, 1866. Sir : I acknowledge receipt of your note of the 5th ultimo, enclosing a copy of that of Don Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, secretary for foreign affairs, dated at Chihuahua, July 6, 1866. I had previously received your letter of May 25, in reply to my own of the 21st of the same month, in which I tendered once more my services for the de- fence of the national cause. The singular terms of which you make use in this letter, casting highly offensive and unjust imputations on my character, had re- strained me from answering it ; but, as the two notes mentioned at the begin- ning of this communication reproduce and officially approve those terms, I am compelled to reply to those imputations once for all. Before going any further, allow me to observe that the rude and aggressive tone in which you respond to CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 361 the courteous offer of my services in so solemn a cause seems to me not only- out of place, but wholly unworthy of a public man. In the notes alluded to, you see fit to make me the object of the most black- ening charges. Senor Lerdo de Tejada, with equal disregard, adopts the same course. I feel, therefore, in duty bound, for the sake of truth, to oppose to said charges my most explicit and emphatic denial. You say in your letter of May 25 (subsequently approved by Senor Tejada) that <; I was the first to solicit the establishment of a European monarchy in Mexico when I was at the head of the supreme government," and that " I have recognized and supported the intervention of the French Emperor in our coun- try's affairs, as appears from documents recently published." I had, until now, no idea that any one would regard as real evidence the gratuitous charges of persons who, among our own couutiymen as well as among other people, are ever found ready to attack the members of any government without specifying or proving in proper form any of their accusations, but content themselves with uttering vain and declamatory accusations that have no weight except in the estimation of the ignorant. If the urbanity and courtesy with which I have always treated even those whom I have had to oppose has induced you to sus- pect me of supporting this or that form of government, you have fallen into a very serious mistake. In our past national struggles I have always treated Frenchmen, Spaniards, and North Americans, even on the field of battle, with that politeness which is invariably observed among cultivated men. It was re- served for you and Senor Lerdo de Tejada to reject the offer of my services to our country under the very strange pretext, indeed, of my alleged treason to all causes and parties. If we except the present struggle, (and, as you say, it was brought upon our country, not by me, but by our evil passions and domestic discords,) there has not been a single instance in which Mexico v from the time of her political trans- formation in 1821, has been engaged in war that I was not the first to come forward to serve her unreservedly with my person and private resources. Thus you see that the courtesy and politeness with which I treated the imperial au- thorities, when it became necessary, is inadvertently made the basis of a charge of treason against me, and it is taken for granted that my obedience to the plain dictates of prudence is nothing but infidelity to my country. Facts, with their irresistible logic, are justifying me. Those decrees of expulsion with which the French intervention has favored me do not certainly afford e7idence of that sup- port given to the usurpers which has been so gratuitously attributed to me. Further on you state your reasons for not accepting my services on behalf of the republican cause, remarking that '' during the late years of my life I have appeared associated with the conservative party of Mexico, a party which," you say, " has promoted the anti-patriotic project of subjugating Mexico." " This," you continue, " would cause every one to fear that by having a share in the affairs of the republic I should contemplate a new revolution, as (so you say) I have done at other times in favor of the same party, and with the decided ob- ject of securing the impunity of its guilty members, thus disappointing the reasonable hopes of our people." I do not understand how ideas so erroneous and incoherent can have occurred to you. If any real fear is entertained of my supposed design to lead a new revolution in the exclusive interest of one party, let me ask how could I start such a scheme by placing my sword at the service of its most bitter antagonists 1 If such were the case I should be commencing in the worst possible manner, and should sacrifice by such a step that irresistible influence which you say that 1 hold over the conservative party. Moreover, it would become impossible in such a way for me to make a whole, uniform, and compact body of that party. If I had any other object in view than that of uniting all parties in the defence of the republic and its independence, I would not have placed my services at 362 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. the disposal of those very leaders whom I had heretofore to oppose in arms while I was at the head of pubic affairs, and they were trying to disturb public order and to upset our political institutions. By this step I have tried to set an example, for our ruin is certain if, in the interest of our common country, we do not aU forget our domestic dissensions and discords, and use our united endeavors in defence of the republic against all foreign and domestic enemies. • You, as well as Senor Tejada, charge that I did not offer my services to the republic in the day when the intervention appeared too powerful, but that now I do, when the intervention is about to be abandoned. I never looked upon the intervention as a very powerful and permanent institution. There is no foreign yoke so strong that a people, however weak they may be, cannot finally shake off. But it is sad for one who loves his country to see ill ft- elings, hatred, and revenge preside over the councils of even those who are at the head of a move- ment so worthy of the best success. I do not, indeed, deplore so much the calumnious imputations of which I am made the object as that inexorable disregard with which the extermination of an important and valuable circle of Mexican society is boldly proclaimed. The terms in which you and the government at Chihuahua proscribe a numerous party of the Mexican people, form a perfectly horrible programme of death and desolation. It is an easy matter to set a place on fire, but not so easy to set bounds to the damage it may do, or to foretell the number of victims it may sweep away. I clo thinly believe that unless our domestic quarrels and hatreds be stifled, we can never expect to witness a cessation of this effusion of blood by our coun- trymen, or an end to the calamities that now afflict our unfortunate nation. Out of decorum I have carefully abstained from making any personal imputations while repelling the charges with which you and Senor Tejada have sought to overwhelm me, and which rest on the supposition that I am influenced by the worst of motives, and to judge even my inward intentions. Are you not aware of the confiscation of my valuable estates by the imperial authorities in punish- ment of my adhesion to the national cause 1 I might as well have made no reply to the vague and unfounded charges con- tained in your notes alluded to, but I feared that my silence regarding points of so much delicacy may be construed in an unfavorable sense. As to my past career, to which you allude by saying that I have served all parties, allow me to inform you that no partisan feeling has ever actuated my official conduct. As a soldier I have always been found at the post assigned to me by my duty. You cannot be ignorant that, in our international conflicts, I have always fought under that same flag which I was the first to unfurl before the civilized world — even before the formation of our republic. The rough terms in which your notes reject my services do not deter me from doing my best in behalf of our people. I am still influenced by the same desire. I ac- knowledge the same duty of using in the service of my country that sword with which she honored me in her brightest days. The people to whom you appeal will know how to appreciate my devotedness in thus disregarding the scorn of men whom I had to oppose, in former times, in the defence of our Mexican in- stitutions. For my part I will always continue to promote union among our countrymen, considering it an indispensable condition for the triumph of the republic. I am, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, A L. DE ST A. ANNA. His Excellency Don M. Romero, Minister from the Republic of Mexico, at Washington, D. C. Washington, September 29, 1866. A true copy : IGNO. MAEISCAL, Secretary. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 363 [Enclosure No. 2.] Washington, September 20, 1866. Dkar Sir : Night before last I received your communication of the 5th in- stant, in reply to mine of the 25th of May last and 6th of August following, with the last of which 1 sent you the answer of our government to your offer of ser- vices in your letter of the 25th of May, already mentioned. The reason why it was so long reaching me was, it was mailed unpaid to the post office, most likely through the oversight of jour secretary, as you will see by the envelope which 1 return to you, and was not forwarded, but sent to the dead letter office of the department in Washington, whence it was sent to me by cour- tesy the night before last. I make this explanation to excuse myself for not answering your communication sooner. Here I ought to conclude this letter were it not for your remarks and charges made upon the government I represent, and upon me in person, which compel me to give a more lengthy "reply to your communication. This I prefer doing in a private letter, because I can thus speak to you more frankly than I could in the official style. You call the language used in the reply to your offer of services as seeming rude and offensive, and you term it improper and altogether unsuited to public men. These complaints, which I think without foundation, reached me since my letter of the 25th of May was in the hands of your commissioners. If you had confined yourself to making an offer of your services in writing, I would have done no more than acknowledge the receipt of your communication, and informed you that I would transmit it to my government ; but, besides writing, you saw proper to send a committee composed of four gentlemen, who were to explain your wishes and plans to me. According to your instructions, and the tenor of your letter of the 21st of May to me, they entered into minute expla- nations, with great candor on my part, about the condition of our country, and the propriety of accepting or declining your services. After two long in- terviews with them, I thought it my duty to put the principal points of my remarks in writing, so that there should be no doubt about my meaning. In my letter I did my best to be frank without being disrespectful to you. I had no cause to offend you, nor would I have used it had there been a reason. I have too much respect for the position in which my government has placed me to abuse it by entering into personal disputes. Moreover, it would have been very ungenerous in me to seek to offend you, when you were offering your ser- vices to our country. This is not my nature. If, therefore, you found some sentences in my letter which you thought harsh, and perhaps so might have been, you must attribute them to the circumstances and facts emanating from your antecedents, and not to any inoble desire to insult you. Allow me, sir, to inform you, once for all, that, as I took no part in the public affairs of our country while you were in it — for I have only been connected with politics in Mexico since December, 1855, and you left Vera Cruz in August of that year — I have never had you for an opponent in politics, nor have I suffered any injury from you or your government, and, of course, have not the slightest cause of resentment against you. I look upon you as a historical character, and I judge you, and have always judged you, as far as I was able, with the same impartiality you might expect from future generations. You complain that I made charges against you in my letter of the 25th of May, which yuu term defamatory, and say are without foundation. They are two, namely : First. That you were the first to solicit the establishment of a foreign mon- archy in Mexico when you exercised the supreme power. Second. That you recognized and supported the intervention which the Em- peror of the French has brought to our country. 364 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. These two facts are so well known, and have been acknowledged by you on so many occasions, and in so many ways, that I am surprised that you now attempt to deny them, and that you term them "gratuitous imputations." You may allege, as an extenuating circumstance, that you were mistaken, as you have already said ; you may say that the error was in good faith ; that thus you thought to promote the well-being and prosperity of our country ; but the fact that you solicited the establishment of a foreign government in Mexico, and that you acknowledged and submitted to French intervention, and gave it the support of your name, is altogether undeniable. To convince you that I am not " repeating the imputations that have been thrown upon you without proof or substantiation of the charges," I would inform you, at the risk of being prolix, that the publications recently made by your late political friends furnish all the proof necessary in this particular. The full powers you gave to Don Jose Maria Gutierrez de Estrada, on the 1st day of July, 1854, while you were dictator in Mexico, "authorizing him to negotiate with the courts of London, Paris, Madrid, and Vienna, and to make due efforts to obtain from these governments, or any one of them, the establishment of a monarchy, derived from one of the dynastic houses of those powers : " This might prove whether or not how disinterested you were, when you were ready to give up your place to a foreign prince at a time when you could have made yourself monarch, as you assert in your manifest of the 7th of June last ; but it leaves the fact that you did solicit the establishment of a European monarchy beyond doubt. In the same documents before quoted, published in January last in numbers 20 and 22 of the so-called Diario del Imperio, the authenticity of which you have never disputed, it is seen that as soon as you heard that the Emperor Napoleon had decided to send the Archduke Maximilian to Mexico — that is, on the 30th of November, 1861, even before the allied forces had arrived upon the territory of the republic you wrote to Mr. Gutierrez Estrada from the island of St. Thomas, as follows : " The candidate of whom you speak (his imperial highness the Archduke Maximilian) is unexceptionable, and, of course, I hasten to give him my appro- bation." Not yet satisfied, you wrote a letter to the archduke himself on the 22d of December, 1863, expressing great admiration for him personally, and making protests of submission of such a nature they might serve as a model of epistolary style for despotic governments. You next went to Vera Cruz, and on the 28th February, 1864, you wrote to Don Juan de D. Peza, so-called under secretary of war and marine of the re- gency established by the French, informing him you had returned to Mexico "to co-operate, as much as you could, in the consolidation of the government created by the intervention ; " and you concluded by asking that the so-called regency might give you any orders it esteemed convenient. If, after this, you persist in saying you did not recognize the acts of the French intervention, we must confess that language with you has a different meaning from what the generality of men give to it. In the communication I am now auswering you say : " If you take the polite- ness and civility with which I am accustomed to treat even those who are opposed to me as evidences of a support to this or that government, you are very much mistaken." If you call your support of French intervention in Mexico by the name of civility and politeness, we can hardly believe your offer of services to us in May last to be serious. Perhaps you will hereafter call that mere politeness and civility, particularly when, on comparing the terms of the two offers, we find the language of the latter much more expressive than that of the former. Continuing your very difficult task to prove that you did not recognize inter- vention, you say : CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO 365 " Facts are in open conlradiction to you. Did the partisans of Maximilian, or the French who sustained him, allow me to stay a moment on the soil of our country ? " And further on you add : " Do you not know that my immense estates have been confiscated as a pun- ishment for my adhesion to the national cause?" Because the French and traitors did not admit you, it is no proof that you did not offer them the influence of your name, and even the assistance of your sword ; bat it is a proof that, on account of your past conduct, and from the peculiarities of the present, you did not inspire them with confidence. The fact that the usurper has ordered the sequestration of your property in the State of Vera Cruz, far from demonstrating that you did not recognize him, is a proof that you are a traitor to his cause. The property of Mexicans who did their duty from the first by opposing French intervention and all its conse- quences, has not been systematically sequestrated or confiscated, while yours has been. This goes to show that you have been with them, and they have reason to treat you with especial severity. These two points settled, I now proceed to the others mentioned in your com- munication. You say in two places that I rejected your services, which I do not think is exactly so. You offered them to my government, through me. I immediately sent your offer to the President of the republic, and in my conference with your commissioners I told them frankly why I thought it was doubtful whether they would be accepted, and why I could not accept them. The goverment could have accepted them even after what I said, if it deemed it would be for the interest of our country. Among the reasons I then gave for thinking of doubtful expediency the acceptance of your offer, I mentioned that your alliance during the last years of your life with the conservative party of Mexico, who have been the originators and supporters of the anti-patriotic project to constitute Mexico a dependency of France, would cause a fear that in your participation in the affairs of the repub- lic you might try to excite a revolution in favor of that party, so as to leave guilty persons unpunished, or attempt to establish a new party. You are pleased to term these powerful considerations " incoherent and con- tradictory arguments," and proceed to explain why you say so. No one who is acquainted with your antecedents, and who judges you impartially, can fail to see the foundation of those fears. The fact that the republic as well as the French have rejected your offers, shows that both Mexicans and French doubt your good faith and fear your defections. No one can doubt that you have given cause for this mistrust. You say, in speaking about the parties of Mexico, you are favoring no party in Mexico, but your only desire is to unite all in defence of the republic and independence. Further on you say : " Certainly I do not deplore the defamatory imputations made upon me so much as I do that inexcusable blindness with which the extermination of a valuable portion of our society is openly proclaimed. The terms in which you and the government of Chihuahua proscribe a large portion of the Mexican people presents a programme of death and desolation too horrible to contemplate." I might agree with you in some of your remarks about the conciliation of parties ; in regard to the others, I must say to you that nothing in my letter of the 25th of May, nor anything in the note from Mr. Lerdo de Tejada of the 6th of July, justifies the interpretation you give to both documents. There must be parties in republican governments to serve as barriers to usurp- ation of those in power and as a counterpoise to the executive ; and as long as they keep within legal limits, they are an advantage rather thau an evil to the 366 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. • nation. Their organization and aims depend upon questions of the clay, and end with them. The principal question discussed in Mexico since the estab- lishment of the republic is progress, and the party advocating it is termed the liberal party ; the party in favor of the statu quo or retrogression is called the conservative party. The members of this last party exceeded the limits of law and patriotism when they solicited the intervention of a foreign nation in the domestic affairs of its country, to overthrow the national government and establish an order of things which, whatever may be the appearance, could only constitute it a Euro- pean dependency. Now, this party, with few exceptions, recognized the inter- vention which some of its leaders had solicited, and have continued to support it. From that moment it ceased to be a political party and changed into a traitor faction. The liberal party, with the exception of a few renegades, believed it a duty to oppose foreign intervention and defend the independence of the country at all hazards. From that time the names and objects of the parties changed. One is the national or independent, struggling against foreign conquest ; the other is the traitor Frenchified party, composed of those who favor the invader of the country. All the former conservatives who were animated by patriotic sentiments, and did not choose to follow their party, have met with a kind of frank welcome from the national party; and the few liberals who joined the usurper now belong to the traitor faction. The efforts of the national government to rally around its flag all Mexicans, without distinction of party, are well known. All those who invited the invader, or are assisting him materially, no matter whether they were called conservatives or liberals, are guilty of treason in my opinion, and ought to be punished according to law. This is required by public morality, for the welfare of society. In my letter of the 25th May, I did not say it was feared your intervention in the politics of our country would cause a revolution in favor of the conserva- tive party for the purpose of saving that party from punishment, but only the guilty members, and this is not proscribing the whole party, as you seem to understand it. In this second war of independence the same events are taking place that occurred in the first ; a portion of the nation, though much less than that which joined the Spaniards then, now unite with the French. Those fought against their brothers who were contending for the most sacred right upon earth ; these strive now, under the French flag, to subjugate the common mother. The inexperience and candor of our fathers induced them to accept those Mexicans opposed to independence when for personal interest they abandoned the cause they were defending, and left the situation in their hands. The evil consequence of this serious error was immense, and the present French inter- vention is one of the results. To make the parable more perfect, there is your- self, who first fought with the Spaniards and then turned independent ; now helping French intervention, then opposing it. I consider it the duty of every Mexican, however little love he may have for his country, to contend against the repetition of the error of 1821. In conclusion, you say " your public conduct has never been governed by party motives," and that, " as a soldier, you have always occupied the post of duty." It seems to me altogether unnecessary for me to dwell upon your antecedents, as nothing could be gained by the discussion. Your acts are indelibly consigned to history ; and I think I can assure you that no one who desires to hand down a spotless name to posterity would envy you some of your antecedents. If any doubt remains about the good sense and correct judgment of the Mexi- can government in rejecting your services, you have dissipated it by declaring CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 367 your intention of taking part in Mexican affairs, even against the resolution of the government of the republic. If you had that intention, your offer of services could certainly not have been in good faith. If you acknowledge the President as the supreme chjef of the nation, who is to direct the defence of the country, you ought to submit to his determination. If this is unjust or inconsiderate, the responsibility falls on him, and not on you; but, after knowing that he considers your presence in the republic as prejudicial to the cause of independence, if you insist upon entering the country, whether to join the unrepenting traitors, or to raise a new party, either act will be con- sidered as unpatriotic and criminal. You say "you have refrained from personal imputations of every kind, through respect, while repeating those used so profusely by Mr. Lerdo de Tejada and myself." I presume you do not mean by this, that you could give mean motives of our conduct towards you. If this is so, it is certainly your duty to the nation to make the revelation. If it alludes solely to personalities, having no connec- tion with public affairs, you have acted very prudently in not mentioning them. In accordance with this principle, I too have refrained from everything not in direct connection with the acceptance of your services. However, I cannot but mention, in connection with this incident, that you would have spared much discredit to the good name of Mexico if you had never come to this country; for your conduct in New York, the facts your different lawsuits have brought to light, whether as plaintiff or defendant, and every other incident of your litiga- tions, are of such a nature that they bring the blush to the cheeks of every man who has the least regard for the honor and good name of Mexico in other countries. In various parts of your letter you attribute to me expressions made by Mr. Lerdo de Tejada ; as when you say, " I accuse you of not offering your services to the republic when you thought intervention successful, and now, when it is about to expire, you offer your aid to the victors." In other places you assert what neither of us had said ; for instance, speaking of the conservative party, you say, " I imagine you have an irresistible influence on it." I can find no such sentence in my letter to you, or anything that could authorize you to attribute it to me. I have purposely refrained from taking any notice of what you say in regard to Mr. Lerdo de Tejada, as that gentleman is fully capable of answering you much better than 1 could, if he thought proper to do so. In conclusion, I must inform you that this letter ends the discussion of your remarks in the note of the 5th ; and if yon do write me another letter, I hope you will excuse me from answering it, for I believe the continuation of this dis- cussion cau result in no good. Facts, in regard to doubtful points, will demon- strate who is right, or who has come nearest to the truth. I remain, sir, vour most attentive and obedient servant, M. ROMERO. Senor Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, New York City. Washington, September 29, 1S66. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 3.] Mexican Legation, Washington, September 25, 1S66. To the Editor of La Cronica : Mr. Romero, minister of the Mexican republic, having seen, in your issue of the loth instant, that Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, now a resident of 368 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. your city, saw fit to publish the communication he addressed to Mr. Romero on the 5th instant, casting to the government he represents, and to himself person- ally, various imputations altogether unfounded, I have been instructed by him to beg of you to publish in your paper his answer to Sefior Santa Anna, a copy of which is herewith enclosed. Mr. Romero would not have been willing to have his answer published had he not been provoked to do so, as he believes that a discussion of this kind, carried on among Mexicans living in a foreign country, cannot be of any profit. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FGNACIO MARISOAL, Secretary of the Mexican Legation. [Enclosure No. 4. ] PROTEST OF THE MEXICAN CITIZENS RESIDENT IN SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, AGAINST DON ANTONIO LOPEZ DE SANTA ANNA. , As,, according to information received from New York, Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna is laboring to connect himself with the affairs of Mexico, from whence he has been rejected by the national will, the Mexicans resident in San Francisco, California, considering that the publication of a manifesto made in New York by Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna is a proof that he is seeking to interpose obstacles to the re-establishment of order, which has been inter- rupted in the republic by the foreigners called in by the said Santa Anua himself ; Considering that Santa Anna, in addition to the crimes which he has com- mitted in the several epochs when he has occupied the supreme power, whether as the so-called supporter of liberal principles, or as the supporter of the re actionists, in either case seeking only to give greater scope to his ignoble pas- sions, now adds the most odious crime of treason in having charged Gutierrez Estrada to negotiate for a European prince, and afterwards swearing humble homage to that same prince, whom he called emperor ; Considering that Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna has been the enemy of progress in Mexico, and always despotic in the exercise of power whenever he has been intrusted with it ; And considering, finally, that Santa Anna is the man of all others who has been the most pernicious to Mexico, who has caused the tears and blood of his fellow-citizens to flow whenever he has been at the head of affairs, through his misdeeds, his ambition, and his vices : We declare and protest that we, the Mexicans hereunto subscribing, unitedly adhere to the protest of the Mexican Club of New York against Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, published in " El Nuevo Mundo" of the 29th of the month last passed ; and we invite all the patriotic clubs of this State and of Nevada to join in the same. San Francisco, July 29, 1866. Jose A Codoy, Teodora Peralta, ' Bernardo Smith, Nicolas Martinez, Ugenio Uzeta, Jose Alcaraz, Ignaeio Uzarraga, Lauriano Diaz, P. Carmona, Tonias Jewett, Francisco Romero, M. E. Jimenez, Victoriano Guillen, Juan Ribas, Guillermo Wilson, Adolfo Schober, Miguel Martinez, Amado Mendoza, Teodora Mendez, F. P. Ramirez, John Kolnor, Clodomiro Madero, CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 3 Christobal Juarez, Pedro Ruiz, Aodres Zufiiga, Antonio Pedrin, Jorge Andro, Augustin Ramirez, Sabino Ortega, Enrique Navarro, J. F. Lozano, Gerardo Davila, Jose Maria Neiro, Felipe Aguayo, Augustin Cardona, Frederico Aguilar, Augustin Jewett, And many others Jorge Jewett, [Enclosure No. 5. — Extract from the NueA'o Mundo, San Francisco, August 13, 1866. No. 378.1 THE MEXICAN PATRIOTIC CLUB OF NEW ALMADEN. This society being stimulated by the Mexican patriotic clubs of New York and San Francisco, in their action against the manifest of Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, and believing, like those societies, that any intervention in the policy of the national government of Mexico would result in the destruction of our nationality ; and considering that, with the evil influence he has exercised in Mexico with the conservative faction and its accomplices, the ministers of religion, there may be great fear of his false language finding an echo, and that rumors that have risen since his arrival in the United States may become true ; considering that some misinformed parties in the United States might lend him moral aid on his return to Mexico, where his mere presence would cause the most horrible an- archy, and only serve to fortify the hated Austrian archduke in power ; con- sidering that in all his different administrations of the government, he has shown himself to be the man to be most dreaded in our country ; considering that the said Santa Anna assimilated his form of government to that of the Spanish mon- archy, and made use of his diplomacy to solicit a European prince for the emi- nently republican and democratic country of Mexico ; considering that if he returned to our country, he might get into power by some means or other, and his political adversaries, without personal guarantees, would be made to disap- pear from the political arena under some frivolous pretext ; considering that the want of respect shown for us abroad, and which we lament, is the result of the military riots he always excited and directed ; and finally, considering that if the man of no fixed political principles was rejected by the imperial party, it is hardly probable the great republican party of Mexico would sully their ranks or pollute tbe holy cause by admitting him : The undersigned, therefore, for themselves and the inhabitants of the village, consisting mostly of Mexicans, de- voted to the liberal institutions of their country and to its independence, declare and protest : 1st. That we view Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna only as the odious petty tyrant, whose tendencies were always to oppress us, to impoverish us, and betray us. 2d. That we regard that wicked Mexican as guilty of high treason, because he conceived the black design of imposing a European prince upon us, when he found out he could not perpetuate the dictatorship he had assumed, by shedding torrents of Mexican blood that clothed the country in mourning for a dozen years. 3d. That if we saw him in our country, we would be compelled to condemn him to the punishment he deserves, for violation of laws, of public morals, and human justice. New Almaden, August 5, 1S66. P. RUED A FLORE S, President. Jose Valenzuela. Librado Esparza. Romualdo Velasquez. Esteban Galvan. 24 MEX. 370 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Francisco Salmon. T. Vallejo. Miguel Tejeda. Jose Maria Arismeudiz. Juan Loyer. Asencion Gutierrez. Octaviano Gutierrez. Candelario Gallardo. Tomas Guerrero. Felipe de T. Alvarez. Apolinar Reyes. Jesus Salcedo. Pascual Borguez. Hombono Velasquez. Juan N. Benales. Jesus Herrera. Urbano Quevedo. Jose M. Avon. Domingo Morales. Herculano Garcia. Nemesio Correa. Antonio Estrada. Francisco Carrillo. Hermenegildo Bueno. Jose M. Moreno. Exiguio Magallanes. Abram Bans. Leon Chavira. Saturnino Gandara. Loreto Pimentel. Jesus Moreno. Juan Gonzales. Manuel Delgado, Secretary. Indalecio Villareal. Eulogio Franco. Manuel Yanez. Colosio Noriega. Joaquin Ramirez. Leonardo Rivera. Guadalupe Guerrero. Francisco Ohafiro. Pascual Borques. Ignacio Carillo. Julian Medina. Desiderio Sanchez. Jose M. Raso. Jesus Guerrero. Jose M. Montijo. Julian Medina. Antonio Cardenas. Cruz Flores. N. Casara, M. D. Francisco Canillo. Bias Mendoza. Francisco Pena. Angel Romero. Teodoro Ramos. Francisco Jimenez. Cruz Mercado. G. A. Gallardo. Cruz Diaz. Ricardo G. Huerta. Santiago Robles. Cruz Favela. Bias Mendoza. [Enclosure No. 6.] MEXICAN PATRIOT CLUB OF SAN ANDRES. San Andres, August 16, 1866. I have the honor to transmit to you the original protest of this club, in ap- proval of that made in your city by the loyal resident Mexicans, against the sinister pretensions of Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, which you will see in a manifest published by him. Although this protest is not clothed in the flowery language of eloquence, it is none the less a sincere expression of the determined will and firm conviction of the Mexicans Avho have signed it. Please consider it as such, and accept the assurances of my attentive consideration. Independence and liberty ! JOAQUIN MIRANDA Y WIN A, President. Jose Antonio Godoy, Consul of the Mexican Republic in San Francisco. Mexican Patriot Club of San Andres. As this society is impressed with the loyal and patriotic act of the Mexican citizens residing in San Francisco, approving the protest of the Mexican Club CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 371 of New York agaiust the sinister pretensions of Don Antonio Lopez f my country, whither I had been drawn from promptings of honor and duty, and where I had come to fulfil the duties of the office which I had received, not from Benito Juarez, but through the spontaneous expression of national confidence, the first spectacle which greeted my vision was its genial horizon lowering over a blood-stained country, strewn with the ruins of a political edifice, previously raised at so dear a cost. There were presented to me two decrees, foreshadowing the gloom of the future. Be- neath their shadow I perceived' anarchy and disorder, an outrage upon the 398 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Mexican people, another scandal in our political history, as the inevitable con- sequences of acts reprobated by morality and experience, the deeds of men who have prostituted the law into a means to serve their personal ambition, instead of administering it for the public good. They revived the painful reflection that Mexicans, treasuring confidence in the purifying influences of republicanism, had deceived themselves when they had hoped that ignominy had forever disappeared from their midst, leaving behind it' but a melancholy memory of previous mis- deeds. My first impression was to postpone all action for the benefit of my country, for which I would have spared no sacrifice, whatever may be its magnitude. My public career, heretofore without stain, is the clearest testimony of the truth of my sentiments. Two expedients presented themselves whereby to extricate myself from my cruel position.-. The one was to remain mute, saying not a word against the illegality of these decrees, immolating myself upon the altar of my country, retiring to some foreign land, so that the friends of legality, of popular right, of constitutional privilege, should have no other banner to rally around than that set up in this arbitrary manner. The other was to protest against these decrees, leaving national rights intact, yet not to erect a new standard, for this might generate a fresh and imprudent scandal. Neither was I willing to absent myself, for such a desertion would militate against principle. Had I followed the first suggestion, I would have abandoned rights, not my own, but those of the people, transmitted to me through their votes; I should have shirked fulfilment of ihe oath taken before the national congress, and avoided perform- ance of the duties of my official position, substituting in their stead a modest shame ; I would have abandoned the straight road and turned aside into another, whether for good or evil, but which assuredly was not the pathway of duty and honor. Moreover, it would have resulted in leaving the country without a legal government, without which it would have been impossible to have made head against a colossal enemy ; it would have authorized a fresh attack upon the dignity of the law, without which it is hopeless to anticipate a permanent estab- lishment of the republic and of national tranquillity. In adopting a second course, I would fulfil my duty and demonstrate to the nation that I was not a party, either tacit or active, to the blow inflicted upon constitutional rights ; I would show to the world that the errors of two men were not those of the nation, whose interests are derived from a more elevated origin — interests which Mexico has defended for the last ten years; and, finally, I would place myself in a position before my country capable of defending my conduct. Neither did I believe that persistence in silence would better the military condi- tion of the war. Consequently, I determined upon this last line of conduct, and directed to Don Sebastian de Lerdo de Tejada the protest against the unconsti- tutional decrees to which I have alluded. ARTICLES OF THE CONSTITUTION. Art. 79. The President shall enter upon the functions of his office on the first day of December, and continue for the term of four years. Art. 79. Iu the temporary absence of the President of the republic, and in the interim before his successor qualifies, the president of the supreme court of justice shall enter upon and perform the duties of that office. Art. 80. If the absence of the President be absolute, a new election will be held, in accordance with the provisions of Art. 76 ; and the President in this wise elected will perform his functions until the last day of November of the fourth year from the time of his election. Art. 82 If, from any cause whatsoever, the election for President is not held and published by the first day of December, by which time the vacancy should have been filled, or that the candidate elect should fail to enter upon the per- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 399 ormance of his duties, the term of the previous President, nevertheless, ceases, and the supreme executive power, during the interim, will vest in the president of the supreme court of justice. Art. 94. The members of the supreme court of justice, upon entering upon the functions of their office, shall take an oath before congress, or, in the event of its adjournment, before the permanent deputation, in the following form: "You do swear loyally and patriotically to fill the office of magistrate of the supreme court of justice, which the people have conferred upon you, conformably to the constitution, and regarding only the welfare and prosperity of the union.'' Art. 95. The office of magistrate of the supreme court of justice can only be renounced for grave causes, (por causa grave,) qualified by congress, unto whom the renunciation must be presented, if during its adjournment the qualification shall be made by the permanent deputation. Title IV. — Responsibilities of public functionaries. Art. 103. The deputies of the congress of the union, the magistrates of the supreme court, and cabinet secretaries, are responsible for malfeasance in office, and for the derelictions or omissions which occur during their continuance in office. The governors of States are equally responsible for infractions of the constitution and federal laws. So, also, is the President of the republic ; bat during his term of office he can only be accused, on charges of treason against the country, of express violation of the constitution, of attacks upon the elective franchise, and of criminal offences of the common order. Art. 104. If the crime be of the common order, congress, acting as a grand jury, will decide whether there be cause to proceed against the accused. In the case of a regular decision, no ulterior proceedings can be had. Should the decision be affirmative, the accused will be suspended from office and subjected to the action of the ordinary tribunals. Art. 1 05. In cases of malfeasance, congress will act as a jury of accusation, and the supreme court as a tribunal for judgment. The jury of accusation will declare as to the guilt of the accused by a ma- jority of votes. If the accusation be absolved, the official will continue in the enjoyment of his office ; if sustained, the offender will be immediately divested of office, and placed at the disposition of the supreme court. This court, erected into a tribunal of sentence, in the presence of the criminal, the public prosecutor and the accuser, if any there be, shall proceed to pronounce, by a majority of votes, the penalty which the law provides. Art. 106. Judgment pronounced for responsibility as to malfeasance, no pardon can be granted the transgressor. Art. ] 07. Responsibility as to malfeasance can only be exacted during the term of the offender's office, and for the period of one year thereafter. Art. 108. In demands of a civil order, there is neither process nor immunity for public functionaries. In according extraordinary powers to the executive, by reason of the state of war, congress, in its concessions in the decree of October 27, 1862, imposed an express and definite restriction that he should do nothing contrary to *the provisions of title IV of the constitution. Hence it can be readily surmised that congress had other objects in imposing this restriction upon the executive beyond the mere conservation of constitutional order, in placing the high dig- nitaries of the state beyond reach of presidential attack. They evidently feared that, were unlimited power placed in the hands of the executive, he might proceed against some functionary, and in this wise produce internal dis- order, as Juarez has done in this instance, contrary to the provisions of the fonstitutioi',- through abuse of the powers accorded by congress, and to the ^•^ifest prejudice of public decency. 400 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. According to article 95 of the constitution, " the office of magistrate of the supreme court of justice can only be renounced for grave causes, {for causa grave,) qualified by congress, unto whom the renunciation must be presented. If during its adjournment, the qualification shall be made by the permanent deputation." A sufficient answer to this consists in the fact that I have not renounced the office conferred upon me by popular suffrage, nor has any grave cause been urged against me to render such a step advisable, and consequently no qualification lias been made by either congress or the permanent deputation. I have quoted the preceding provisions of the constitution, so that from a perusal of their text the enormity of their infraction is apparent, and not with a view to exhibit the utter worthlessness of the pretensions upon which are based the decrees of November, which attempt would be an insult to the com- •mon sense of the general public. In the decrees of Juarez, and the circular accompanying them, he has sought to furnish a sample of logic and explanation of our constitutional law. To these puerile expedients he has had recourse, for want of better reasons to support his assumptions. Neither as a Mexican, nor as a magistrate, do I wish to discuss this point ; the nation will adjudicate upon the simple narration of fact. I would it were within my province to reveal all ; it would vindicate my conduct and place Juarez and Lerdo in no enviable and patriotic light ; but national interests demand my silence. The coup d'etat of Comonfort, in 1857, caused Don Benito Juarez, then chief justice of the supreme court, to enter upon the executive functions of the Union. Legal order established after three years of civil war, congress met in 1S61, and there being no person legally entitled to assume the functions of the presidency of the republic, in the event of a vacancy, by reason of the presi- dent of the supreme court of justice having entered upon the duties of the chief executive, an election was held to supply the vacancy in the order of succession to the presidency, and, in accordance with that design, I was elected to the presidency of the supreme court ad interim. About that period I had been elected, by the popular vote, governor of the State of Zacatecas. After assuming the prescribed oath of office, as president of the court ad interim, before the national representatives, I proceeded a few days thereafter to the city of Zacatecas, and assumed the governorship of that State. This occurred in the year 1861. During the last months of that year, and the earlier ones of 1862, I acted alternately as constitutional governor of Zaca- tecas, governor and military commander of the State of San Luis Potosi, and military commander of the States of Aguas Oalientes and Tamaulipas. This last disposition was made in consequence of the state of the war. During all this time neither the nation, the permanent deputation, nor con- gress, when it assembled, perceived that I had abandoned the presidency ad interim of the supreme court, nor did they detect that incompatibility in office- holding which Sefiors Juarez and Lerdo de Tejada seek to discover by a resort to obsolete constitutional authority, with the aim of finding out that which has no existence in our present national compact. It had been the desire of congress simply to select a person with an acknowl- edged and legal title to succeed to the presidency of the republic, in the event of a vacancy, and not an individual to preside over the ordinary business of the court. The political emergencies of the period, particularly during a state of war, demanded the recognition of a person entitled to the succession, and it mattered little whether he was, or was not, governor of Zacatecas. During normal times it might have proven inconvenient for the same individual to enjoy two employments ; still the constitution is silent on that head, and neither have I pretended to fill both at the same time. The war and state of the country governed my actions, and not my own inclinations, for my honor and sense of duty to my native land have impelled me to situations wherein I could render CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 401 myself most useful to my country. Moreover, I have ever deemed it a gratifica- tion to obey the summons -winch the nation extends to a. soldier of the people. I have referred to past events, not for the sake of argument, but to cite facts, patent to the world, and ratified by popular opinion. During my sojourn in Zacatecas and San Luis, at a distance from the capital of the republic, a popular election was held for the presidency of the supreme court of justice, which election, according to the declaration of the house, resulted in my elevation to that dignity, notwithstanding opposition from the administra- tion of Benito Juarez, with all its power and influence. When elected I was constitutional governor of Zacatecas ; and notwithstanding that fact, on my transit through the capital of the republic, I took the oath of office and entered upon its functions for a day, and thence passed on to assume command of my army division in the department of the east. Shortly after, I took command, in my capacity as general-in-chief, of that department, and a very little later officiated as governor and military commander of the State of Puebla, which I held until the middle of the year 1863; and during all this period I maintained a second capacity, as I have stated, namely, •as constitutional governor of Zacatecas. During the interval of my respective services, neither the nation, the perma- nent deputation, nor congress discovered any abandonment on my part of the presidency of the court, neither did they perceive that incompatibility in em- ployments concerning which so much has been said. I was found exactly where my duty as a soldier summoned me. Having been taken prisoner on the plaza of Puebla, it appears that some propositions were made in the house, having for their object the nomination of some person to replace me in office. No action was had on these propositions, as my nomination had been made for the presidency of the court in compliance with the requirements of the constitution ; consequently the appointment of any other person would have been invalid on account of its unconstitutionality. The records of the congressional session attest the truth of these facts. Having attained freedom through an escape from the prison of Orizaba, I forthwith hastened to San Luis, where I found the government located. After opening the supreme court, I directed my steps to the State of Zacatecas, in nowise abandoning the presidency of the court, as has been malignantly asserted, but, on the contrary, complying with all the rules and regulations governing the internal organization of that body. At the time of my march, and my separation from the court, I demonstrated to the magistrates that my escape from prison in nowise compromised my parole of honor, and that my object was to hold myself in readiness to struggle for the independence of Mexico, whose salvation depended rather upon feats of arms than upon discussions of points of law, and hence I was anxious to present myself in a State of which I was a son and the governor, to impose new obstacles to the advance of the invader. My colleagues approved of my resolution. A little later was conceded the license I solicited ; at the time, I was still governor of Zacatecas. I had, on many occasions, organized the troops of Zacatecas and commanded them through various successful campaigns. I had been one of the leaders of the State during the revolution for reform and the establishment of public order. I had been a governor for five years, and was so at the time, haviug been re- elected by the popular vote. It was natural to suppose I exerted no little influence upon the political affairs of that population. My convictions, and, I may assert without fear of equivoca- tion, the convictions of my copatriots, demanded that I should devote my energies to the reorganization of its troops, to oppose a bold front to the enemy during those solemn moments of the country. It is but rational to presume that the government of the union would have 26 MEX. 402 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. been actuated by similar patriotic convictions. The spectacle of the national drama remained unchanged, or, if it had changed at all, the aspect had been rendered more melancholy by the misfortunes incurred at Mexico and Puebla ; nevertheless, personal interests, shielded from public scrutiny, overpowered con- siderations for the common weal. During anterior years my permanent presence at the court had not been deemed requisite, neither was it so considered when I lay besieged within the walls of Puebla. But in those days organs of the popular voice were on the alert, keeping constant guard over the interests of the state. The government worked only to stultify my influence ; it operated to preclude any opportunity of my sharing the popular destiny through rendering fresh services to the country. The cardinal policy of all its acts tended towards ulterior purposes. My position at the head of the troops of an influential democratic State was one of the most serious obstacles Mexico presented to the invader ; it served, moreover, as a sentinel, guarding the legal rights and privileges of the people, so that the offices of the State could not be disposed of as if they were in the hands of private proprietors. The administration of Sehor Juarez, instead of employing for the benefit of Mexico the great or little influence which I possessed in Zacatecas, commenced intriguing, in a private manner, with a view of removing matters and persons to another sphere, in order to neutralize my influence. At the same time, Senor Juarez indited a private epistle to Don Severo Oosio, who acted as governor of Zacatecas, promising him a continuance in office. As the tenor of the commu- nication was of a private character, and related to the personal opinions of the President, the patriot, Senor Cosio, answered in a like style, assuring him that my influence in the State, taken in connection with my official position as gov- ernor, was of importance, if not absolutely necessary, did they desire to "defend the integrity of the State. Nevertheless, the intrigues continued. Shortly after came commissioners and agents of the government, who tendered proposals of command to the general, Don Victoriano Zamora, who had been provisional constitutional governor of the said State in previous years. Civil war was on the point of breaking out in Zacatecas by reason of the private intrigues of the government; and this, too, at a time when the French army was penetrating into the interior of the country, and Zacatecas was standing in threat of an attack. The government was well aware that, should it declare Zacatecas to be in a state of siege, with a view of appointing a governor selected by it to supersede me, it would be my duty to obey the mandate ; but, at the same time, the gov- ernment was likewise aware that such an act would be reprobated by a State notoriously jealous of the exercise of its privileges, and one which contributed the most towards the defence of independence under a constitutional regime. It was aware, moreover, that the nation at large would recognize, in an act of that nature, the motive of its dictation to be to impair my popularity to serve its own personal inclinations. All these machinations crumbled to pieces, shaken by the patriotism and common sense of the people of that section of the republic. The country disapproved of all these things, for it was deemed necessary to dis- card private interests, and to concentrate every energy towards the public welfare. "With this object in view a delegation, composed of the deputies, the licentiate Don Jose Maria Castro, and Colonel Don Jesus Leora, was sent to the city of San Luis, there to address the government in a firm, yet respectful manner, as to the resolution taken up by Zacateces to furnish troops, in its sovereign ca- pacity, in accordance with its population and dignity, which forces would be placed at the disposal of the supreme government, At the same time the dele- gation was charged to request that no more obstacles should be placed in the way of its particular government when endeavoring to discharge its patriotic CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. ■ 403 mission. Finally, the State agreed to guarantee all ray actions, and pledged itself to pay over monthly the assessment levied upon it as a national contribu- tion. The general government had previously despatched agents into the State ostensibly to act as collectors of revenue, but, in reality, to impede my progress in the work of raising troops. Had the government stood in need of resources, the delegation were prepared to stipulate as to payment of contributions, under the proviso of having the amount definitely determined. The delegation had interviews with Senor Juarez and some of his ministers without arriving at any satisfactory conclusion. Nothing could be more natural, for they were strenu- ously opposed by two ministers, holding secret communications with the enemy, as was shortly afterwards demonstrated to the public through the notoriety of their treason. These ministers, in treacherous employ, naturally exerted every endeavor to damage the republic, and through complication of affairs to augment its perilous condition. Nevertheless, all their arguments were warmly applauded by this same Senor Juarez, for they flattered his vanity by encouraging expecta- tions as to his prolongation of his term of office. The definite answer received by the delegation was to the effect that it would manifest to me that the government had no inclination to recall its agents, and neither did it stand in need of troops, as there were sufficient under the com- mand of Generals Doblado and Uraga. The delegation conveyed to me the result of its mission, and I detected the hand of treason in these machinations of the cabinet. So, was it possible that the defence of our independence demanded no further soldiery, when a foreign army was invading the national domain ? Did no necessity exist for fresh troops, when the army of the east had been dissipated at Puebla 1 My con- science dictated perseverance in discharge of my duty as a Mexican, and as governor of Zacatecas. Shortly after, Senor Juarez departed from the State of San Luis and proceeded to that of Coahuila, in consequence of the loss of the division under General Negrete, which served him as an escort. About this time the deputy Don Trinidad Garcia de la Cadena visited Sal- tillo on a mission from the governor of Zacatecas to Senor Juarez. Upon con- cluding his official business he was invited to a private interview with Senor Lerdo de Tejada, minister of foreign relations and government. Thither he presented himself, and received from the minister proposals flattering his ambi- tion as to a military command. It was proposed to him that, upon my first ab- sence from the city of Zacatecas, he should seize upon the governorship, sup- ported by the troops beneath his command as a colonel. Pie was, moreover, informed that the government would approve of this measure, and would imme- diately thereafter forward him his commission as governor of the State. Senor Garcia de la Cadena, a native of Zacatecas, who had rendered the coun- try signal service, both in politics and the army, refused to accept this proposi- tion, objecting that such a course would excite a civil war within a State upon the eve of invasion by foreign force. Nevertheless, the intrigues were not as yet concluded. The same Senor Cadena, while communicating to me the nar- rative of his official mission, remarked : " I have noted, in all my conferences at Saltillo with Senor Lerdo de Tejada and his subordinates, that a strong desire exists for the disbandment of the troops which you have organized and are con- tinuing to organize. They fear them, because they also dread the arrival of the period at which the term of Juarez's office will expire, as, of course, Senor Lerdo desires to continue in discharge of his ministerial functions." My relations in the general government were apparently in concert and har- mony. The course of* the war compelled it to withdraw more than 150 leagues from Zacatecas, and experience demonstrated that it had ample need of the forces which I had been engaged in organizing. 404 • CONDITION OF AFFAIES IN MEXICO. In one or two months I raised, equipped, and armed a strong division of the three arms of the service. They had been raised in the midst of these numer- ous intrigues, and against the inclinations of Senor Juarez, and served to co- operate, in more than one instance, most efficaciously for the salvation of his person, and consequently of that of the legitimate government, beside paying implicil; obedience to orders received from him. Herein are some of the consequences of the abandonment, as he states, of the presidency of the supreme court while at San Luis. I was still within the State of Zacatecas, at the head of the division I had organized, when most reliable information was communicated to me with regard to the contemplated treason of Don Jose Lopez Uraga, who commanded, as general-in-chief, the flower of the republican army, in the south of Jalisco. I repeatedly communicated this intelligence to Sellor Juarez, so that he might institute effective measures with regard to this general and avoid the destruction of our army. General Corona possessed a command under the immediate orders of Uraga. When he became aware of his superior's treason he demanded his passports and withdrew. Passing through Zacatecas, he entered into a conversation with me relative to this treason. Corona gave to the government a minute and official narration of the affair, and placed the manuscript in my hands for transmission, which I sent forward by a special messenger. This messenger was Captain Don Marcelino E. Ca- vero, an officer who had likewise separated from the forces of Uraga, and who was charged to communicate other details verbally to the government. Other chiefs, coming from the south of Jalisco, successively visited me, cor- roborating particulars of the affair. I was assured by all of them that full knowledge of Uraga's contemplated treason had been communicated to the gov- ernment by the illustrious and patriotic General Arteaga. At a later period I found this statement substantiated in au autographic letter of that unfortunate and lamented general. General Don Felipe B. Berriozabal, passing through the State of Zacatecas, invited me to a conference with the intention of placing me in possession of facts connected with the treason projected in Jalisco. Urgent military business pre- cluded my presence at the proposed interview. General Berriozabal, without loss of time, pressed forward to the States of Coahuila and Nuevo Leon, then the seats of the government. He presented himself thither, and gave most conclusive evidence of the exist- ence of the treason alluded to, as that was the object of his mission. He did more — he denounced Uraga to the government as guilty of high treason. Still nothing was done. SeSor Juarez made but a single reply, saying, " That if Senor Berriozabal had been invited to participate in the projected treason, it had been, doubtlessly, done as a test of his firmness and constancy." The general, taking into consideration what had passed, and the support be- stowed upon Uraga by the Senors Juarez and Lerdo, withdrew his accusation and remitted to the government a communication, very respectful, yet expressed in emphatic terms, in which he stated that either the government should inves- tigate the charges made against him by Uraga, or he would publish documents dishonorable alike to Uraga and the government. His demand was complied with, and Senor Berriozabal gave to light the communication to which I have alluded and the answer, wherein he vindicated himself, preserving in obscurity the documents to which he referred. Senors Juarez and Lerdo persistently turned a deaf ear to complaints ; they regarded as of no account the depositions and information given by persons interested. The honor of Mexico, the moral- ity of the army, the salvation of the elements for a successful defence of our in- dependence, appeared to them of no value. It was a matter of policy to destroy these elements, created, as all the world knows and admits, by the States of the CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 405 confederation through their individual energies and resources. It was abso- lutely necessary to demolish the sustenance of constitutional order, in order to create other elements and other agencies with the aim of perpetuating, when the time arrived, power in the hands of Senor Juarez. I state this, for I know of no other explanation which can be given of anterior facts. Moreover, I am au- thorized in this statement by the facts themselves, as I have heard from the very lips of Senor Lerdo, when he says : "The destruction of existing things is of no consequence ; great causes save themselves. Our sole question of to-day is how to live." Every one is aware of the manifold means at the disposal of a minister for the complication of a political situation, whereby, of his own accord, he can under- mine the foundations of public order. The secret workings of his cunning may escape the observation of the multitude, but never the penetrating criticism of the historian. Nevertheless, how much more easy the destructive task through the machinations of an arbitrary minister, versed in the art of cajoling the vanity of a dominant executive. Located in the city of Zacatecas were two strong divisions of the three arms of service, Avith a formidable train of artillery ; the one under the command of General Doblado, the other under my orders. Both divisions were at the dis- posal of the government when it saw proper to use them. Although both of these corps were located at several days' march from the plaza of San Luis, an order was given to General Negrete by the government to assail that position with the single division at his disposition. This division was completely destroyed in the attack ; subsequently the division of General Doblado was cut up by piecemeal at Matehuala ; a little later mine was annihilated at Majoma. At a conference which I subsequently had with Senor Juarez at Monterey, in the presence of the minister of war, I remarked to him that the period was not far distant when the nation would hold, the government to an account for the disastrous manner in which it had frittered away the material for the national defence, through dispersing the elements of resistance by fractions, for, Avhat- ever may have been its intentions, the work of the government bore that ap- pearance. ' In August of last year the withdrawal of our forces and of the seat of gov- ernment from Nuevo Leon and Coahuila was determined upon. General Negrete had then charge of the ministry of war, to which he conjoined a double employ- ment as commander-in chief of the army, composed of two divisions, the one under command of General Alcade, and the other under my orders — the same as I had raised in Zacatecas. In the city of Saltillo I received orders from the general-in-chief to march to the Punta de la Angostina, at the head of the two divisions, and there give battle to the enemy, should they court it. If they avoided an engagement I was to retire the same night in the direction of the villa of Mouclova. I obeyed my orders and accomplished the latter command, finding it impossible to execute the first. A little after my retreat I effected a junction with General Negrete, whose headquarters were at Saltillo. On the morrow the government united with the forces and journeyed in company to the Hacienda del Anhelo. From this point the government resolved to progress, by way of Parras, to Chihuahua, carrying along with it General Negrete, who officiated as minister of war. The responsibility of saving our army was committed to my charge, although in an indirect manner, for I had not been nominated general-in-chief, but assigned to the command of the rear-guard, following in the wake of the government. This circumstance is to be noted as explanatory of the manner in which I was forced to assume the responsibility. The army was absolutely destitute of commissary stores, while the military 406 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. chest contained not a single dollar. Its route lay over the most inhospitable and uninhabited section of the national territory ; for the greater part over a feai'ful desert, devoid of grain and forage for cattle. Besides, on these barren plains it was liable to be attacked and cut to pieces by the French forces for the want of the necessaries I have mentioned. It is likewise to be remembered that, if the army was unprovided with a dollar to supply its absolute necessities, it was not from want of means, which could have been provided beforehand, especially as two months had elapsed after the retreat had been determined upon. The government had abandoned a plaza which it had occupied during several months, replete with resources, as was that of Monterey, where it could, and did, avail itself of the revenues from the frontier custom-houses of Matamoras and Piedras Negras. I took my line of march in obedience to orders I had received. On the road I notified the government that the French army was only four leagues distant, and received in reply a written order signed by Don Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, saying that I should abandon all my artillery and trains and limit myself to saving the personnel only of our army, to effect which I was free to take any measure I should deem expedient. I remonstrated energetically to Senor Lerdo de Tejado, that acquiescence in the order I had received would in no way result in saving the personnel of our army, inasmuch as we would abandon the only means of its salvation in volun- tarily sacrificing our war material, while at the same time we were compro- mising the honor of our arms. I said, however, that if, notwithstanding any opposition, the government should insist upon observance of that order, it should be communicated to me officially, to absolve me from responsibility. My argu- ment was attended to, and the minister answered that the government approved of my determination not to anticipate voluntarily the sacrifice of material, but to await the chances of a battle. The French army avoided a conflict at that time. I continued my march without interruption, losing, it is true, in the desert, a third or fourth part of our army, hundreds of mules, and a greater part of our munitions of war. I then gave notice to the government, located at the Villa del Almo de Parras, that I had detected symptoms of a dissolution of the forces, as well from scarcity of provisions and stores, as from consequences of the privations endured by the army. To avoid that calamity, I received an order from the minister of relations not to separate myself from the body of my troops. At the hacienda of Santa Rosa a council of war was summoned by the gov- ernment, at which, after hearing the opinion of the ministers, I received the appointment of commander-in-chief of the army. At the same time there were accorded to me extraordinary powers to procure a supply of metallic currency, of which the army stood in absolute need, with the restriction, however, of acting on this point in concert with General Patoni, the constitutional governor of Durango, in which State were located both the army and the government, who would effect some arrangement with the landed proprietary to supply the wants of the soldiers. Patoni assured me of the im- possibility of enforcing contributions upon the landholders, reduced to penury through the hardship of the war. If this were true, as it doubtless was, it only went to aggravate the privations of the troops, caused through the intentional want of foresight in the government. It was under circumstances of this unavoidable nature that the army, whose dissolution was inevitable, was placed under my orders as commander-in-chief. The warmest advocate for my appoint- ment, as I learned from the minister of war, was Don Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada. It is worthy of note, that if the condition of the army was bad when it com- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 407 menced its retreat from Anbelo, it grew notoriously worse, as was natural, from the causes I have related. It is more worthy of note, that when I took charge as commander-in-chief, the coffers of the government contained thousands of dollars, reserved for its own use and that of its employes, whom it preferred to the salvation of an army, whose privations had ascended to a point of heroism — an army which had been raised at a heavy cost to the States of Durango, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Zacatecas. At the council of war, of which I have spoken, I delivered my opinion, in terms perfectly intelligible to the government, that we should not destroy, piecemeal, the material upon which we depended, and that we should take ad- vantage of the extent of our line to harass a formidable enemy. At the same time I advised giving battle to the hostile forces, regardless of the point of at- tack or the number of their re-enforcements, inasmuch as, in this manner, if for- tune proved propitious to us, we might capture some city of importance ; and if the reverse, it was preferable that our army should be destroyed through chances of war rather than through want and misery, to the dishonor of the government and our arms. I commenced my march from Santa Rosa, and posted myself between the States of Durango and Zacatecas, both occupied by the invading army. A few days afterwards occurred the battle of Majoma. The fortune of war caused us to lose one of two points occupied by our troops and artillery. I retook the point only to lose it again. The death of the brave Colonel Fernandez y Villagranta, who commanded the battalions of Zacatecas, as well as the loss of the leaders of distinction, and particularly the wounding of General Don Eugenio Castro, whom I had ordered to lead a charge of cavalry, introduced confusion among our ranks, which dis- order was soon checked through the ability of our officers. Under fire of the enemy our bodies of the national guard remained firm. Evening approached rapidly, when I perceived that the heat of the conflict, the physical prostration engendered through privation, and the march through the desert, had so far worn out the national troops that I ordered a retreat. It was effected in the most orderly manner, in the full sight of the French army, who dared not follow us ; consequently we left behind us but a portion of our artillery and the corpses of our brave and patriotic militia, whom we were forced to leave on the field of battle. It is not my intention to narrate, in a detailed manner, an account of all that befell us upon that disastrous day, for those matters I have already officially re- ported to the government. My object is merely to connect the thread of events. Our forces retired, in the best possible order, to the town of San Miguel del Mez- quital, and disbanded during the night of the same day on which occurred our reverses at Majoma. No discipline could have averted this final calamity. Every man conceived that he had discharged his duty, and that the war could be more successfully carried on in detached bodies. The only aspect for a con- trary course presented to them seemed that of privation and the desert. Senor Juarez was at that time in the town of Mazas, awaiting the result of my expe- dition, where he was visited by more than a hundred leaders, desirous of receiv- ing facilities and orders to continue the campaign under other auspices. But he did not wait their action, for, aware of the disasters occurring to our forces, he withdrew to Chihuahua, one hundred and fifty leagues from the place we occupied. I committed the insignificant remnants of our national forces to the charge of Generals Quesada and Carvajal, until the government could make some disposi- tion of them. I gave the official notice to which I alluded, and received an acknowledg- ment, which ordered me to transfer the relic of our army to General Patoni, which I did. In the verbal conference which I had with the government, 1 408 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. made known to it that there still remained at its disposal a small escort of cav- alry which accompanied me. This I regarded as my duty, and, after a lapse of two or three days, I received an order to that effect, which I fulfilled. Tacitly I remained awaiting orders, as a general, from the government ; but this sus- pense in nowise suited me, so I notified it that I held myself ready to obey orders, and that such disposition could be made of my person as suited official inclination. I had no military commission to fulfil, and did not even possess an escort. I would add to these particulars many other details respecting the charge made by the government in one of its decrees, that "while holding the position of general in the army I had gone to reside permanently in a foreign land, during continuance of hostilities, without license from the government, and therein abandoning the army, its standards, and the cause of the republic," and which is likewise called the official dereliction of voluntarily abandoning the presi- dency of the supreme court of justice. A portion of the statements which I intend setting forth can be substantiated by reputable persons, some well known in the State of Chihuahua, and others of a world-wide repute. Other assertions bear the sanction of the government, and all observations I shall make are de- ducible from the state of facts. I arrived in the State of Chihuahua after the disaster at Majoma, some time towards the end of September, 1864, and re- mained in that State until the end of February, 1865, when I departed for a foreign country. During all this period, in Chihuahua was the seat of the gen- eral government, and for more than three months of the time above named I re- sided in the same city with the administration. During this period of inactivity I was tendered no command of troops to defend "the standard and cause of the republic ;" neither was I offered any military commission, great or small, nor did I receive any intimation as to the manner in which my services and good-will could be rendered of value to my country, although I ardently desired employ- ment, if only for the sake of appearances. The government had no desire to furnish me with troops, and in this wise de- prived me of opportunity to add to my influence beneath a military title ; it pre- ferred leaving me without positive support, and was blind to the privileges ac- corded to me by the law. About this time it became incumbent upon the executive either to relinquish his functions, according to constitutional provision, or to furnish" such an explan- ation of the law as would warrant him constitutionally to prolong his term of office for another year. The 30th of November, 1864, arrived, and terminated four years, dating from the election of Seilor Juarez. On that day I addressed a communication to that high functionary, through the medium of Don Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, in his capacity as minister of government, inquiring whether it was his intention on the following day to pass over the executive power to me, as it had ceased by legal limitation ; or, if the contrary was his determination, I told him to be- stow upon the constitutional law such an interpretation as he might deem proper, whereby we could avoid anarchy, strengthen the exercise of the func- tions of the President of the republic, and leave intact the constitutional law — a law sustained by the blood of the Mexican people during a period of eight years in warfare. To such a conception, I added, I would be among the first to give my acquiescence. This he gave me on the same day, November 30, accom- panied by a note which had been agreed upon at a meeting of the cabinet, and which bore the signature of Senor Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada. It decided that the constitutional term of office of President Juarez did not conclude in that year, (1864,) but would expire on the 30th of November, 1865, according to the provision of the constitution. And, notwithstanding this decision, he claims to continue exercising the functions of President, according to the self- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 409 same provision of the constitution which he has previously interpreted to have closed his career, at the furthermost, upon the 30th day of November, 1865. I will insert, at this point, the exact words employed by the minister in his official note, in making his deductions from the premises he had laid down : " For which reason, it is decided that the term of office of the citizen President of the republic does not expire until the 30th day of the next year, 1865, con- formably to the evident and literal tenor of article SO of the constitution''' In the same communication he declared me president of the court. I did not pretend to this declaration, for I stood in no need of it, and neither the condi- tion of affairs at this epoch, nor the interests of Mexico, demanded it. I had been appointed by the nation constitutional president of the court in 1862, and the house bad declared me to be such in a most solemn manner. The decree containing this declaration had received the sanction of the executive and been published throughout the republic. Neither popular opinion nor the councils, municipalities, governors, and legis- latures of States entertained the least doubt upon the fact of my election, and of my being president of the court. To the nation belonged the right of ap- pointing supreme authorities, in accordance with the fundamental law, sole source and fountain of authority with us. I did not, therefore, require any other appointment or declaration, and especially one suited for the convenience of Seiiors Lerdo de Tejada and Juarez in their prospects for a future date — prospects whose tendencies wei'e far from the conservation of the purity of the law, intrusted by the nation to the guardianship of SerLor Juarez. The main object of the declaration was the destitution of the president of the court elected by the people, and the substitution of one appointed by Don Benito Juarez, who might have the power of removing him at his individual pleasure. Such had been the intention of the government ever since it had left the city of San Luis. Latterly it had suffered no opportunity to escape it to compass its design, even when the opportunities failed to bear the imprint of patriotism. In this wise the government acted, upon its arrival within the States of Nuevo Leon and Chihuahua, when issuing a decree summoning a reunion of the magistrates comprising the court. The summons found me at the head of my division, battling with the French troops within the interior of the republic. It was apparent that the sole motive for the decree was the appointment of a president of the court, who should owe his nomination and creation to the President of the republic, and thereby remove the prestige derived from a popu- lar election from the person who might, through emergency, act as the substi- tute of the supreme magistrate of the nation. But the decree failed of effect. Out of respect for the position I occupy, out of respect to the dignity of the nation — the only source whence can come nominations of supreme authorities, and their destitution conformably to the law — I have preserved intact the charge reposed in me by the voice of the people. Consequently, in my official corre- spondence with the President of the republic, I maintained the title conferred upon me by my fellow-citizens as president of the supreme court of justice. The determination of the government to continue in office one year longer was accjuiesced in by me, as I had previously anticipated that action, and my object had been simply to obtain a construction of the spirit of the law which might become a definite and decisive opinion. I did not accept office, neither do I continue to hold it, simply for the cause of self-gratification; during more glowing and less fluctuating periods, when fortune smiled upon me with pleasing aspect, I could have obtained official dig- nities, if not in a manner prescribed by the law, at least in such a way as the law would countenance in a successful leader, during the stormy hours of revo- lutionary transitions. But I have ever abided the sanction of the popular will, as expressed in accordance with the fundamental law. At that time, as now, I 410 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Slave only asked that respect be paid to the law, as a foundation-stone in the column sustaining our institutions, beneath the shade of which we shall pro- gress in greatness, as has been done in the great republic from whose borders I indite these sentences. -My official communication and the answer from the government, of which I have spoken, were published in the State journal. There was not the remotest possibility of establishing the court at the city of Chihuahua, as all the magis- trates were at a great distance, save the licentiate Don Manuel Ruiz. I had, ■as I have observed, no military commission for active duty. In order to avoid imputation of doing aught to the disparagement of the government, and fearing lest my political influence might be seized upon to sanction meetings, ostensibly for social purposes, but in reality to distract public opinion, I withdrew myself, as it were, from commingling with the world, and sacrificed the pleasure of a social state, notwithstanding the hospitable reception tendered me by the chiv- alric inhabitants of that illustrious and democratic State. From •Chihuahua I addressed a letter to the President, Juarez, under date of December 28, 1864. No reference is made to this letter in the decrees of the 8th of November. In this epistle I stated, that having terminated the business which called me to that city — that is, to ascertain whether or not his official term of service had ceased — I found myself without employment since the early days of October, when I had received orders to pass over the forces to General Patoni ; that I had not installed the court, and found it impossible so to do, and that, inasmuch as the state of affairs might result in a crisis, from the fact of the President of the republic and president of the court being in one city in company, and liable to capture by the French forces, by surprise or otherwise, and in this way leave the nation without a head, I requested to be granted a license as president of the court, and a passport as a soldier, to take my way towards the interior of the republic, or to any of the populations on the sea-coast, or to travel by sea to a foreign country, as I should esteem suited to my convenience, and with the object of continuing to serve my country. I transmitted this letter of soli- citation officially, omitting only those passages above printed in italics, which I did not think suitable to be incorporated in a public letter, notwithstanding they set forth the most cogent reasons for urging my solicitation. My communication was read at a meeting of the cabinet and acted upon, as was natural to anticipate. On the 29th Senor Juarez answered me in reply, saying : " There has been conceded to you the license and passport you solicited, and at the earliest op- portunity the respective ministers will forward you the documents indicated.'' On the 30th I received the license granted to me as president of the supreme court from the minister of justice, together with a passport, issued by the min- ister of war. I insert this last document at length, because, in the decrees of Benito Juarez an intentional omission has been made with regard to the fact of my having a military passport when I left the country, so that an accusation could be brought against me that " I had gone voluntarily to reside in a foreign country during the continuance of hostilities without a license from government, thereby aban- doning the army, its standard, and the cause of the republic." SECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF WAR AND MARINE — SECTION FIRST. Upon this date the minister of justice, protection, and public order, makes known to the citizen president of the supreme court of justice as follows : " In accordance with your petition, relative to having a license granted to you as president of the supreme court of justice to pass to a point unoccupied by the enemy, with the aim of continuing to defend in arms the independence of CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 411 the republic of Mexico, the citizen President lias seen fit, in accordance with a meeting of the cabinet, to accord to you that license for a definite period, or until you present yourself at the seat of the government, or when the government shall call upon you to return, or bestows upon you some commission — leave, in the mean time, to proceed, either directly or by traversing the sea, or through some foreign country, to points of the Mexican republic unoccupied by the enemv, so that you can continue defending the national independence with the forces you can raise, with the understanding that in all military undertakings you institute you are to act in concert with the governor and military commander of the respective States, or with the leaders of the republican forces, so that, in conjunction with those raised by you, you can harass the enemy, but subordi- nate to the officers of the supreme government, or to the agents to whom such power has been delegated. " I convey to you the official answer to your solicitation of 2Sth of the last month, and I have the honor of corresponding with you for the purposes men- tioned. It is transmitted to you on behalf of the department of war. " Independence and liberty ! Chihuahua, the 30th of December, 1864. "M. NEGKETE. "The General of Division, Jesus G. Ortega, Present.'" From the literal tenor of the document inserted, it can be adduced — Firstly. That I had a license, as president of the court, and a passport as a soldier, to traverse foreign countries. Subsequently will be shown the reasons inducing me to dwell outside of the country. Secondly. I had no definite orders to raise this or that force, or to collect to- gether the elements of warfare within this or that period of time ; neither was there any time fixed for my reaching Mexican territory, after traversing the sea and sojourning in foreign lands, with the sole provision of defending, upon the national territory, the independence of the State, leaving me free to proceed to any point which I might consider the most proper. Thirdly. The license accorded to me, in pursuance of the decision of the cabinet, was for an indefinite period of time, either until I should present myself at the seat of government, or be recalled, or have some official charge conferred upon me, thereby demonstrating that neither as president of the court nor as a general in the army were my services for the moment required ; yet, neverthe- less, it is apparent that in either or both of these capacities my absence at a dis- tance from the seat of government was desirable. Fourthly. The government, instead of giving me authorization to raise forces in any part, or to collect war materials at a definite position, as it had done for a hundred other persons, and notably for guerilla chiefs, destitute of popular morality, issued to me a simple passport for the purpose of travel, inserting, however, a provision that the forces which I might raise should act in conjunc- tion with the governors and military commanders, and with the chiefs of the re- publican forces, without interference with the exercise of military and political functions of the officers of the supreme government or their delegates ; that is to say, that the government precluded possibility in my raising of forces, for how could a governor, haviug lost the capital of his State, secure resources or material to make head against an emergency ? What faculty had he to pro- cure them against delegated aiithority, where power so to do had been denied by the supreme government of the union? Could a delegate of the government, or even his subordinate, sustain me when my circle of action was reduced and limited 1 Could there be placed at my orders a solitary captain of guerillas, who might serve as a centre for forces which I might raise and discipline for a larger body, when the government provided in my passport that I should act in con- junction with him ? 1 have demonstrated that I had in my possession a license to traverse the 412 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. seas to a foreign country. I nave, moreover, demonstrated that I was recog- nized by the nation as president of the supreme court of justice, a duty which I could not exercise in a judicial capacity, through the impossibility of convening the court, but a position which I considered solely as the substitute to the Pres- ident of the republic, according to the provisions of the law. I have, moreover, demonstrated that I had no military employment, neither army nor forces, be their number ever so small, nor even the material of warfare, thanks to the official opposition of the government. I was not annoyed at this disposition in the executive, for I expected and was prepared for it. The services which I had rendered to my country had be- stowed upon *me influence, and that influence opposed personal aggrandizement. In remembrance of recent transactions, transactions which had presented to me many difficulties, which I had surmounted, I was induced again to proffer my sword to my unfortunate country. In view of intelligence from the interior, and of the disposition of the govern- ment, I determined to retire to a distance from it. I distrusted myself. I was uncertain of that which was best for the future of Mexico. I desired to be per- fectly correct, and sought light. I addressed myself for counsel to two illustrious and patriotic citizens in whom I had confidence, and who formed a part of the circle of the government of Seilor Juarez as his most zealous partisans, and I supposed them, as was natural, cog- nizant as to the emergencies of the times. Moreover, they were clothed with an official capacity as members of the general congress. They were SeSors Don Guillermo Prieto and Don Francisco Urquidi. Both were of an opinion that my best course was to proceed to the United States of America, inasmuch as from a port in that country I might journey to Acapulco, by the way of the isthmus of Panama, and thence enter the republic from the Pacific coast, and the mean while I might ascertain in the great republic what could be done for the Mexican people. • I accepted the suggestion and commenced my journey. Permit me to remark that the government was in nowise ignorant as to the course I had adopted; on the contrary, when I reached the custom-house at the Paso del Norte, I found an order to pass my baggage to the United States, which had been granted at the solicitation of my friends. Thence I went to Santa Fe, capital of New Mexico. The authorities of that Territory informed me of the presence there of a stranger, a Hungarian by birth, who represented himself as a special commissioner of the Mexican government to recruit volunteers, to negotiate a loan of some millions, hypothecating the imports of the Pacific seaports. It was, moreover, asserted that his credentials were apocryphal, taking into consideration that he was a foreigner, unknown to the Mexican residents, and the fact that nations seldom, according to universal custom, commit such trusts to other than their own citizens. On this account I deemed it advisable to institute inquiries, so that if the man should prove an imposter I should cause his arrest and extradition to Mexico. My anterior acquaintance with this stranger, named Jaymes, was through a letter of introduction, representing him as a colonel, soliciting employment in the division beneath my command in that capacity, but which I refused, as I was unaware of his antecedents. The information I subsequently acquired was that he was among the number of adventurers who travelled the world seeking glory and fortune. I saw him three or four times. I made investigations into the character of his commission, which I found, in many respects, ample and correct, emanating from Don Sebastian Lerdo de Te- jada. He was authorized to raise two thousand men in foreign parts, as well as the sum of several millions, hypothecating for its repayment the revenues of several custom-houses on the Pacific coast. The evasive talents of Serior Don Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada being notorious, it is supposed that he designed CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 413 merely to cover appearances when he bestowed upon this stranger such ample authority to accomplish great things, when he was confidently convinced that he could do nothing. I explained to the authorities of Santa Fe the nature of the commission bestowed upon the Hungarian gentleman, and returned thanks to them for their zeal in favor of Mexico. I arrived in the centre of the United States during the period of the termination of the great civil Avar. The press indulged in favorable comments upon my arrival, and expressed profound sym- pathy with the cause of Mexico. It was likewise so with the entire continental press, and that of Europe. It was believed in the United States that I had some authority from the government, seeing that the period for action was op- portune, as in fact it was, that a demonstration should be made in support of Mexico and her independence. The enthusiasm of the Americans in our favor and in support of the Monroe doctrine was intense. On my passage from New Mexico to New York I was beset by thousands of persons tendering their services and influence in favor of Mexico, many of them being of the highest social and political position. Generals with a most honor- able record, commanding divisions and brigades, whose term of service had expired, volunteered to place themselves under my orders, to further our cause. The passage of the Rio del Norte could be easily effected without impairing the neutral character the general government at Washington had assumed with respect to the Franco-Mexican question. I was, moreover, visited by several bankers of the highest position, who inquired as to the possibility of establishing an agency to supply our financial wants and that of warlike material. Persons who represented that they had authority to act on my behalf, which they had not, enlisted, within a few days, thous'ands of men to go to Mexico; but, as I have said, I gave no sanction to these acts, as I did not wish to lead home a filibuster expedition. Without loss of time, on the 8th of May, I addressed a letter to Senor Benito Juarez, announcing my arrival in the United States, the manner of my reception, and a view of what could be done in favor of Mexico. Besides, Senor Juarez was aware of all this through the newspapers. I wrote, moreover, that I would pledge myself to enroll and equip, on my own part, any number of volunteers he might deem advisable; that I Avould collect Avar material to carry on hostili- ties, as well as an abundant sum of money, so as to be able to elevate the char- acter of the Avar and turn it to a fortunate account. All that was requisite to consummate these projects Avould be his authorization, for I was unwilling to conclude any contract or enter upon any enterprise without the sanction of him to whom the nation had committed emergent powers. I offered anew my individual services to Mexico. I furthermore suggested that, should he be unwilling to accord me the desired authorization, he should apprise me to that effect, that I might govern my subsequent actions accordingly. I communicated these details in a private epistle, and not in an official note, for I at that time held no official commission. This matter was one of mere form, and had the correspondence resulted in anything, the results would have been the same, irrespective of the style of communication employed. I appointed a delegate to deliver personally this letter to Senor Juarez, having previously made him aware of its contents. This task was assumed by Don Guillermo Prieto, administrator general of the post office and deputy to the con- gress of the union. It will be remembered that I had quitted Chihuahua in the month of February. It Avill be remembered, likewise, that my journey across the plains to New Mexico had occupied two months, for it had been un- dertaken during the Avinter season. It must be furthermore remembered that a period of from two months and twenty days to three months is necessary for the transmission of an ansAver to a correspondence between the city of Ncav York and Chihuahua, and even then under favorable auspices as to transit, for it is only during the summer season that post coaches can travel Avith rapidity. On 414 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. this account I did not receive the answer from Don Guillermo Prieto until the commencement of August last. In this letter that gentleman stated that he had fulfilled my commission ; that Senor Juarez had listened with attention and in- terest to the details of my letter, as communicated verbally by Senor Prieto, who was given, as he supposed, to understand that I should receive, by the next mail, the authorization I desired. The conclusion of Senor Prieto's communi- cation conveyed to me a felicitation touching my patriotic sentiments. " Whether or not," he wrote, " the government accepts of your services, whether or not it renders your projects of utility to the country, you have assumed one of the most noble and disinterested tasks of a Mexican, in discarding all ideas of a per- sonal reward, while endeavoring to strengthen the action of the government, and, without seeking to create a new candidate for political honors, to strive to have Mexico continue, with unanimity of will, defending the cause of right, guided by a solitary intelligence — that of the legitimate government." With a subse- quent mail, towards the end of August, I received a further communication from Senor Prieto, which related to me that notwithstanding his previous impressions, it is now apparent to him that the government did not intend to bestow upon me the authorization ; but whether or not, I should receive some response from Senor Juarez. Vainly I awaited its receipt by the next mail and the one fol- lowing. It was in September, and my anterior correspondence had incurred no interruption. I waited upon Senor Romero, the Mexican ambassador, near the government of the United States, and inquired whether any communication had come through his hands for me from the government of the Mexican republic, and he answered in the negative. I comprehended from all this that Senor Juarez never would answer me, nor did ever intend so to do. He believed that had I received any such document it would have served to refute the fallacies upon which are based the decrees of the 8th of November ; which said documents, I verily believe, were at that very time in course of fabrication at the paper mill. of the minister, Tejada. I com- prehended, moreover, that these negotiations were being carried on with the sole aim of detaining me in the United States, so that by putting in play the jug- glery of bad faith, it would be impossible for me to return to Mexico before the first day of December. It would be futile to vindicate my conduct to my fellow-citizens as against the charges promulgated in these decrees, for a critical examination of them, through the impartial light of reason and philosophy, renders such an explanation unne- cessary. These same decrees declare illegally " that there exists cause to pro- ceed against me," and add most falsely " that I abandoned voluntarily the office of president of the supreme court of justice, and that, holding the position of general in the army, I went to reside permanently in a foreign land during the continuance of hostilities, without license from the government, and therein abandoned the army, its standard, and the cause of the republic ;" while in those same decrees, I repeat, wherein Senor Don Benito Juarez declares himself Pres- ident of the republic, he likewise declares that neither the constitutional presi- dent of the supreme court, nor the President named by the constitution, shall enter upon the functions of their office. This is the sole and simple object which dictated the promulgation of these decrees. If I had acted as Seiiors Juarez and Lerdo have acted, trampling under foot republican principles, outraging constitutional order, violating the solemn obli- gations of an oath assumed for the welfare of the people, I would have done better to imitate the coup d'etat of Comonfort, alleging as a pretext, as has ever been alleged, the salvation of Mexico ; for the scandal would have been the same, the lack of loyalty to the people the same, and the political results the same. A single difference might be detected : in the coup d'etat of Co- monfort there was but little frankness and civil valor ; in that of the 8th of November even these qualities were wanting, as in their stead were substituted CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 415 words and sophisms, which, although insulting to popular intelligence, fail to deceive the people. I abandoned the standards of the army and the cause of the republic, say Senors Juarez and Lerdo — in other words, that I betrayed my trust. And this is set forth in a document wherein they betray their own, the gravest trust which could be committed to mortal man. To extenuate their own trausgressions they confuse me individually with another capacity — that of the person pre- scribed by law to succeed to exercise of the supreme power. I to abandon the standard of the army and the cause of the republic ! Oan it be imagined that an humble citizen, called by the will of the people to assume a position of the highest dignity, and that without intrigue and solicitation on his part, would voluntarily depart from the rules of honor and decency 1 Can it be imagined that an humble citizen, freely assuming his place among the ranks of the na- tion's defenders, disdaining the joys and pleasures of a peaceful hearthside, contemning the luxuries of a home and the flatteries of a social position to struggle in the cause of liberty and order, would voluntarily abandon the prin- ciple of honor which called him into being as a soldier 1 "What man would desert the executive chair as governor of a State ? What man, already honored through the nation's voice with the high dignity of presi- dent of one of the supreme powers of the United States of Mexico, would go forth to battle against foreign invaders of his country, would defend the walls of a city wherein he was taken prisoner while defending his flag, and at the last hour abandon the cause of duty and honor 1 What man, escaping from a dun- geon and liberated through honorable means, would offer his sword and his patrimony to the service of his country, would contend against intrigues and difficulties, would levy forces after forces to hurl against the invaders wherever they appeared, and in the hour of national trial basely desert the army, its standard, and the cause of the republic 1 How can it be pretended that I fled, abandoning the presidency of the court, when I was travelling for the good of the country, with the license of and a passport from the government 1 When in that license and passport there had been committed to me no trust to fulfil, no duty imposed wherein I could make default, was it a crime to intimate to the government that in the position in which I found myself I could do much, very much, towards the salvation of your and my native land ] Was it a crime to reiterate, time after time, that my person was subject to its orders, so that my services could be rendered useful to the common weal, and all this without having been favored with a response to the epistle I sent it ? In what did I neglect my duty as a Mexican ? Wherein, yielding to the emergencies of my position in a foreign country, did I make default in any order, when leaving all projects I made to the satisfaction of the government ? When the government received my despatch it should have answered. frankly and openly that the country had no need of my services abroad, and indicated to me the route I should .take to return homeward. Had that been done it would have been nearer the truth when it declared to the natioii that I remained abroad permanently, although neither before nor after did I receive the least inti- mation that my presence was necessary upon Mexican soil. Is not an imputa- tion of this nature a pure calumny ] Is it worthy the dignity of the govern- ment ? Will such weak inventions, to be detected by those unversed in politi- cal matters, satisfy an accusation in the eyes of a people acquainted with the fundamental principles of the law % Oan any man fail to perceive in the de- crees and the circular which attempted to divest me of the responsibility and functions of the president of the court, and nominated another in my stead, a declaration that neither 1 nor he could succeed to the supreme power as pro- vided for in the constitution ? Who fails to perceive, I repeat, that all these documents have a single object, a single aim — that of perpetuating power in the hands of those issuing them 1 If my presence was necessary, as Senors 416 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Juarez and Lerdo would have us understand, to prevent the State from being without a head, why concede a license for an indefinite period of time, and which, from its literal interpretation, suffered me to traverse seas and to journey to foreign lands ? If emergencies unknown at the time of granting the license occurred subsequently, why was I not recalled % It is only in frank and truth- ful actions that a loyal government can account for the trust committed to it by the popular will. If, as has been pretended, the independence of Mexico re- quired exercise of all human energies ; if to its cause all other interests should have been made subordinate, why was denied me the authorization I desired, through which, in a foreign land, I might' have proved of advantage to Mexico? It was because it was feared that I might acquire influence, which did not suit the interest of others : ill disguised as it is, the fact is true. To what other cause can this be attributed ? Was it because the government had need of my services to take the head of affairs, should a vacancy occur, or was it to fulfil my judicial functions 1 It will be seen that the court had never assembled, for it was impossible for it to do so ; it will be seen, moreover, that I had a license and passport to leave the seat of government and traverse terri- tories and seas to a foreign country. Was it because the government conceived it necessary to intrust to me some commission of national utility 1 It will be .seen that I had no employment at Chihuahua, nor when I quitted that place. Was it because the government had not received my letter ? It is proven that the letter was received, as well by the testimony of Seiior Prieto as by that of numbers of other respectable citizens of Chihuahua. Was it because there was lacking in me aptitude, representative ability, or national confidence? Possibly I may have been wanting in the first, and confess it ingenuously and in all modesty, but perchance the deficiency was not perceived when states, governors, and the people have honored me with evidences of their confidence in my rep- resentative ability. There can be wanting neither representative ability nor national confidence in a man who has been elected deputy to the constituent congress of Zacatecas and the federal union ; to one who has acted officially as minister of war ; to one who has been elected, by popular suffrage, governor of one of the principal States of the republic; to one upon whom has been bestowed, by the General Don Santos Degollado, the most ample functions for the military command of the States of San Luis Potwsi, Durango, Aguas Calientes, and Zacatecas; to one who, a little while thereafter, had been appointed general-in-chief of the federal army of the republic, and charged with extraordinary powers for finance and war ; to one to whom we are indebted for the definite triumph of reform and legal order; to one who has received, during this emergency, the military com- mand of the States of San Luis, Aguas Calientes, Zacatecas, and Tamaulipas, with extraordinary powers for war and finance in the three last, together with every branch of administration for the government of the former ; to one unto whom has been confided the command-in-chief of the army of the east, and invested with the full authority necessary to govern the States of Puebla, Vera Cruz, and Tlaxcala; to one to whom the popular vote has conferred the presi- dency of the supreme court of justice; to one upon whom the popular voice has concentrated as among the candidates for the presidency of the republic. No ; against a man who has been intrusted with all these dignities cannot be charged lack of representative ability or national confidence — which cannot rationally be expected in a stranger who holds in this country neither position nor family, and to whom the welfare of Mexico is a matter of perfect indifference. It was during September that I prepared to leave New York for Mexico, when I was detained by an order for my arrest upon civil process, as was noted by the newspapers at the time. I believed that the order would have been disposed of briefly on account of the manifest injustice of the claim, which was decided afterwards as unjust ac- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 417 cording to the legislation of this country. I pressed the matter forward, but it was retarded by the intricacies of the law, exerted to my disadvantage. The hand of intrigue put in motion all the springs to obtain that object, assisted by that of treason. All concluded, finally, through the honesty and impartiality of the judges, who dismissed the complaint on the 3d day of November, when the order was revoked. The latest letters received in New York from El Paso del Norte intimated that the government was to remove to the frontier post of Piedras Negras. Thither I proceeded, and there received notice that Senor Juarez had retrograded to Chihuahua, as the French had evacuated that city. At the same time I received some vague intelligence concerning the decrees and circulars of the 8th of November. While in Piedras Negras I addressed a letter to Don Andreas S. Viezca, invited him to an interview, and awaited his coming upon this side of the river, at Eagle Pass. Senor Viezca was a chivalric, honorable, and intelligent man, and, I believe it useless to add, appointed governor and military commander of the State of Coahuila by Don Benito Juarez, by virtue of the extraordinary powers conferred upon him. Senor Viezca presented himself at the conference, and alluded to the circular and decrees I have mentioned, and desired to learn, in his official capacity, which he held on behalf of the nation, in what light I regarded the circular and decrees of the Sth of November. I replied that for my part I did not come to disturb public order ; that I travelled alone and incognito, having refused the forces tendered me by my friends, as well as the use of orders and recommenda- tions from most distinguished persons in the United States, who had offered me an escort while upon American territory; that I desired Mexico to regard an exhibition of this nature as a testimony of its political advancement in the repub- lican system ; that I would present myself with no other forces than my own support; without other title than that given by the law; and trusted that Senor Juarez would deliver over to me the supreme power, for no other reasons than those assigned by the provisions imposed upon him by that same law. To the honor of Mexico be it said that it had already witnessed a spectacle of this character when a victorious army, flushed with success, called Don Benito Juarez, president of the supreme court of justice, to the presidential chair, which he acquired through no other title than that given him by the law, the same as the republic confers upon other citizens. Senor Viezca stated to me that he had no desire to enter upon an official conference, neither would he touch upon the question of legality; he would only say to me that he had received an order, decree, or circular, to warrant my arrest, which had, as he said, been issued by the government of Don Benito Juarez within appropriate time — that is to say, during the month of November; that he was disposed to obey the summons and to make the arrest. His secretary added, "not only to make the arrest, but to cause me to be shot." I replied to Senor Viezca that it was necessary to terminate, in a decorous and dignified manner, a question so deeply affecting the interests of Mexico ; that it was requisite that he should allow me to pass through the State he governed, thence to travel to Chihuahua, with the aim of seeking an interview with Benito Juarez, so that I might demonstrate to him by word of mouth the evils which he would cause the nation, should he persist in the course he had taken, or whether he could not remedy the error he had committed. I told him, finally, that if he would assume the responsibility of the step I indicated, I would cross the river and place myself within the State of Coahuila, and not upon foreign territory, where he would be at liberty to arrest me, dispose of my person, or take me prisoner to Chihuahua, so that I might demonstrate to the nation that I comprehend my duty and would comply with it. Senor Viezca refused to accede to my proposition, but indicated to me that I might pass through Chihuahua by the plains of Texas. 27 Mex. 418 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. In fact, there had been issued an order, decree, or circular by the government, the exact form of which, had escaped me, but whose contents I remember, author- iz'ng the arrest of those sojourning in a foreign land without special leave from the government, and those who were livi?ig abroad by leave from said govern- ment given to traverse the foreign territories. This order, decree, or circular had for its object my person, and, although unjust, it was legal on a certain point, for the convenience of the government de facto, but at the same time general. A multitude of leaders and officials had previously abandoned the government in Chihuahua after rendering long services, without resources, but with hearts filled with faith, at the advance of the French troops towards that city, which they deserted to go across foreign territory, and thence to return to the country to continue the struggle for independence. Others had suffered privations on the frontiers of Mexico, after fighting with bravery; others again went involuntarily into foreign countries, cither to cure their wounds or to gather fresh strength to continue in the struggle for our liberty. With ample concurrence of the government, many of the most influential men of the country had gone to foreign territories ; notably, General Don Placido Vega, who held a commission, I believe; General Don Pedro Ogazon, General Don Manuel Doblado, General Don Felipe B. Berriozabal, who extorted a pass- port to reside in a foreign country, and many others of more or Jess influence, some with passports and others expelled, or forced out by the government. A general who had lost his army, raised by his individual efforts, and could have raised more had he not been beneath the ban of the government, did not declare that he went forth to engross the files of treason, neither was he exiled to a for- eign land, but forced thither by more efficacious means. In place of giving him troops, for the government had none, or the means of raising and organizing them, it placed him in a humiliating and undignified position, to which the gov- ernment contributed from its seat, successfully erected in city after city. This conduct resulted in weak men, without restraint upon their passions, augment- ing the catalogue of traitors, both as military men and politicians, while others of the refugees went forth into foreign lands, protesting to the thinking world against the invaders of their country, and against the government, whose imbe- cility rendered it responsible for these shameful disorders. I had frequently spoken to Seiior Juarez as to the bad impression caused by this exode of influential persons, and prayed him to put a stop to it in the most determined manner. At that time General Doblado and Colonel Rincon Gallardo, both governors of the State of Guanajuato, quitted Monterey. But he did not decree at that time against the evil, as he has now done, when his object is to entrap my person. Placing my hand upon my heart I have inscribed this manifesto, and have asked myself many times, has it not been done for the best interests of Mexico, my place of nativity, the receptacle of the ashes of my forefathers, wherein is preserved all I hold most dear and sacred, memory of my past and present, and are not my conclusions justifiable ? My conscience answers in the affirmative. I have defended the government of Juarez with the loyalty of a gentleman, with my sword and my voice, for six or seven years; I have sanctioned it with my signature; I reverenced it as that of my native land, while loyally supporting the standard of the law, the palladium of public rights ; but I do not honor those who make a burlesque of their fellow-citizens, who break through the obliga- tions of their oaths, who betray the law, be they called either Comonfort or Juarez. I neither honor, nor will I ever honor, those who dishonor my country, who have made it a scoff to the world, asserting through example that Mexico has no laws which cannot be trampled down at t e will of a mandarin, although at this very time Mexico is deluged with the blood of her children, in defence of the banner of law and order. I have been one of the chieftains of the people. I have raised thousands of CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 419 men to go forth and battle for the principle of legal order against one of the most powerful nations of the earth ; I have seen the blood of my countrymen wet the soil of their birth ; I have seen the resting-places of the dead desecrated, our towns and cities pillaged and burned, and all this in defence of that principle. I have, therefore, a double duty which my conscience dictates, in view of these numerous and sanguinary sacrifices. I have not heaped upon the government useless or unnecessary charges, dic- tated by a personal sentiment. The public is my judge, before whom my writings will be exposed, when the heat and anger of passion have passed away. I have defended law and order because it was my duty; if others have been remiss in their duty, it has been no crime of mine to remain silent. I have defended my person, not as an indivdual, but as an officer charged by the public will with the salvation of a principle. I have retraced at length the errors committed by the government, and for its personal motives, but not until that government has consummated an official act which tends to destroy the law in the place of pre- serving it. I have protested against this act, that the people shall learn the errors of past and present government, so as to draw their conclusions from ex- perience gained by the nation during a brief but melancholy apprenticeship. I have no desire to tarnish the glory of my country. Glory, indeed, belongs to a nation which has maintained a four years' struggle with a powerful enemy, who has used every endeavor to divide its defenders and maintain a ceaseless combat. Glory, indeed, belongs to a nation, not one of whose States, towns, or cities has given adherence to intervention unless beneath presence of foreign bayonets. Glory, indeed, to a nation who has preserved its cities, ever open to the access of the authorities, even if they do not come at the cannon's mouth, but in the name of the law. Glory to a nation who, having lost its army, with- out moneys, stores, or material, improvises bands after bands to rally around the standard of independence- — of heroes, born with the emergency, springing from the bosom of the people and willing to lay down their lives in a martyrdom for liberty. Neither have I tarnished the glory of Senor Juarez, who has himself destroyed it, and with it his previous good fame. His glory was that of a governor who should have placed himself at the head of his legions to show to his fellow-citi- zens, by his own example, how to defend the independence of the country or perish in the attempt. But he exercised no judiciousness in the selection of persons, for we have seen generals in a foreign land, who had served loyally and patriotically, remain without their services being rendered useful to the country, as well as those who had filled high official positions. We have seen governors, who had faithfully performed the functions of their office, superseded by others of his creation; moreover, we have seen generals, ministers, and governors, named by him, de- serting to the cause of treason. The glory of Benito Juarez was derived from the democracy, which ever progresses with reform and liberty — from that govern- ment of the people which takes the law as its guarantee. If, then, Senor Juarez has tarnished his own glory by following in the foot- steps of men travelling on the wrong road before him, I am not the only Mexican who has involuntarily obeyed the instinct of duty and narrated that which the government has done by its own acts. Nevertheless, the glory of Mexico re- mains immaculate, for it cannot be stained by the errors of a man, nor decried by the intrigues of others. Mexicans, I believe that I have fulfilled the obligations I contracted with you. I believe I have done so during this solemn trial of the country, when prudence should dictate conciliation with those remedies required to rectify in- fraction of the law. Fellow-citizens, believe me I speak from my heart. If the salvation of our common country demands as a sacrifice on my part that I shall never again tread 420 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. the blooming turf of my native laud, nor breathe the balmy air of its sunny clime, and no longer defend in your midst our nation's banner, cheerfully will I submit to the sacrifice, and seek a death-spot in some foreign land. But if, on the contrary, you believe that the cause of law and order has need of my pres- ence as a rallying point, if you believe that my coming to Mexico will dissipate the evil consequences inflicted upon it by the government, I am yours through the convictions of honor and duty. Act with circumspection, and whatever you do, let it be to reclaim the honor of Mexico, and you will work out its salvation. JESUS G-. ORTEGA. San Antonio de Bexar, December 26, 1865. [Enclosure No. 2. — From the official paper of the constitutional government of the Mexican republic, Paso del Norte, May 10, 1866.] DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN RELATIONS AND GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT BRANCH — SECTION FIRST. Circular. On account of the decrees communicated to you on the 8th November last, one in relation to the extension of the term of office of the President, agreeably to the spirit and letter of the provisions of the constitution, as long as war pre- vents a new election, and the other touching the responsibilities of General Jesus Gonzalez Ortega, he has addressed a protest to the undersigned and a manifest to the nation. The protest is dated at Eagle Pass, in the State of Texas, the 21st of December, and the manifest is published at San Antonio, Texas, in the United States of America, on the 26th of the same month. General Ortega was living in that country at the time, and had been there for a year, without a commission or license from the government, while all good citizens of the republic were fighting for its independence and its institutions against foreign invasion. I have not received the. protest, but have seen printed copies of it and the manifest in the hands of private individuals. I will not wait to receive the protest in order to notice it, for, in October, 1863, General Comonfort, then minister of war in San Luis Potosi, wishing to correct some errors in a printed document published as an official report of military operations at Pnebla, waited some days, during which time he was killed by the enemy, and the despatch was published some time after by General Ortega, in Zacatecas, addressed to the minister of war, and it was never received by the government. General Ortega could not refute the principles of the decree and accompanying circular in his protest and manifest. He pretended they were not worth no- ticing, and only said he wanted "to give the nation the sense of, and a com- mentary upon, our constitutional law ;" and added: "Whenever legal princi- ples and solid reasons are wanting, we must use any other arguments to support our cause." General Ortega certainly did not wish to examine the subject logi- cally ; he only wanted to evade investigation, and he pretended to assert that the legal principles and precepts of the constitution were at variance with our constitutional law. Avoiding a proper discussion of the subject, he continued : " I now have to treat of facts alone." That means he perverted the precepts of the constitution, invented precepts it did not contain ; concealed some facts and distorted others, inventing many, so that his manifest might appear a plusible document, satis- factory to his revenge, when, in fact, it is an infamous libel, full of calumny and vituperation. The sole object of this circular is to correct what General Ortega said about public acts, which he misrepresented ; and from it may be gathered what he would write in his manifest, which most probably is also a gross libel on private acts and intentions. The government ought not to descend to such a level, and CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 421 Ortega has disgraced himself by the condescension. He said he would not con- test the principles of the decrees, but would adhere to facts ; yet, knowing this would satisfy nobody, he pretended to controvert, indirectly, a few of the pre- cepts in his manifest, but did not allude to the first decree. On the 30th of November, 1864, General Ortega, then in Chihuahua, de- ' manded the government of the President. He alleged that, in case of an extra election, article SO of the constitution said: "The President will perform his functions until the last day of November of the fourth year from the time of his election." According to that, a President elected in 1861, and taking his seat on the 15th of July of that year, Ortega seems to think that 1S64 will make the fourth year after the election. Among other arguments used to him at that time, I told him, that as a year could not follow itself, it was evident that 1S62 was the year to follow 1S61, and 1864 could not be the fourth following, but the third, so that the presiden- tial term would close on the 30th of November, 1865, by the literal tenor of article 80 of the constitution. General Ortega quoted the same words in his manifest as a contradiction to the government when it extended the presidential term. Without contesting the motives for this, he tries to make the declaration of the presidential term and its continuation as opposed in principle to each other, when he does not regard the difference of circumstances — that war prevented a constitutional election. The simple meaning of the words refutes his argument. The extension of the presidential term was beyond the ordinary close of it ; presuming, of course, an official ending, otherwise the functions could not be prolonged. The decree of the 30th of November, 1864, stating the duration of the office, so far from prohibiting an extension of the term of office, provided for the case in which it would be necessary and expedient. In the decree it was expressly stated, "that the powers and authority of the President were extended beyond the con- stitutional term, till another could be elected, or as long as the situation caused by the foreign war prevented an election." I explained in the decree why the extension of office was necessary ; then it was to be determined what was to be the time of office. The government could not anticipate events of war, and so could fix no time for a new presidential election ; and I therefore declared the government reserved its opinion in regard to extension, " because the time for elections had not arrived, nor could it be seen when the war would allow elec- tions, and so the decree was proper and legal, by the letter and spirit of our in- stitutions." General Ortega said all he could against the acts of the government, to de- ceive those who had not read the resolution of the 30th November, 1864, and the decree of the 8th November, L865 ; but he cannot deceive the intelligent, who readily perceive the spirit of his manifest. He knew from the first why the presidential term was prolonged, and did not pretend to protest at the time, nor make a single objection to it ; neither did he demand the reins of government on that occasion ; on the contrary, when he did petition for power, he knew the opinion of the government in regard to the close of the presidential term, and he promised to abide by the decision it made. It is thus shown that his petition was a mere form to save himself from respon- sibility. He afterwards said the time was out already, and the President had not an- other year to serve, and he quoted several articles of the constitution to support his assertion, saying, " our political pact has fixed it in very clear precepts," and added : " As the president of the supreme court of justice is elected by the people, the only source of authority among us, he is the person to succeed the chief magistrate in the exercise of his thorny and difficult duties, in case he is in default ; and he also says, to fulfil this honorable duty, he would wait till the 1st of December, if other reasons did not compel him to speak before that day." 422 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. The other reasons considered at that time hy General Ortega as above the plain precepts of the constitution, and the duty imposed upon him by his honor, the law and the national vote, were to remove all cause of discord, " to re- move ills that might happen to the dishonor of the country, under existing cir- cumstances, and to secure power, if possible, in the hands of him who had the right to exercise it." Considering the reverses and misfortunes of the repub- lic, General Ortega's last thought is found in his communication, where he says : " If Mexico must fall in her struggle with France and a few discontented sons, let her fall decently, shrouded in her flag, and not leave a trace of suspi- cion that her fall was caused by discord among the defenders of her rights." In November, 1864, after the Majoma disaster, the government had to move to Chihuahua, because intervention seemed successful almost everywhere. There was yet no opposition made to it abroad ; and at home, many began to think they would be obliged to submit to it. In December, 1865, those of little faith began to have hopes of the republic. The civil war in the United States was over; and that war was the real origin of intervention. It was seen at home that intervention could not last long, be- cause it was hated by all good Mexicans, even those who had pretended to ad- here to it. The struggles of the last year had encouraged the faint-hearted, and the number of the heroic defenders of the republic had greatly increased. In November, 1864, General Ortega did not protest against the design of prolonging the presidential term, which was made known to him. He said, at the time, that the reins of government ought to be given up to him, but he would not resist if it was decided he could not hold the supreme power. He said the law, the national vote, and duty, were in his favor, but he would not insist, because it might bring discord into the republican ranks. Thus he spoke to the President, who, he said, " was a man that had honorably fulfilled the precepts of the law." He next declared that he wished to battle in the interior of the republic, and asked to go inland, by sea, through a foreign country. Permission was given him to pass through a foreign country. He accepted it and left. Once out of the republic, he remained abroad without leave or commission. In December, 1865, General Ortega crossed the Mexican border and pub- lished his calumniating protest and manifest against the government. He re- mained two months in the United States, till he found the defenders of the repub- lic did not intend to support him, and then he went to New York to reside. He had already resided there one year, without leave or commission, after resigning his place as president of the supreme court of justice, giving up his rank as general, and deserting his flag and the cause of the republic. It was then decreed, the 8th November, that he would be subject to trial by court-martial when he returned to Mexico. General Ortega does not pretend to deny that he was away without leave, but he excuses himself, he says, in a private letter to the President, the 8th May, 1865, asking for some commission abroad. He says he sent the letter by a person who lived in Chihuahua, and got two answers, one in August and one by the following mail, from the bearer of the letter, the first answer encouraging him to expect some commission abroad, and the next informing him he would get nothing. General Ortega well knew the government would give him no commission abroad, because he was presiden t of the supreme court, and might succeed to the presidency, and ought to be at home. He was permitted to pass through a foreign country, but not to reside in it, and he knew the government was well represented abroad. What he says in his manifest about mail delays may be true, for the govern- ment was very busy at that time, on account of General Negrete's defeat in Coahuila, New Leon, and Tamaulipas. Brincourt was advancing on Chihuahua CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 423 with a large force, and it was necessary to watch his movements in that quar- ter. The President had to leave Chihnahna on the 5th August for Paso del Norte, and as soon as he reached there he wrote to General Ortega. This was on the 7th Septembpr. He did not write sooner because business prevented, and he did so then from mere civility, for the proper answer to his letter of the Sth May was given by its bearer. General Ortega denies having received the President's answer, but says he heard from him by the bearer of his letter. His only excuse for remaining away is in his said letter, where he asks for a commission to allow him to re- main abroad. He knew very well he could not obtain such a commission, and he ought to have known his duty better than to allege such excuses. The petition was in a private letter, and he says he did not think it necessary to write officially, though he did so when asking leave of absence from the re- public. This is one of the many contradictions in his manifest. In another place he says the government is prejudiced against him, and wanted to turn him out of his place of chief justice ; that all sorts of opposition was made to his advance- ment. One of these is his commission, given the 30th December, 1864, to fight the enemy in the interior of the republic. In fact, he was granted more than he asked ; permission was given to him, as chief justice and general, to quit the country and raise forces for the defence of the good cause. It was stipulated . he should act with the legitimate authorities, and not independently, as was right and customary, and he did not seem to object to it. The general continues his cumulation of complaints in his manifest. He says : " The government prohibited me from defending the nation. How could I raise forces ? Where could I get them ? "What means had I ? Yet I did not despair, but I waited." Did he think to defend the national cause by leaving the country and asking permission to reside abroad ? If he was not satisfied with his instructions, why did he not ask a modification of them 1 But he goes off, and then pretends he did not understand them. General Ortega gives two meanings to the commission of 30th December, 1S64 : one is, he is to fight the enemy inland ; the other, he is to do it by passing through a foreign country. He requested both, and his subsequent actions show which one he intended to adopt. He explains this in his manifest. "What he wanted was, to be paid to stay out of the country till the war was over. This is evident from his letter of the Sth May to the President. What he says of prejudice against him cannot be true, since all these favors were granted him by the government. If he thought so, as he says, he cer- tainly would not have written the said letter. As to the decree that he should be judged by the proper laws on his return to the republic, he says the President has no power to issue such a decree. But the congress conferred upon the President full powers to do whatever congress itself could do ; therefore he has power to determine the responsibility of public functionaries and their duties. In General Ortega's case the government has acted according to the provi- sions of the constitution. By article 105, congress has the right to depose the chief justice and have him tried for misdemeanor by a competent court. The government did not declare Ortega guilty ; only it said he should be tried, if he returned. About his staying abroad, the government only said just what con- gress might have said by article 104 of the constitution, that he was amenable to the laws of his country for staying away without leave ; but did not judge him and sentence him, as he has asserted. The only restriction congress put upon the executive, when endowing him with full power, was to forbid any contravention of the constitution. This was to prevent any irregular proceeding against any public functionary. The gov- 424 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. erument could no more violate the articles of the constitution than congress could, and in this case no provision of the constitution is violated. It would be an inconceivable absurdity to suppose that congress should leave public functionaries unpunished during the war, when the consequences of their offences might be very serious. It would be ridiculous to permit traitors to re- tain their offices, men who leave their country to enemies, when it was their most sacred duty to defend it. If so, the government would have failed to punish Santiago Vidaurri for treason, and would have respected many others who have abandoned their country's cause. Another of General Ortega's pleas for defence is, that only congress has the right to depose a chief justice. He says he never resigned his place, and was. not removed by congress ; consequently, he still holds it. One more excuse of General Ortega was, that the places of chief justice and governor of Zacatecas were inconsistent, and in that case he preferred to be governor, and resigned the judgeship in San Luis Potosi. This incompatibility of positions is explained in the resolution of the 30 th November, 1864, which was published in Chihuahua, and afterwards repeated in the decrees of the 8th of November, 1S65. By article 118 of the constitution no man can hold two elective offices at the same time, but must say which he will fill; this I stated in the decree. I also said, that though federal offices were meant, the article applied to State offices too. General Ortega, with the untruthfulness that prevails throughout his manifest, said, that, to apply the incompatibility to his case, "resort was had to constitu- tions not now in force." Just the contrary was alleged in the resolution and circular quoted. I said it was necessary to accept the federal office, and not the State office, when elected to both, according to the old constitution. As former constitutions must have been consulted when the new one was formed, the defects of old ones were avoided in the latter. In July, 1863, when Ortega was gov- ernor of Zacatecas, he resigned the judgeship, but was informed by the govern- ment he could not do it consistently. He was told that war would prevent a new election ; and if he resigned, there would be no one to succeed the President, in case of his default. He was told, if he wanted to be governor of Zacatecas, he must be so by appointment, and still hold the judgeship. From July to December, 1863, General Ortega was often written to on the subject, yet he continued to act as governor of Zacatecas without appointment, and did not even answer the letters. The same was insisted on in the resolution of 30th November, 1864, and he has never noticed it officially. In that resolu- tion Ortega was declared to be chief justice, for reasons and by authorities above stated. Now he says there was no need of it. He says in his manifest he had often before filled two offices and no mention was made of incompatibility, and quoted authorities that proved nothing. He was appointed judge in 1861, till a new election could be held, and acted as governor of Zacatecas at the same time; but that proves nothing in his favor, for only one office was elective. He also says he was governor of San Luis and military commander of Aguas Oa- lientes and Tamaulipas at the same time. But these were not elective offices, only temporary appointments by the government. In 1862, after General Zaragoza's death, he was elected chief justice, and the government made him commander of the army in Puebla and governor of that State. He mentions this also in his manifest, but he does not see that all his offices, except that of judge, were by appointment, and only temporary, of course. At this point we note another of the many contradictions of the manifest. He tried to make others believe that the only reason the government had to object to his holding two offices was its opposition to his advancement. Among all the imputations adduced in the manifest is one that the President wrote from San Luis to Severo Cosio, telling him to continue as governor of that State, CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. ' 425 instead of Ortega. The latter wants to make an intrigue appear from this natural act, when Cosio himself wants to refuse the honor offered him. Accord- ing to common report, Ortega did nothing for the good of the country while in Zacatecas, but rather acted against the interests of the government. For that reason mauy thought it would be better to-make Zamora governor, as he had once been constitutional governor of that State ; but it is absolutely false, as Ortega states, that commissioners were seut there to investigate his conduct with a view to his removal. On the contrary, the government thought Ortega would do what he could for the general good while in Zacatecas. There were many other good citizens there at that time who could have filled the place as well as Ortega. When he accused the government of wanting to dismiss him from the judgeship, it was trying to induce him to retain it by appointing him governor of Zacatecas. Wishing to avoid all misunderstanding, it offered to do so in the resolution of 30th November, 1S64, and he made no reply, because he could not. The fact is, he had private business in Zacatecas, which became very public soon, and his secret designs were t*> oppose the wishes of the government. In reference to what is called a decree, but was nothing more than a convocation of magistrates, he said : "They wanted to abolish the elective office of supreme judge and fill the place by appointment, and thus give Juarez the power of re- moval whenever he pleased. .Such have been the aims of the government ever since it left San Luis ; and so he convened the judges forming the supreme court by a decree issued in New Leon and Ooahuila, for that purpose. I was then commanding a division against the French in the interior of the republic. The sole, object of that meeting was to have a president of the supreme court ap- pointed by Juarez, and subject to his removal." To show that Ortega is mistaken in his understanding of the writ, which he calls a decree, it is hereto annexed, No. 1, and was issued at Monterey on the 10th of July, 1864, and published in the official paper of that date. It is not true that the publication was made while the government was in the States of New Leon and Coahuila. Ortega said that, to make believe the gov- ernment was busied about him, when it only reached Saltillo on the 9th of Jan- uary, Monterey the 2d of April, and the publication was not made till the 10th of July. Neither is it true he was with his forces, fighting the French inland. He said that to make one think he was rendering good services to his country, and that the government was trying to injure him while absent defending it. On the contrary, the same paper shows that he arrived at Parras on the 6th of July; on the 30th of June he was at Viezca, and a few days after the publica- tion of the circular he arrived in Monterey. He left Zacatecas without a fight, passed through Duraugo without offering aid to its chief town, then in a state of siege, and came directly to the site of the government. Neither is it true that the circular refers to Ortega ; its object was to revoke the permission given to the judges in San Luis on the 18th of December, 1863, to elect a domicile till the capital should be fixed and permanent, and fill vacan- cies till another election could be held. Before and after the circular Ortega's situation was the same as it was when he was in San Luis, when he wished to resign the position as president of the court and become governor of Zacatecas. In fact, his manifest is full of inaccuracies, which his heated imagination conjures up to blame the government, but not to be believed by any person ot common sense. One of these is accusing the government of complicity in Uraga's treason. Why he did this, no one can understand. The army that Uraga commanded was the same that had been in Queretaro and the vicinity, from June to November, 1S63. It had been raised and supported by the gov- ernment with means in its power. As all the States where this army operated were in siege, they were naturally under the direct orders of the government. 426 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Even if the government were prejudiced against those States, as Ortega asserts, why should it betray them to the enemy 1 And he dares to say the government favored Uraga's treason. This assertion is too absurd to need refutation. And he says Berriozabal and he warned the government that Uraga was going over to the enemy, and no measures were taken to prevent it. He says of Berriozabal : "He sent an official communication, very respectful, but in energetic language, requesting the publication of documents that would convict himself or Uraga." All this is false ; General Berriozabal never said any such thing. The truth of this may be found in the official paper of the 15th June, 1864. The government was informed of Uraga's intended treachery long before Berriozabal's case, and Ortega's insinuation. He was too far from the seat of government to prevent his defection. The government did all it could to pre- vent it, and did save much of the army that intended to go over with Uraga. Ortega says : " Information of Uraga's intended treason was sent to the gov- ernment by the patriot General Arteaga." That is true : he sent a special messenger with the report from Monterey, on the 2d July, 1S64, and Arteaga was placed in Uraga's position, where he continued to fight ten months, till he was killed, while Ortega was living in peace abroad. It would require a volume to contain all the falsehoods in Ortega's manifest. General Arteaga's commissioner arrived at the time of Berriozabal's trial, on the 11th of June, when Ortega's letter came. The government then issued the decree of the 1st July, deposing Uraga and putting Arteaga in his place, and it was published the 27th July in the official paper. Ortega came to Monterey in July and learned all about it ; and yet he makes another vile assertion that the government would not listen to his insinuations against Uraga. This is another proof of the spirit in which the manifest was written, and how much its assertions are worth. He says when he went from San Luis to Zacatecas to raise troops, the government sent secret agents to frustrate his plans. If he had given the true title of these agents, as he called them, his prevarication would have been too patent. These two agents were the district judge and the collector of taxes, and they had nothing to do with Ortega. He made no objection to the judge, but he would not let the tax col- lector act; we don't know for what reason. While the government was in San Luis, from December to July, 1863, many public and private notes were addressed to Ortega, but he did not condescend to notice any of them, as was his custom. Once he sent two commissioners to San Luis to ask the tax collector to be removed, so he could use the funds of the State for national defence. This was only to gain time, like his letter from New York, in May, 1865. The government, of course, refused his request, yet he continued to use the public funds. He insists that the government acted against him, when it was he who opposed the government, in open viola- tion of law. He makes bold to say the government told his commissioners it needed no more soldiei'3, so as to have an excuse to refuse his petition. This is not so. He said he told his commissioners to inform the government he would forward the sums it wanted, if his requests were granted. I had no interview with his commissioners, so I could not tell what they wanted; but I know Ortega continued to use the State funds for his own purposes, in direct viola- tion of law, and contrary to express orders. The government might have con- sented to his proposal, but it did not believe in him, and it has never had an ac- count of the money he used. It was well known in Zacatecas what use he put the money to, and that not one dollar was used to raise forces. Months thus passed, and he had collected no men in Zacatecas, till the French came upon him in the beginning of 1864, when he was suddenly compelled to raise a small force ; and he says, in a boasting way, " in one or two months I raised, equipped and armed a complete division !" The boasting general left the State of Zaca- tecas a few months after, without fighting a single battle. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 427 I have already mentioned that the capital of Durango was besieged when he passed through that State, and he offered no assistance. General Patoni, gov- ernor of that State, after duty in Chihuahua, was returning to Durango, then held by Mascarcnas in his absence, when he heard that 2,000 French were corning to attack it. Ortega, then at Saucillo, wrote to Mascarenas on the 11th July, 1S64, as follows: "I am told you intend to evacuate the city. I beg of you not to do it; I will answer for it with my head. I have 3,000 men and sixteen pieces of artillery with me." With this force, if his account is not . exaggerated, he could have given great assistance to Durango. He knew the enemy in Zacatecas and Fresnillo could not be re-enforced from Mexico, and their garrisons were too small to move out ; but General Ortega set out for Viezca as soon as he made his offer, and arrived there the 30th June. He then went to Parras, in the State of Coahuila, and the French took unresisted possession of Durango about - the first of July. In 1864, while the government was at Saltillo, Ortega sent a commission there. This he mentions in his manifest, but does not say for what purpose it was sent. The object of this commission was to demand the reins of govern- ment. His reason for this, he said, was because the French refused to recog- nize Juarez or treat with him, and something should be done to save the country. Ortega's real object was to side with intervention if he could not have the gov- ernment in his own hands. Garcia de la Oadena was one of the commissioners. I had a private interview with him, and advised him to seize the government of Zacatecas the first time Ortega went out of the city, and promised him support, and to appoint him governor in fact. He refused, because he said it would produce civil war in the State. This story of Ortega has no more truth than his others. The government pardoned Cadena for acting in that embasay on account of his former good .services. What the government did in the case was this : it proposed to com- mission Cadena to act as governor in case Ortega should quit the State, as it was expected he would do, and which he did. Cadena refused, from his respect for Ortega, and said he thought it best to wait till the vacancy should occur, and not anticipate events. General Ortega's subsequent conduct shows how well founded were the government's suspicions ; but the government could not foresee that General Ortega Avould quit the republic voluntarily during war and remaiu abroad living in New York, with the title of president of the supreme court and governor of the State of Zacatecas. In the first of his manifest he makes two accusations against the undersigned, and of a personal nature, namely : it was not strange I had signed the decrees, because I had formerly been "one of the persons engaged in the Comonfort rebellion." Comonfort atoned for his mistake; he gave up the government to the president of the supreme court and took the field, where he fought and Avas defeated. He then left the country ; but when it was invaded he returned and bravely died in its defence. I did not aid Comonfort, but dissuaded him from his first plans. This is well known to all public men ; and the President of the republic was so well satisfied with my conduct he has several times called me into his cabinet. And congress, too, must have been satisfied with me, else I would not have been its president so often, as was the case on the 31st of May, 1863, at its last sessions. The second accusation was that I had issued the decrees, or signed them, " to show my power as minister." I had already been minister nine years, and the acts of its office were not novelties to me. The second time Comonfort offered me the ministry I refused it, and Ortega may learn from the papers of 1S61 that I have twice refused it under the present administra- tion. I accepted it in San Luis because I thought it my duty to do so under the trying circumstances that were afflicting the country. I refused it when peace and plenty prevailed. AVhile the government was at Santa Rosa, be- tween Monterey and Chihuahua, in the State of Durango, I put Ortega at the 428 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. head of a division, and lie was badly defeated at Majoma. In his manifest he says he was placed in command of that division '' so it might be destroyed and he killed with it," and he adds that I was chiefly instrumental in his defeat. One of the reasons why we put him in command of those forces was because he had brought part of them from Zacatecas with him, and the government always favors those who try to do the most for it. The only regularly educated military man there at that time, of equal rank with Ortega, was General Negrete, then minister of war. He could not have been put in command, for there was a mortal enmity existing between him and Ortega. This was not mentioned in the manifest. Ortega wrote me some letters at that time, because he would have nothing to do with hiss enemy, the minister of war, and I was obliged to answer his letters. It is not true, as he reports, that he expressed a fear at the time of being defeated; he was confident of success. He was the first to pro- pose the expedition to Durango and Zacatecas. He was appointed to command at Santa Eosa the 4th September, 1864, and on the 8th he wrote to the Presi- dent as follows : " The enemy's advance is at Durango, and his rear is exposed for many leagues — as far as Zacatecas — supported by 200 men there, and 200 more in Fresnillo, which we can attack with safety, as no aid can reach them from Durango unless the garrison is sent from there, and then that place falls into our hands. Our situation is good, and the interior of the republic is in motion on account of our advance, as I hear from Zacatecas." From this ex- pression of confidence the government hoped Ortega had changed for the better, and intrusted him with powers it had previously feared to grant, as commander in the States of Chihuahua, Durango, Zacatecas, Aguas Calientes, San Luis, and a part of Ooahuila. To give one more proof of the untruthfulness of all he says, I annex Nos. 2, 3, and 4, documents from this department and of war, making him commander- in-chief of the forces in the States mentioned. These will show that he was not limited in action in any way, and that General Patoni was under him. He was defeated at Majoma the 21st of September. It would be unnecessary to tell of that disaster now. Ortega says his forces retired in good order from that fight and were disbanded the next day. As I said in the beginning of this circular, my sole object has been to correct what Ortega said about certain public and official acts. The government is in possession of all the facts necessary for his conviction when he is brought to trial. It seemed easy for him to bring up all sorts of imaginary imputations, though he did not see how fallacious they would appear at the first glance. After telling all sorts of frivolous stories and insinuating he had others in reserve, he exclaimed, " Would to God I could tell all I know ! then would my conduct be lauded, and that of Juarez and Lerdo dc Tejada be condemned." In regard to this affected reserve, the government is perfectly willing he should tell all he knows ; it is willing to let him talk till he thinks he has nothing more to say. He talked of everything in his mauifest except the principal subject on which it was written, namely the unconstitutionality of the decrees. Neither did he explain why he deserted his country and his flag in time of war, and took up his residence in a foreign country. It was absolutely necessary for the President to prolong his office to sustain the cause of independence against the invader, and it was of just as much im- portance to settle the question of Ortega's responsibility by another decree, so as to know who should succeed to the presidency in default. The President also justly thought proper not to trust the nation's destiny to the hands of an individual who had abandoned his country in its trouble, and left it to reside in a foreign land till war was over, when he hoped to return and rule over it. All those exercising authority in the name of the republic, and commanders ' CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 429 of forces fighting for it, known to the government, have accepted the decrees, and have considered them proper and just. In spite of this, Ortega insists on calling them revolutionary acts. If they cause a revolution it will be very different from others ; they tend to preserve the country and secure its inde- pendence. The President has shown for several years that he has the energy and constancy necessary, in times of danger and sacrifice, to sustain the country, and does not wait like others for a good time, to attend to his personal interests. In 1861, as soon as the revolution was over, he called a convention of the people to elect a President. Now he says he will do the same, and all know he will keep his promise. The President will always submit to the will of the people. Independence and liberty! Paso del Norte, April 30, 1866. LERDO DE TEJADA. The Governor of the State of . DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, FOMENTO, AND PUBLIC INSTRUCTION — SECTION FIRST. Circular. On the 18th of December, 1863, the magistrates composing the supreme court of justice were authorized to assemble in San Luis Potosi and elect a domicile till the supreme power was permanently located and could reorganize the court. In compliance, therefore, of the said decree, and considering the circumstances in each case, whether the magistrates were appointed or elected, the President decrees that Juan Jose de la Garza, Manuel Ruiz, and Florentino Mercado, the first and sixth judges, and attorney general, shall reside in this capital, to be ready for business, and Manuel Portugal, Jose S. Artega, Jose Garcia Ramirez, Pedro Ogazon, Manuel Z. Gomez, and Pedro Ordaz are the other judges. All absent ones must present themselves in this capital within one month from this date, or lose their office. Afterwards the supreme government will attend to the reconstruction of the court. And as you are one of those comprised in this decree, it is made known to you by supreme command, for your information and consequent action. Independence, liberty, and reform! Monterey, July 10, 1864. IGLESIAS, C. DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN RELATIONS AND GOVERNMENT — GOVERNMENT BRANCH — SECTION FIRST. For the purpose of sustaining the war in defence of the national cause, and considering your well-known patriotism and services, the President of the re- public has been pleased, with the consent of the ministerial council, to grant you full powers to dispose of all the rents in the States of Aguas Oalientes and San Luis Potosi, of which you are governor and military commander, State taxes as well as public revenue, to raise means for army purposes, and to impose whatever taxes you may deem necessary, and to dispose of all the munitions of war, and all the forces that exist or may be raised in those States, whether of the national guard, regular army, or any other kind, together with all officers, civil and military, as you. may deem most proper. Independence, liberty, and reform ! Santa Rosa, September 4, 1864. LERDO DE TEJADA. Jesus Gonzalez Ortega, General of Division, and Chief of the First Army Corps of the West, Present. 430 CONDITION OF AFFAIKS IN MEXICO. DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN RELATIONS AND GOVERNMENT SECTION FIRST. The President of the republic having determined to appoint you general-in- chief of the first army corps of the west, and General Patoni as second, granting you ample powers in the States of Agnas Oalientes, Zacatecas, and San Luis Po- tosi, has been pleased to accord to you at the same time, in ministerial council, the command of Patoni's forces and of the States of Durango, Chihuahua, and in the district of Parras, in the State of. Coahuila, and to do as you please in those places with the troops under Patoni, or any others ; and this is done that there may be unity of action in the States of Zacatecas, Aguas Oalientes, San Luis Potosi, Durango, Chihuahua, and the district of Parras for the prosecution of the war and the defence of our independence and our institutions. Independence, liberty, and reform ! Santa Rosa, September 4, 1864. LERDO DE TEJADA. Jesus Gonzalez Ortega, Chief of the First Army Corps of the West, Present. DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN RELATIONS AND GOVERNMENT SECTION FIRST. Taking into consideration that, on account of recent circumstances, the gov- ernor and military commander of the State of San Luis Potosi may have ceased to exercise the duties of his office, the President of the republic is pleased to authorize you to take charge of it as soon as you hear of its vacation, and ap- points ybu governor and military commander of the State, requesting you to give notice to the supreme government as soon as you begin your duties, that it may act in the premises. Independence, liberty, and reform! Santa Rosa, September 5, 1864. LERDO DE TEJADA. Jesus Gonzalez Ortega, Chief of the First Army Corps of the West, Present. [Enclosure No. 3.] DOCUMENTS RELATIVE TO THE COUP D'ETAT OF BENITO JUAREZ, EX- PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF MEXICO. A WORD TO THE MEXICAN PEOPLE. I publish the accompanying documents, believing them necessary to the end I contemplate. With me it is an established principle never to depart from the pathway my conscience and sense of honor dictate, no matter what adverse influences may be brought to bear upon me. I make this statement, actuated by no egotistical motives, but simply because I conceive that my native land, in the hour of her calamity, demands, and should receive, an explanation as to my future line of conduct. Silence under such circumstances would reveal a cowardly disposition, and, consequently, I feel myself compelled to give an exposition of my motives, even though I may incur the risk of reiterating statements to which I have alluded in a previous manifesto. I assure you that my course is shaped to compass no ignoble ends ; neither will I permit personal considerations to intervene in the discharge of my duty, for I shall suppress nothing which does not taint our national honor. A few months since I said to Sefior Viezca, while upon the frontiers of the CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 431 United State.-? : " I do not come with a ridiculous desigu of overturning estab- lished order ; I have arrived, solitary and unrecognized, after having refused the physical force tendered me by my friends, so that I sball not be regarded as an element of disturbance. Should you yourself proffer me the strength of your State and your own influence to establish a government, I should decline the offer. My only object, at the present moment, is to visit Senor Juarez, to avert, if possible, the evils which be would inflict upon the country, and to in- quire of you your opinion as to his conduct." The man who acts in this wise takes as his guide the good of his country ; moreover, I give way to none, asking whether or not they would recognize a government of my establishing. A most easy task would it have been for me to create a new government in Mexico, possessed of more or less strength than that possessed by the one of Juarez. I say an easy task, inasmuch as Mexico is a nation faithful to and conscious of her rights, and I hold a legal title and a well-defined authority, derived directly from the Mexican people, which Senor Juarez does not. I have governed many of the interior States of the republic, commanded national armies, and my political influence has bestowed upon me the confidence of the people. Moreover, during my residence at San Antonio de Bexar, I have been personally visited by many leaders, among them generals of well-earned repute, soliciting my return to the republic to operate as a centre of legitimacy, and the salvation of our independence. I have, furthermore, received letters from officers, commanding armies in the field, actuated only to secure the safety of our principles, inviting my return to the republic, which documents I do not employ, as they were of a confidential nature. The task was, furthermore, easy, inasmuch as I had witnessed the reprobation following this violation of the law by Senor Juarez, not alone from persons oc- cupying high positions in Chihuahua, which State was the official residence of that gentleman, but from the members of the legislature of that same State, as I have ample evidence to demonstrate, did it not involve a breach of confidence in giving private letters to the light. One of the members of that legislature, of the highest social and political standing, came to me as a commissioner, after a travel of a hundred leagues, for the express purpose of invoking my return, as soon as it became apparent that Senor Juarez designed trampling upon the rights of the republic. That representative stated to me that the State of Chihuahua would not acquiesce in the usurpation of Senor Juarez, but would, on the con- trary, repudiate all his acts, which I believe it has done. And the task was easy, as a final reason, because the late Presideut destroyed" the sole means whence he derived popular prestige, and if he lingers in political existence within a corner of the national territory, it is that he is tolerated from exceptional motives, to which I need not now allude. However easy to me would have been the establishment of a government, it was not such an easy task to convince myself as to the necessity of assuming a prominent part in a drama representing the government with conflicting execu- tives, and at the same time contending with a foreign power, even though one, having no excuse in lack of national virtue, arrogated to itself, amid the dark- ness of the pending struggle, powers which had originally been conferred by the people. Yet, had I believed the honor of Mexico, and the honor of Mexico alone, demanded my temporary abstinence from establishment of a legitimate government, in the hope either that Senor Juarez would restore to the nation that which he had unlawfully appropriated to himself, or that the nation would arouse to a sense of injured dignity, I likewise believed that the majesty of Mexico should have rebuked the scandalous acts of Senor Benito Juarez, as it has already done in similar cases. Let him be rebuked, inasmuch as the estab- ishment of a legitimate government, by him overridden, has cost the nation more than half a century of blood-stained conflicts. Let him be rebuked for 432 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. having vitiated that very principle for which we are sacrificing human life in a contest with one of the most powerful nations of the earth. Let him he re- buked, for were he not, the nation forfeits title to its own existence, inasmuch as a people permitting its laws to be desecrated at the option of its ruler can neither guarantee its own integrity nor hope to advance towards the standard of civilization enjoyed by nations jealous of their well-being. Mexico, how- ever, thanks to its own endeavors, is progressing steadily in accordance with the spirit of the age, as will be demonstrated by the documents I now publish. Let the nation rebuke the treachery of this man for the sake of its own honor, even though it suffers a passing penalty for his transgressions ; for a nation struggling for a principle, consecrated within the hearts of its citizens, must in- evitably resuscitate with a tenfold vigor. Not so with a people who succumb at the dictation of a man usurping authority through the vacillations of its sons, to its own and individual aggrandizement, for that people stand for all ages disgraced in the eyes of God and man. Mexico will, doubtlessly, preserve her independence, preserve her principles, preserve her honor. Should the caprices of fortune render the salvation of her independence an impossibility her honor may be saved at all hazards, for all the strength of the world is impotent to destroy the honor of a people who, like the Mexican nation, has struggled around a flag whose tattered folds will bear to the end the inscription of a solitary cardinal principle. Triumphant it will shine in effulgent glory ; clown-trodden, it will carry to remote ages the noblest title to heroic martyrdom. It may be insinuated, as some have already done, that if Juarez has acted illegally, an admission of the fact would dishonor him and thereby inflict injury upon the nation. Will my silence, or the silence of six or eight other men, propitiate a nation whose privileges and laws have been trampled under foot by the individual to whose custody they have been intrusted ? Can a silence of this nature confer prestige upon a man violating his oath and reprobating his duties? Can it pre- judice a nation to protest energetically against wrong perpetrated in its name? Has it prejudiced Mexico in the eyes of the world to have protested against the creation of a throne upon the land of Hidalgo, and to have proclaimed that the rights of Mexico have been assailed through the usurpation of a foreign armed force ? Does the sentiment of Mexico and the world depend upon ex- pression of our judgment ? Will our silence alter the nature of political acts, rendering bad good and good bad ? The reputation of a public functionary depends neither upon the silence nor the expression of any one citizen, but upon the unequivocal and impartial judgment of society, when popular sentiment canonizes, so to speak, the right and legal procedure of that functionary. None can be ignorant of the fact that when the trials of a nation are at their highest pitch it is far more noble and honorable to exhibit herself worthy of herself, condemning all acts that she would have discountenanced when in the plentitude of majesty and power, or against the dignity and spirit of the law. The heroism of a country, like unto that of a man, is rarely evoked unless beneath bitter trials, imposed upon it through emergent circumstances. I herewith publish the correspondence between Senors Juarez and Prieto, relative to the letter addressed by me to the former, through the medium of this latter, respecting tender of my services to the government Avhile outside of the territorial limits to which I have alluded in my manifesto. To demonstrate the accuracy of my statements in this latter document, it would suffice the pub- lic to know that the epistle had been received by the government. This is not only shown by the correspondence, but the additional fact that it was received in May or June, and according to Senor Juarez's authority was not responded to until September, thereby proving that reply to a communication of vital im- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 433 portance was intentionally delayed for several months. Moreover, I was as- sured that that which I requested should receive the requisite authorization, without any intention on the part of the government so to do, and that, while I was awaiting this authorization I should remain outside of Mexico, in order that Senor Juarez might publish, in a decree, that T had abandoned the presi- dency of the court, dwelling permanently in a foreign land without license, and I had not even informed the government as to when I intended returning within the republic. I have already stated that I never received an answer from Senor Juarez. JESUS G. ORTEGA. THE CONSTITUTIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MEXICO. Circular. I herewith send you a copy of the protest and manifesto which I have deemed it incumbent upon me to make public, in regard to the coup d'etat perpetrated by Senors Benito Juarez and Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada. National as well as State legislation having been necessarily suspended during continuance of hostilities, nothing remains to direct the administration of public affairs save those high functionaries elevated to power through the votes of the people. It is for this reason that I address myself to you, inquir- ing as to the course of conduct you have adopted with respect to this outrage upon legal order, and whether you repudiate or indorse the act. The nation preserves an inherent right at all times, and especially during hours of trial and anguish, to demand from public officials the expression of their opinion as to matters touching the common weal. This right conceded, I conceive it to be obligatory upon me, as president of the supreme court, to col- late all available information upon that head. Did I not do so, I would regard myself amiss in the discharge of the sacred duties imposed upon my position, and most particularly so when we contemplate the circumstances at the present moment affecting the country. If I, in this instance, avail myself of my title as president of the supreme court, and not of that of President of the republic, to which position I possess a perfectly legal right under the constitution, it is because I do not deem it ex- pedient, while the national independence is in jeopardy, to elevate contradic- tory standards, even though the one be emblazoned with the motto, "Order," and the other with "Abuse of Power," and treason against organic law. Yet my forbearance does not necessitate the republic to recognize as legitimate the official acts of Benito Juarez after the 30th day of November last past. Con- siderations as to the national welfare, both now and for the future, will ever in- stigate my actions ; nevertheless I will always struggle to reconcile the cause of independence with the absolute salvation of the law. Do not on any account presume that this note is designed to solicit your opinion upon an unprofitable business, neither that I have constituted myself into a judge as to your conduct. No ! the object of this epistle is much more noble and elevated. The nation is undergoing a terrible ordeal ; her organic code has been ruthlessly violated, and that at a moment of the nation's crisis, struggling against a foreign invasion and battling to conserve the form of gov- ernment instituted by that same organic code, without which independence would be a nullity. The assumption of a solemn oath, my duties, my honor, my patriotic devotion to the interests of Mexico, render it obligatory upon me to exert my most earnest eudeavors to preserve inviolate the constitution aud laws, whose creation has cost our nation so many and bitter sacrifices. At the 28 Mbx. 434 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. same time a similar sense of duty impels me to exercise an equal devotion towards a preservation of our national independence ; consequently, I have at- tempted to effect both purposes simultaneously, rendering the one subservient to the other. It is for this reason that I have not appealed directly to the masses, who might manifest their disapprobation of the Juarez usurpation in a tempestuous manner. To avoid tumultuous demonstrations from the populace I have addressed myself to the officers of the people, citizens charged with super- vision of popular rights, whose foundation rests upon the observance of the con- stitution. During peaceful times and those of national quietude, the organic law lays down both the order of succession and the manner wherein each authority and functionary attains exercise of the duties intrusted to them by the people. During an emergent period these provisions may be departed from. Yet the precedent of history in similar instances has demonstrated that the most ap- propriate method of saving popular rights is one wherein the opinions of the representative departments have been consulted. With this aim we have ob- served governors and local representatives of the respective States, either in accord or separately, protest against ignominious acts wherever they had the power so to do, when such acts were found to be in conflict with the spirit of the law as the exponent of the will of the sovereign people. For the reasons I have given I now address myself to you as a representative of the people, even although you are momentarily debarred from the exercise of your functions, so that in your official capacity you may communicate to me your sentiments upon this matter. While so doing you may discard formalities, as much for the reason that they cannot at this present moment be complied with, as from a consideration of the grave circumstances which encompass our common country. Independence, liberty, and the constitution ! San Antonio de Bexar, Febru- ary 3, 1S66. J. G. ORTEGA. The Constitutional Governor of the State of . From the constitutional governor of the State of Duiango. As a satisfactory reply to your communication of yesterday, inquiring as to my opinion of the coup d'etat of Juarez, the manner in which it impressed me, and my projected line of conduct for the future, I herewith transmit to you a copy of a letter which I forwarded to Senor Juarez from Presidio del Norte, dated December 15, of the past year. Independence and liberty ! San Antonio, February 4, 1S6G. J. M. PATONI. The Citizen J. G. Ortega, Constitutional President of the B,epublic of Mexico. Presidio del Norte, December 15, 1865. My Dear Friend and Sir : The circumstance of the French troops being at the gates of Chihuahua at both my arrival and departure from that city, the implied bad taste of manifesting my sentiments during the critical moments sig- nalizing our last interview, and lastly a determination not to take the initiative in enunciating my discontent at your coup d'etat, believing that task to be more properly allotted to persons of more consideration than myself, impelled me to preserve silence on that occasion, while at the same time my duty instigated me to indite a confidential epistle to you on a matter affecting national interests. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 435 It is not within my province, neither do I boast capacity adequate, to ana- lyze the, decrees of the 8th of November. Nevertheless, however masterly may be deemed the manner in which the law has been perverted, however ap- plicable and sagacious may be the deductions drawn from the spirit of the law by your cabinet, in everything not comprised within the circle you have de- scribed for your personal advantage, every honest citizen perceives that the- law has been violated ; that there does not exist in your person title sufficient, to exercise the functions you have usurped, and that the country is threatened with the danger of anarchy, when constitutional order could and should have- progressed iu all its majesty. The grand principle, secured through triumph of the plan of Ayutla, was the perpetual abolition of persons. By it popular sovereignty — the soul of democracy — was recognized as a practical truth, and military mobs condemned by the just seventy of the people as illegal combina- tions, who, with more or less plausibility* and stimulated by ambitious leaders, subjugated a populace incapable of resistance. When I abandoned my peaceful employment and sacrificed my pi-ivate for- tune in furtherance of these principles, and their sustenance through force of ' arms, combating with like vigor through adversity and success, I was buoyed, up with the trust that the law would be our guide, conscious as we were that it would be sustained by the popular vote. The citizen soldier can never be rendered an instrument for the destruction of the laws. Called into existence by the nation, he can never convert himself into a traitor to its interests, and as a defender of the government he can neves- be induced to conspire against its interests. According to my method of ob- servation, and viewed by my conscience, I have no doubt but that your reten- tion of power after the 30th of November is a usurpation ; that the naming: of your successor is an assumption unknown to our code, and but initiated by Santa Anna during a period of the greatest disorder, and that this commingling of anomalies exposes the country to anarchy, besides depriving it of strength,., and compromising our name with foreign countries. I adjure and pray of you, Senor Juarez, by the lustre of your good fame, by the well-merited position to which your virtues exalted you, and by the in- terest of our common weal, to which your devotion has been an earnest of hope and a source of pride, to retrace your steps upon the road along which you. have started, as in your footprints it is impossible for me to follow I take greater pains to communicate to you my resolution, inasmuch as it should recall to mind memory of the past. You have ever found me at your side, unvacillating and obeying your every order while you represented the law. You will remember that I have always been one among the first to fly to your- defence, and during moments when it happened that personal friends had de- serted you I was too anxious to hasten to your company, eager to identify my destiny with that of the principles which you have guarded heretofore with fidelity. When you ceased to represent principles you deserted me ; so that our separaiion has not been wrought through apprehension of danger, or through momentary emergencies, but because I did not wish to appear as a traitor against.. laws you taught us to respect. This manifestation of opinion, which I submit with the greatest respect and with the best of feeling, does not in the least weaken my resolution to serve my country with the same loyalty I have ever given evidence of; neither wilL it prevent my union with those who are fighting against the invader with a de- termination to vindicate our common rights to the utmost extremity. Denying beforehand any intimations of disrespect, and with no wish of giv- ing personal offence — on the contrary, actuated by the sincerest well-wishes for your future, I assure you in honesty and frankness that my sense of loyalty- compels me, without compromising myself with party or person, distinctly te- state that I will obey no orders emanating from you as the government, but,. 436 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO will continue to defend my country according to my own inspirations, co- operating with those who legitimately — indispensable condition according to my judgment — do so for the salvation of our independence. 1 do not wish to conclude without acknowledging, independently of my offi- cial duties, my personal gratitude for the attentions you have shown me. With sincere feelings of esteem, I remain, as ever, your affectionate friend and servant, J. M. PATONI. Sen or Benito Juarez, Paso del Norte. From the ex- constitutional governor of the State of Miclwacan, republic of Mexico, general of division. New York, February 26, 1866. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the circular, dated 3d of this month, you have communicated to me, inquiring my opinion as to the coup d'etat perpetrated by Sefiors Benito Juarez and Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, through their decrees of the 8th of November of the past year. In response, it becomes my duty in the first place to inform you that my ieim of office, as constitutional governor of the State of Michoacan, expired on the 16th of September of last year; that in consequence of the war with a foreign power, I asked leave from the legislature to absent myself and devote mj'self to the formation of forces for the independence and tranquilization of our fatherland. Being so just and necessary an object, the license was granted by the State congress, and in compliance with an article in the constitution of Michoacan, they appointed as my successor the citizen Deputy Antonio Huerta, who, by virtue thereof, entered upon the functions of that office, receiving at the same time, and from the same legislature, authorization to continue in office rantil a new election is held — that is, provided I should be killed in action, or my term of office should expire by reason of the prolongation of the war. Having said this much, it is with pleasure that I respond to the circular of February 3, in the capacity of the former constitutional governor of the State of Michoacan, and as one who received that exalted position through popular suf- frage. In inditing this letter I do not wish to weaken the force of the laws committed to my custody by the people, for I neither desire to maintain a position to which 1 am not entitled, nor usurp an influence not justly my own, and which only derives honor and respectability when indorsed by the popular vote. For these reasons, while enumerating my opinion with regard to the coup d'etat of Sefiors Juarez and Lerdo de TejaHa, you will accept it as the senti- ment of a supreme authority, who has been intrusted with the governorship of an important State, and as an expression of opinion from the only governor elected by the popular voice who could speak in its behalf. The State of Michoacan regards with deep bitterness the coup d'etat perpe- trated at El Paso del Norte, as antagonistic to the principles of the State con- stitution, and bedimming the traditional respect with which the laws have ever "been regarded by the citizens of that State. 1 am intimate with the sentiments of my fellow-citizens, and well know their obedience to the legitimate authority, inasmuch as I am a native of that State, and have had the honor of being at the head of its affairs for eight years, during which period the rule of constitu- tional order was neyer once disturbed. On the contrary, the sons of Michoacan, enthusiastic admirers of law and justice, have ever presented a firm front against the aspirations of ambition and the intrigues of disaffection. Let the foolish attempts of Comonfort attest the truth of this declaration. In all CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 437 tilings, neither has Michoacan nor myself judged otherwise than that the laws of the republic owe their creation to naught save the will of the people, and we believe, moreover, that laws once framed cannot be violated by any person at his own will. Senor Benito Juarez, who has broken through the constitutional defences of the country by a blind mis-step, and who now unfurls a revolutionary banner with a hand pledged to sustain that of law and order, has not, neither can he have, my assent to his decrees of the 8th of November last past. At the period of the never-to-be-forgotten epoch of Ayutla, for the purpose of assisting in crushing out a despot, oppressing the Mexican masses, I marched to the battle- field, not only to seek glory in triumphing over tyranny, but to acquire a ground-plan whereon the people could erect a nation, so that in the pages of a saci-ed code they could read their rights and duties. No infraction of the laws nor disobedience to the supreme power has thrown a shade upon my public life ; on the contrary, wherever the fundamental laws of the nation have been menaced, the sons of Michoacan, with myself, have ever been foremost in their defence. Benito Juarez, victim of the scandalous coup d'etat of Oomonfort, is well aware that among the ranks of the constitutional army, organized to defend the supreme authority, I have been always ready for the sustenance of the laws, and willing to die before consenting to their violation. It is in such high esteem I hold the cardinal principles of right, acquired through shedding of Mexican blood. The consequences of our present war are not mute witnesses of my devotion to the laws. A prisoner of war at Puebla, and transported to France as such, I have never recognized any other cause but that of the republic, nor any other authority than that imposed upon me by the voice of the people, and congenial to the fundamental code. Notwithstanding that, obedience has natural limits, and thus, as I would consider it a crime to oppose legitimate authority, I would regard it a still greater crime to obey one who usurps illegally the sovereign power. Benito Juarez has finished his career, for nothing, according to my conception, can authorize his perpetuation in authority; neither can he exclude the person to whom the law gives the succession in a determinate manner. Consequently, Senor Juarez is but a private individual, and the presidency of the republic has reverted to the constitutional president of the supreme court of justice, who is the only mam entitled to direct the destinies of the country. Therefore, as the last constitutional governor of the State of Michoacan, or, as general of division in the army, you will please accept my opinion, which I have set forth in reply to your circular, appealing to those placed by the will of the people to watch, through all time, over the national rights within their respective jurisdictions. Please accept the expression of my high esteem. Independence, liberty, and the constitution ! E. HUERTA. The General of Division J. G. Ortega, Constitutional President of the Mexican Republic. Constitutional Presidency of the Supreme Court of the Mexican Republic, San Antonio de Bexar, February 3, 1S66. I herewith send you a copy of the protest and manifesto which I caused to be published in this city, respecting the coup d'etat perpetrated by Benito Juarez on the 8th day of November of last year. I sent through you from New York to Senor Juarez the document alluded to. As it was not of a private 438 CONDITION OF AFFAIKS IN MEXICO. character, but relative to public and national affairs, I trust that you will supply me with all details in reference to its reception, accompanying the information with any document you may possess. Clothed as you are with an official position, I hope that you will likewise favor me with your views as to the act of Senor Juarez, of which I have made mention, and as to that which you have done either in approving or condemning the same. Tbe nation has a right at all times, and more especially during its hours of trial, to learn the conduct of public officers. As for myself, and placed in the position of president of the court through popular suffrage, I believe myself compelled to gather such information, so as to comply with the obligations imposed upon me by my duty, and the circum- stances of the national situation. Independence, liberty, and the constitution ! J. G. ORTEGA. GuiLLERMO PfilETO, Postmaster General of the Mexican Republic. Office of Postmaster General of the Mexican Republic, San Antonio de Bexar, February 15, 1866. The misfortune of suffering in my eyesight deprives me of the pleasure of answering your official note autographically, and as extensively as I would wish; consequently, I am obliged to send you copies of the documents to which you make allusion. The first is a copy of a letter sent to an intimate friend in Chihuahua, and exhibits in the amplest manner my opinion with respect to the coup d'etat, free from all other motives than those of sorrow at the unexpected retention of au- thority by Senor Juarez. I have the honor of assuring you that my conduct has been entirely consistent with my ideas. At the time I suspected the in- credible weakness of the chief magistrate of the republic, I demonstrated to him personally, and in the most earnest manner, the consequences of his design. I made public my disapproval ■of the scheme, and to avoid scandal sent in my resignation, which was not accepted ; while, in my discourse of September 16, I alluded to the advantages Senor Juarez would obtain by swerving from the path of usurpation. I caused my name to be stricken, from the head of the official newspaper when publication of the decrees of the coup d'etat were made. I had published that paper gratuitously for two years. Finally, crossing the desert, I retired to a foreign country, separating myself from a class of persons attempting to impose upon the nation as law scholastic cunning, which the peo- ple will have the good sense, doubtlessly, never to accept. The other documents which I forward are copies of letters exchanged with ■Senor Juarez. They will bear me out in saying that I placed the letter which you intrusted to me in the hands of that high functionary ; that he was aware of your being in a foreign country, with the intention of remaining there for a time; that he never exhibited the slightest disapprobation of your conduct ; and, finally, that he did not answer you until the 7th of September, at a time when it was publicly known that the idea of the coup d'etat existed with the cabinet. I believe what I have said will cover the object of your note ; as for myself, I have the satisfaction of knowing that I have performed everything possible, -consistent with my duty. Independence, liberty, and the constitution ! GUILLERMO PRIETO. ■General J. G. Ortega, Constitutional President of the Republic of Mexico. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 439 [Strictly confidential ] Paso del Norte, October 31, 1S66. My Dear Frank: This will be no letter, but a panorama of the terrible shock which I sraffer in a painful manner. You will comprehend rny meaning by reading the enclosed decree, issued by Benito Juarez on this date — a decree which it is, at this moment, impossible for me to analyze, as I feel as if I were in the midst of chaos. The decree, as you will perceive, is apparently accord- ing to the law, besides being solicitous for the well-being of the army, and in accord with the purest sentiments of patriotism. Ostensibly it is a measure which does not transcend the natural faculties of the executive, against exercise of which opposition would be made only from selfish motives. But a careful perusal will disclose the Jesuitical mask covering the presidential question, so as to cloak, during the nation's most sole'nn trial, in the most audacious and treacherous manner, by surprise, the prologue to the coup d'etat. It is thrown forth as a secret poison to assassinate legality ; it is designed as an ingenious dagger to pierce unnoticed, but to leave behind an incurable wound The allusion to Ortega is transparent on every line. It is he who is away in a for- eign land, leaving; with license and absent for four months. It caunot mean Berriozabal, for he was recalled by express orders ,• neither is it Huerta and his companions, for they are excluded. Ortega is the party denounced, as any reasonable being can at a glance detect. This man, whom the unalterable law declares to be President of the republic; this mau, whose title was continued in a solemn manner by the government but a short year since, when public opinion accused him of being ambitious — whether with reason or not we cannot say, as memory of his defeat at Majoma remains fresh, as accusations from which he was absolved by government are still being fanned by hate and malice — this man, I say, is not judged nor con- demned, but his power is torn from him, as one. dangerous to the common weal, or unworthy his trust. No J the law is spread as a trap so as to render him helpless ; when, thus enchained, he is wounded and robbed of his legitimate functions. Do not think for a moment that I am pleading for Ortega as an individual. I defend him as he at this moment stands, the personification of right. I neither favor him nor dread him, nor have I evidence to show him preferable to Juarez, but in all justice I regard him as an exponent of the law, whom they desire ro override with a cowardly intrigue, concocted in secrecy and out of the popular sight. The decree is a confusion of ideas, which renders its unravelling difficult. The presidential question is a simple one; the consti;ulion places a definite and positive term to the presidential office, so that a usurpation is impossible. It expresses that, no matter what may happen, the president of the court shall be the substitute for the President when the term of office of this last expires, and no election is held for his successor. The subterfuge of declaiming the incum- bents to remain in office until a new election is not expressly set forth, but im- plied, in my estimation : First, because this case is like all others, and provided for in the constitution; secondly, because, when the law regulating elections was adopted, the contrary was held ; and, lastly, because, in the famous answer of Lerdo to Ortega, government denied the right to change the law. Ortega left the country upon leave of absence, advised the government of his residence, placed his services at its option, wrote directly to Juraez, and still re- ceived no sign of its disapprobation. To all of this you are a witness. The previous career of Ortega in Chihuahua gave no evidence of irregularity or insolence; he respected the resolutions of the government; he acquiesced in its mandates, and left to make himself useful. But that nothing should be wanting in this violation of the law, it is concocted with ingenious perversion, which is sought to be excused by sophistry and perfidy. Was it anticipated or 440 CONDITION OF AFFAIKS IN MEXICO. found inconvenient that Ortega should not come into power? Then why did they not trump up a thousand reasons or plausible pretexts to incapacitate him? Was it not rumored that he committed an error while exercising power as gover- nor of Zacatecas, and thereby destroyed his right to the position of president of the court ? Was it not reported that he should have been court-martialed for his conduct at Majoma ? If so, why did he continue vested with authority and recognized as successor to the presidency ? We will suppose that Ortega deserves the prosecution so openly instituted against him. What is the power for his judgment ? Has not the constitution prescribed the method of procedure ? Is there no restriction imposed upon the faculties which the government has arrogated, thrusting the future into the em- brace of usurpation and absolutism 1 Why deceive the nation with this assump- tion of perjury and falsehood ? Is it possible that the presence of a foreign enemy renders us blind to the theft perpetrated upon the national laws, upon the most precious of conquered rights ? Is not all this formality and falsification the proper weapons of usurpers ? Juarez has heretofore been my idol, both on account of his virtues and his having been chosen by the law, for his standard was our glory and our rights, and were we to fail, we must succumb in defence of the law. What remains of our political edifice? Whom shall we respect? Does it make any difference whether the usurper be named Santa Anna or Oomonfort, or Ceballos, as of old, or Juarez, the suicide of to-day ? We will suppose that Juraez was a political necessity, and that his administration was immaculate. Did he derive reputation apart from his official position ? We will not hazard the presumption that a change would prove distasteful, or that our exterior relations, being par- alyzed, would prove the cause of anarchy. Has not usurpation the same or greater dangers ? What would be the result from the discontent of the adher- ents of Juarez in the city of Mexico, where they are very few in number? Is, then, discontent comparable to the disaffection of Negrete^of Zacatecas, of the di- vision of the army in the State of Sinaloa, and of the remainder of the republic ? Yet all this occurs through the action adopted by Juarez. The partisans of prin- ciple will not recognize Juarez in the future, for they advocate principles, not men. Such being the case, will it justify a deliberate rising in favor of Ortega? What are our foreign relations ? Who will assure us that the United States will continue their sympathy after this coup d'etat, as they always follow prin- ciples, and not persons ? And what an instrument to our disadvantage will be this act in the hands of our enemies when knowledge of it becomes diffused to the world at large. Anarchy? It is a word, under the circumstances, which terrifies more than it injures ; it exists already, and through it may be saved the national honor. There can be no anarchy when there is unity in thought, and this unity em- ployed to put down the invasiou. If Arteaga and Regules, Fernando Ortega, Eiva Palacios, and Rosales, and all the chiefs, had been subjected to or omitted our orders, what would have become of the country ? Anarchy is horrible when the ambition of different men is loosened to run riot. Then the struggle between the strong and the weak commences on the same soil. But the country without a head would have an insurrection, and that this would be common will be the supreme good of the country. Would not the nation be convulsed to see the flag of the invader disappear; only to give place to another equally illegal and equally detested ? In any case should evil befall the country, Juarez and those who have allured him to his ruin will stand the blame, and not those who follow the path of duty and honor respecting the public will of the country, which is expressly men- tioned in their fundamental code. I even go further, and suppose this extraor- dinary feat of jugglery of Juarez to terminate happily. Is it honorable to fol- low him ? Is it right to acknowledge such a vaulting over the law ? Ought we CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 441 to tolerate this act, thus authorizing others of a similar nature which would very- soon follow ? For my part I will not. I have been so candid with you so far that not even the fear of the constitu- tion's being broken stops me. Our cause is so grand that the glory of driving out the invaders would be unfading, and this might tempt me to act against the laws. But no ; that would be reputation for the life of the country. I have not done it yet. I am not frightened. I am frightened to contemplate Juarez as a revolutionist, inert, crippled, hag- gling, occupying himself with misrepresentations, or. in elevating the baseness of vengeance against a certain person to the height of a state question. Can you imagine Juarez as a revolutionist ? What are the rights of this man ? What his strength ? Are the destinies of a country to be subverted at the call of a scene shifter ? Can this rushing of a country into perdition be caused by cautious but deceitful night vigils and thought? Is it virtue to break the law? Is it right to be the judge in your own case ? Is it honorable that the culprit should turn the tables on his judge and declare him a thief, because he happens to acquire a temporal power? • I repeat that I grope in darkness and know not where to turn. How obscure and treacherous is this document ; how it omits the name of Or- tega; what an innocent and natural air it bears. If we say to the government, Here, that artful idea, that order, is an ambush from behind which you will as- sassinate the legitimate possessor of what you declare to be your inheritance ; then they might say, What do you deduce from? Damn anathemas on the ca- lumniator. Shame and punishment to the suspicious rogue ! I saw this intrigue coming and I threw up my position, because I had neither labor to perform nor means of livelihood. My renouncement of office was not accepted, and I was retained so as to martyrize me, or for the purpose of having me desert my position in an infamous way, so that this desertion might be used as a gag to stop my just reproof of what I knew to be a turning of the truth, the abjuration of the law, the improbable transformation of the legitimate govern- ment into a strolling company of actors, who wish to enact plays after the manner of Napoleon the Little, and, shame ! after the style of Maximilian the Rickety ! Can you imagine what I have suffered ? Can you imagine my situation when I am the exception among those gentlemen ? I am yours, affectionately, GUILLERMO PRLETO. Paso del Norte, October 1, 1865. My Dear Friend and Sir: The last two times in which I have seen you> you have manifested that you were displeased with me. This displeasure is caused doubtlessly by my having, in a thoughtless moment, disclosed my ideas at a public entertainment, but which I am proud to say were conformable to the law and the honor of the government. Having lost youi' esteem, I miss one of the most powerful reasons for being near your person, as well as the small recom- pense of eight years of public service, in all of which time I have given patent proofs of my loyalty to the cause, and of affection to you personally. Misrep- resentation is a degradation, and I have remained here so as not to degrade my- self. I beg of you as a special favor that you give an order, causing the labors of the administration of the post offices to cease, which in fact are useless, for I neither have anything to do in that respect, nor have I any salary, and this order will rid you of me, and rid me from being the victim of penury. I am, as ever, your servant and friend, GUILLERMO PRIETO. Benito Juarez. 442 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Paso del Norte, October 1, 1S65. My Dear Friend: I answer your letter of to-day, by saying that I cannot give the order to stop the administration of post offices as you wish, because that would be equivalent to the government commencing the destruction of public administration. Let the enemy destroy it if they have the power, and such should be the destiny of my country, but I shall neither do it nor allow it to be done so long as I am able to prevent it. If you have been wanting in circum- spection in the matter of which you speak 1 can say nothing, as you have a faithful and sincere friend which can satisfy you by approving or disapproving your conduct; that friend is your own conscience, to which I appeal without having the necessity of verbal explanations in this matter, or any other parti- culars which you may not wish to inform me of, or I may wish to ask of you. Before closing this letter I ask of you a favor, which is, that you bring to your memory that I never have said to you nor authorized you to say to Gene- ral Gonzalez Ortega, in my name, that he could remain indefinitely away from his country. It has never been my pleasure to tell any one to do anything but what he liked best. Neither have I authorized any one to pursue the road of dishonor. I am, as always, your true friend, BENITO JUAREZ. GUILLERMO PRIETO. Paso del Norte, October 1, 1865. My Esteemed Friend and Sir : I did not wish for an order to destroy the administration of post offices, but that the labors of it should cease, which in fact is the case. I have appealed to my conscience, and that is not only satis- fied but proud. I have never written one single syllable to General Ortega, neither as coming from myself nor yourself, in regard to your feelings about his indefinite permanency away from his country. Once, in a private conversation between Iglesias (minister of hacienda and gobernacion, in the Juarez cabinet) and myself, I said to him that Ortega had written to you through me, in which letter he expressed a wish to labor for our country in the United States, and asking your approbation. In answer to which letter you told me that you had said to him to act in conjunction with Romero, (Mexican minister to the United States.) I added in that conversation that, taking this reply as a guide, you were not averse to his remaining away from his country. This answer covers the grounds of your letter to me, which ought neither to offend you nor suspect your future intentions, and gives you proof of my proceedings. Any way, if you can in any manner so fix it as to enable me to separate myself from my position, so that it will not appear as if I had been expelled, but only as a mat- ter of delicacy on my part, I shall be very much obliged if you will inform me as to the manner. Respectfully, your obedient servant, GUILLERMO PRIETO. Benito Juarez. Paso del Norte, October 1, 1865. My Esteemed Friend: I am sure that I could never have told you that I would have answered Ortega by telling him to act in concert with Romero. I recollect having answered Ortega on the 7th day of September last, simply telling him that he could not receive the authority which he asked for, and this is the first time that I have ever told any one what I had written to your con- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 443 stituent, (Ortega.) I am very happy to know that you have so clear and proud a conscience; for that being the case, you will live tranquilly. I cannot grant your prayer in regard to the ceasing of the labors of the gene- ral administration of post offices, because I have not the wish to assist the in- vaders of Mexico in discrediting the administration of my country. I cannot tell you, either, to leave your office, because I have neither a motive to tell you so, nor dnes the government repel you, nor are you a stumbling-block in the way. I am your affectionate friend, BENITO JUAREZ. GllILLERMO PRIETO. Paso del Norte, October 2, 1865. My Esteemed Friend and Sir: When I, in May or June last, placed a letter from Mr. Ortega into your hands, I am sure that you then said to me that you were going to answer Ortega to the effect that he should act in concert with Romero. If you did or did not do it I cannot say, neither do I know what you said to him in your letter of last month. The former idea, that is to say, that of May or June, I communicated to Mr. Iglesias then, and this is a proof to me that I am not mistaken. I do not think that there would have been dishonor in suspending the labors of the general administration of post offices, nor with my ceasing to operate would the invaders have been assisted, for by the same reasoning is it not ridi- culous to believe that the ceasing of the administration of sealed paper, public lotteries and custom-houses, have also assisted the invasion 1 I proposed that I should be considered as having resigned, for the reason that the public should not know that there could be a cause of difference between you and myself. To stop all further doubts, and to close a correspondence which occupies your attention, I herewith send my resignation, which I hope, as a great and only favor, may be at once attended to. I am your affectionate servant, GUILLERMO PRIETO. Benito Juarez. [Copy of resignation. ] Office of General Administration of P , Paso del Norte, October 2, 1865. There beinec no duties to perform in the general administration of post offices, and my presence in this place bebig of no consequence to my cause — on the contrary, a source of unpleasant feelings — I beg of you to entreat the President to grant me leave to reside wherever 1 may see fit, and if this should seem im- possible, to admit the formal resignation which I make to the office of general administrator of post offices. GUILLERMO PRIETO. The Minister of State. Paso del Norte, October 2, 1S65. My Esteemed Friend: I perfectly well recollect that I did not tell you what I was going to answer Ortega when you brought me his letter. I said that I would answer him in a courteous and polite manner and nothing more. I will present your resignation to the proper parties, and in due time will communicate to you their resolution. Your affectionate friend, BENITO JUAREZ. Guillermo Prieto. 444 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO Republican Army of Mexico, Office of Brigadier General, San Antonio cle Bexar, February 6, 1866. Notwithstanding the several supreme decrees which would have justified me at different times to have separated myself from the Mexican government, yet their indisputable title to legality made me remain at the side of Mr. Juarez, where I would now he were it not for the decrees of the 8th of November, which I consider as an attempt against constitutional order. When General Oomonfort, colleaguing with a portion of the army, shielding himself behind the memory of glorious deeds, and flattered by parties interested, gave his coup d'etat, I, in my humble position, withdrew from the armed mob, and did not vacillate an instant in giving my support to him who was president of the supreme court of justice, and who shortly entered into the exercise of the presidential power. In the struggle for reform, I had the honor to be one of the number who composed the army that, victorious in the capital, were the first to aggrandize the head of the government, so that in his aggrandizement might be seen the triumph of the law. During the present war, the more adverse to our cause was fortune, the more inseparable have I been to the government, and Mr. Juarez will bear me witness, that on treading the confiues of the republic, when it appeared that we touched the limits of our territory and our hopes at the same time, I was one of the few who carried that far their faith and respect for the government which still upheld the tattered but glorious banner of the nation. The decrees of the 8th of November changed the face of affairs, and threw the country back to the times when an obscure plot displaced the will of the nation ; and when reason, which is the law, ceded its place to arbitrariness, which is nothing but a manifestation of tyranny, I found myself more than any one else obliged to separate myself from the so-called government, because to a soldier there was not even the excuse that power was retained so as to continue the struggle, for the same coup d'etat only asked from the people their indifference in exchange for the government's inaction. I have arrived here, after extreme difficulty, so that you who have the legiti- mate title to, and imperious duty of saving the independence and laws of the country, might see me at your side in the station and manner which you may see fit, when you head the ranks of the defenders of independence. Having made this declaration, I comply with the duties which honor imposes on me ; and if, through any motive which I beforehand respect, you should not find it convenient to present yourself within the republic, I will go and join any soldiers who carry our flag as their symbol, Avithout having lost for one moment faith in the holiness of our cause through your absence; and thus I shall not be in the sad condition of him who tramples the laws and honor of his country under foot to save our independence, nor of him who compounds with the trans- gressions of Mr. Juarez. My acts will, at any rate, serve to explain my opinions, and be a proof that I neither received nor complied with the watchword to break, by force of arms, the rights of the nation. Liberty and reform! FERNANpO POUSEL. General Jesus G. Ortega, Constitutional President of the Republic of Mexico. Army of the Mexican Republic, Office of Brigadier General, San Antonio de Bexar, December 18, 1865. In the month of August of last year government left the city of Chihuahua and went to Paso del Norte, giving the order to the chiefs and officers who were attached to and followed it, that they might choose a place of residence in any place not occupied by the enemy, and also that it should not be El Paso del CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 445 Norte. In accordance with these orders, several chiefs, and I among them, took the road to Presidio del Norte, and there, in unison with General Negrete, and inspired by our patriotism, we fortunately got together a few arms so as to be able to bostilize the enemy. Two months passed, during which time I be- came convinced that the resources of the State being frittered away, and the executive taking no initiative part, our efforts would be useless. I vacillated between going into the interior of the republic to join some other forces, or to go to the United States, there to try and procure arms, when I had reason to know that Juarez was seriously plotting his perpetuation in power, which would, in reality, incapacitate national defence, and convert the army into the escort of a usurper. I entered the career of arms with libe.ty as a godfather. I wished to enter into citizenship on the field of battle, because the war which then raged was for the liberties and regeneration of the masses ; and the commencement of my career and the advent of Juarez to power coinciding, I neither had any other name nor other flag to invoke, nor any other cause than that with which he has been identified. His transformation into a revolutionist was his disappearance from legal right, and an army could only serve him for uses entirely personal. The evils which I then foresaw, the sentiments which from that moment animated me, and my acknowledgment of yourself as President of the republic after the 30th of No- vember, I made manifest to you through a commissioner which I sent to New York in August last, I coming to this city to reside, where I have, as you know, been as useful as I could be to the common cause of our country. This is the simple explanation of my conduct; I think it fully justified, not only from my inward feelings of conscience, not only from the rigid test of the laws, whose unequivocal tenor condemns Mr. Juarez, not only on account of public feeling, which, as it leaks out, shows the bitterness felt for the painful loss of one of our glories — for the name of Juarez was one of our national glories — but on account of the overturning of the legal order, and the danger to independence, because governments to be strong must be just, and usurpation carries within itself the germs of weakness and annihilation. I, one of the least of citizens, but in my expression of national conscience as great as any, have wished to protest by my conduct against the coup d'etat of Mr. Juarez, so as to be witness that among all classes, and on behalf of all who love their country, there is a unani- mous feeling against this overturning of the public right of the nation, against the criminal attempt to divide the lawful cause of the country, and against the probable effect of giving cause for anarchy and fraternal war in the midst of our foreign invasion, and the danger, even if triumphant in this horrible invasion, of receiving the terrible inheritance of civil war and capricious rulers. Having thus expressed my feelings, and fully convinced that you are the legitimate head of the government, I place myself at your orders, so that I may be em- ployed, even if only as a common soldier, in the defence of national independ- ence. Independence and liberty ! M. QUE SAD A. Jesus G. Ortega, President of the Republic of Mexico. New York, February 22, 1866. Sir : I herewith send you a copy of the letter which I sent to Mr. Benito Juarez on the 7th of October, of last year. You will note the frankness with which I always express myself, and more than ever when my feelings are brought in contact with the politics of my country. Benito Juarez, blinded in the extreme, has just given a terrible blow, not only against the constitution and nationality of the republic of Mexico, but against himself. I trust that he may yet turn his steps and arrive at a full knowledge 446 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. of the gravity of trie crime which he has committed. As in my letter I dilate fully upon the conduct which, in my belief, Mr. Juarez ought to observe, I omit repeating it here, but I wish it to be understood that I protest against the de- cree of the 8th of November, 1865, given by the referred to Juarez, whom I not only consider as an infamous blot in a government which is known as a consti- tutional one, but as the volume in which is recorded the expropriation of the rights which belong to a people, and which are now intrusted by them to the president of the supreme court of justice. Independence and liberty! JOAQUIN VILLALOBOS. General Jesus G Ortega, President of the Republic of Mexico. New York, October 7, 1865. Sir : The extraordinary events now transpiring in our country is the reason why I direct myself to you, to manifest what my opinion of the actual state of the political horizon is, and what I consider as just and necessary. Do not look on this letter as from a philosopher, which I am not, nor as the result of a par- tiality. What I wish to say to you now is instigated by my love for my country, and for those republican institutions which fortunately still rule us. Take this letter in that light and hear me. One of the great motives which has actuated France in originating an inter- vention, has been the disorder and want of respect to the laws in which Mexi- cans have always lived. Unfortunately, our reform, which originated the agony and death of the retrograde party, caused, necessarily, a civil war, but which, in Europe, was not so considered as necessary. Each party, which had come into existence up to the time of the revolution of Ayutla, had put forward their leaders, only to depose them in turn, and the conservative party, incorrigible to the last, owes its downfall to the villany of its acts and men. Not so the liberal party, which, convinced that its only guide could be /aw, pursued from the Ayutla revolution a legal path ; and neither defeat nor obstacle has made it change from its original resolution. The desertion of Mr Alvarez, which was rather turbulent, compromised ma- terially our situation, but, fortunately, a pacific arrangement quieted everything and opened the path to the presidency for Mr. Oomonfort. This gentleman, who unfortunately misunderstood the part he was to play, and wished to become the gratuitous thief of what he legally possessed, brought to light the famous coup d'etat, and, in doing this, infringed the law and changed public opinion. You know perfectly well what the result was of this notorious act. The church party extended its arms to the chief of the revolution, not to embrace him, but to strangle him, and Comonfort, undeceived a few hours after his treason, knew that military force had lost its influence in the country, and that nothing but the law held full dominion. We have here the reason why this apostate of Ayutla opened your prison doors and left you at liberty to join the army which was waiting for you, and who unanimously acknowledged you as the head of government. Nearly all the States lent their adhesion to you and offered to sustain you. . It is undoubtedly the case that when Comonfort violated his oath he left the field open for the ambitious success of many influential politicians, and that it was to be (eared that each particular faction, civil or military, should each take a separate and distinct road. However, this was not the case ; on the contrary, every republican of any note, capable of successfully playing his ambitious part, constituted himself into a bulwark of the law, and recognized Benito Juarez as the legitimate successor to the presidency of Mexico. It is needless to follow the course of that struggle ; suffice it to say, that in all the defeats of our army, and in all the confusion naturally originating from CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 447 so many rebuffs, your authority was never questioned, and even when you had to leave the country and embark on foreign waters and travel through f reign countries to return, it was never disrespected or doubted. Vera Cruz, which was the place chosen by the republican government for a temporary capital, opened its doors to the supreme authority of the nation ; it raised its walls and gave its sons for the defence of the, law in Benito Juarez. The triumph of the national cause was finally obtained, and the capital of the republic offered a seat in its palace to the legitimate President. Later, and through legal steps, the election for constitutional President was held. A portion of the people voted against you, but a majority elected you to that position, and you were recognized as President by all parties. From that time the opposition (to which party I belong) has criticised your official acts through the press, but always lawfully, and never have advised that you should be dispossessed by force of arms of your position. This, without doubt, would be sufficient to prove the respect rendered by Mexicans for duly elected authorities; but God, who, doubtless, wished to de- monstrate in a stronger manner our respect for the law, caused foreign inter- vention to be landed on our shores, so as to completely prove our solidity. In vain have Napoleon and his soldiers tried to disavow, and caused to be disavowed, the President of Mexico. The invader has overrun our country for three years, in every direction, and has been unable to overturn the lawful pedestal on which our banner rests. All the. forces who rise to defend the republic do it in the name of Juarez, the laws which are given forth are signed by Juarez, and an account of all the battles won or lost is made to Juarez, and the Mexican United States, who follow no model not fashioned by the law, acknowledge no other authority nor legitimate power excepting that of Juarez. It will, doubt- less, be asked, if it is the j> erson who accomplishes all this acknowledgment. Is it Benito Juarez, solely as Benito Juarez, who does all this % Undoubtedly no. He may be possessed of sufficient virtues to command great respect, but what the Mexican United States and society recognize is not Benito Juarez, but the legality of the law. Well, sir, after these hasty remarks and reflections, imagine my surprise to learn that a few Mexicans (residing in New York, calling themselves your friends, and also of our nationality, without being one or other) say, that not- withstanding your term of office has expired, you ought to continue in power, alleging reasons which are far from being satisfactory. These persons, unwit- tingly, are striving to dim the glory of your term, and would hurl us into sad confusion. No one is ignorant of the path pursued from the time of Ayutla to this date, yet it seems as if this interesting branch of Mexican history is not known by these imprudent advisers. The republic has no other method of being saved except through a respect for its laws, and if consent was given, through a false conviction, to their counsels to violate legality, any one would hereafter have the right to rise as sovereign and rule at his pleasure. One of the reasons given by those who wish you to continue as President is, that General Gonzalez Ortega will not maintain the rights of the nation with safety, and will occasion the loss of a country which you have so worthily defended. I do not wish to judge of this. It may be that they are right, or they may be wrong; but what there is no doubt about is, that your continuation in office illegally, and the resistance to turn over the government which the law demands should be turned over, would make you, not the President of the republic of Mexico, but only a revolutionist. One great proof of the obedience of a people who love republican institutions to their laws is, that after the death of Lincoln, Johnson, without a murmur from the masses, took his seat as President. Europe, which accused the republics of being based on false systems of government, on seeing this changed its tone, and loudly sang a thousand praises in honor of the system which it had attacked. When, finally, the universe has understood that 448 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. it. makes but little difference to a people, who obey their laws, who disappears, and that order is still maintained ; when we have such glorious examples before us, shall we, Mexicans, be the first to defile the republic, and give our more scandalous example to the world 1 Which would be greater for Juarez — to revolutionize and anarchize his country, or deliver up the trust which the law demands, and thus satisfy both the law and his conscience 1 How grand a spectacle would it be to see on the wide desert of Mexican politics, where there is scarcely a green spot large enough to spread our book of codes, to see two men open this book, and, changing the leaves, take or leave power without a struggle and in perfect h armony. What chief of Mexico would doubt the validity of this aet, and would not take courage to plume his ambition in honorable flight? The occupation by Johnson of his elevated position would be no more an act worthy to be extolled as belonging to the republican form of government than would be offered by you by so just an example. Then would all the severe criticisms of many writers, who exaggerate and even misunderstand our manner of government, be tempered in their censures, and these scribblers no more throw dirt in our faces. Then would the celebrated Richard dobden be once more in the wrong, for he has declared that the republic of Mexico was ungovernable, and that civilization would never enter its doors. Yes, Mr, Juarez, you can now be the greatest or most contemptible man of our country. Your conduct can either lower us to the lowest depths or elevate us to the orbits of great nations. Do not become responsible to future genera- tions for evil consequences, nor lend a willing ear to aught but the voice of the law and your own conscience. Fortunately you are in the position to act as few others. You have borne the national standard nobly for three years and one-half, in cities and in mountains, and on the same Mexican soil you can turn it over to your successor. If he takes it to the capital of the republic, not on this account will your glory be dimmed ; but if, unhappily, this flag should be dishonored in the hands of the new President, there will remain the satisfaction to you of having been able to fulfil what others could not do. Excuse my thus writing to you ; and I repeat that if these remarks are not the best counsels I can give, they are still to the point. Respectfully, JOAQUIN VILLALOBOS. Benito Juarez. The Mexicans who sign below, residing at this date in New York, on account of not wishing to recognize either the so-called empire of Maximilian or foreign intervention, and knowing that the legitimate base for the sustenance of demo- cratic principles, and of the nationality of the Mexican republic of Mexico, consists in obeying blindly the fundamental compact which binds the nation together, therefore, whatever Mexican spurns said fundamental compact is not worthy of consideration only as a creditor for the severest punishments : therefore, 1st. We protest against the decree of Benito Juarez, given on the 8th of November, 1865, wherein he declares himself President. 2d. We recognize as President of the republic of Mexico, during the time accorded to him by the law, General Jesus Gonzalez Ortega, president of the supreme court, and consequently legitimate successor to Mr. Benito Juarez. 3d. A copy of this shall be sent to citizen Jesus Gonzalez Ortega, to do as he likes with, and the original shall be preserved for whatever may occur wherein it may be needed. JUAN TONGO, Colonel in the Mexican Army. J RIVERA. JUAN N. ENRIQUEZ ORESTES. New York, February 20, 1866. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 449 [Enclosure No. 4.] Supplement to the first pamphlet of documents published by General Gonzalez Ortega, to excite a rebellion among his countrymen against the national gor<- ernment of Mexico. (No. Q.J Another word to the Mexican people : General Gonzalez Ortega published a pamphlet in this city, containing letters and other signed documents from Mexi- cans opposed to the decrees of the national government, issued the 8th of November last, concerning the continuation of Juarez's presidential term and Ortega's responsibility. He says he did not publish many answers to letters addressed to persons at a distance, because they were private, as if a public opinion could not be expressed in a private letter, as it is done by Patoni, Prieto, and Villalobos, in their letters, published by Ortega in his pamphlet. We do not think the resolutions drawn up in New York, by Tongo and Jacob Rivera, and Priest Henry Orestes, as a public document. To supply Ortega's omission, we publish this pamphlet as a supplement to his. It contains the replies of Berriozabal, Zarco, Baz, Tovar, Cuevas, and Robert, to the circular mentioned, which Ortega did not publish because they were private. There is also one letter from Alejandro Garcia, addressed to Juarez, expressing his sentiments and those of his constituents, on the subject of the decrees ; and one from Gre- gorio Mendez, governor of Tabasco, to Juarez, on the same subject. We also insert a note of Mr. Romero, Mexican minister, to the government of the United States, and Mr. Seward's reply, on the same subject. A letter from Joaquin Villalobos to General Green Clay Smith, member of Congress from Kentucky, and answer, are added. We could have inserted many more from distinguished patriots, who are fighting for independence, but we refrain, because our only aim is to complete the collection of documents published by General Ortega, with letters he has omitted. For the same reason we make no comments. Yet it is a mystery to us why General Ortega made such an incomplete publication, compelling us to finish it, and thus make it impartial. The general's antecedents prevent us from suspecting him of wishing to aid the enemy, and yet we must say, that every attempt to disparage the republic is aid to the enemy. Did Mr. Ortega reflect, that if the national government at Paso del Norte is not recognized, there is no other to acknowledge but Maximilian's? Can he assert that Mexico has no government, neither in fact nor in law? If the United States should disavow the government of Juarez, would they recognize that of Ortega, not as good ? The probability is the United States would say, " Since there is no national government in Mexico, there is no alternative but to recognize Maximilian," for they certainly would not break off all commerce with a country to which they are bound by many ties. Does General Ortega look at the sad picture he would make of our country, the delight of all its enemies ? He must see that his efforts to secure the presidency of the Mexican republic exciie a sedition against the existing government, and gives our detractors a reason to say we cannot govern ourselves ; that we are essentially anarchical; that, in the hour of calamity, when we ought to think of nothing but the country, give aid to the government, and lend it all our holy efforts, we raise a new party, with no aim but to satisfy an ignoble ambition ; we weaken ourselves and contribute to the triumph of our conquerors. As political friends of General Ortega, we will give him some advice, though we doubt if he needs it, after that given to his secretary bj Mr. Green Clay Smith. If he really thought himself entitled to the presidency, he should have been present at Paso del Norte before the oOth of November, 1865, to decide the question and take possession of the office, if it belonged to him. But that time has passed, and all he can now do is to say : " While the constitutional authority 29 Mex. • 450 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. is settling the question in dispute, I will contribute with my sword to the defence of independence, under the government formed by the people." The place for a man who has been made general by his country is not in foreign cities, revelling in the enchantments of a crowded population, without leave, without a commission or order from his government, while a foreign war is waged at home ; but to him, the field of honor is his distracted country. MANY MEXICANS. Washington, April 4, 1866. San Juan Bautista, February 2, 1866. Very Distinguished and Esteemed Sir : Your two acceptable letters reached me the 27th of October and 9th of November last. * # * # * * * # * I will have the decrees Mr. Romero sent me published to-morrow, and with great pleasure, for the whole State approves of them as well as myself. There is no man of greater merit than you in the nation, nor one who has given more hope by taking the supreme command at a time when constant changes created great distrust. The trial of Ortega is a fact that gives influence to the govern- ment from the morality it infuses into our society, and especially among our great men, accustomed to stand upon their dignity for protection, for it makes their offences more serious. G. MENDEZ. Don Benito Juarez, President of the Republic, Chihuahua. New York, February 23, 1866. Esteemed Friend : I received the circular issued at San Antonio, on the 3d instant, only to-day. In it you ask me what I think of the decrees of Presi- dent Juarez, issued on the 8th of November last. In asking this question you say you are supported by the right the nation has to know the conduct of their public men. I acknowledge and approve of the right, and will act upon it when the time comes — that is, when I am called to account by the nation ; but you will excuse me for making a difference between you and the nation, and if I do not consider myself obliged to answer your interrogatories. You address me as a member of congress, and consider me as called upon to express my opinion about national affairs. It might be so if congress was in session, but as I am now out of it, I do not consider myself obliged to answei*. I was elected for two years, from the 15th of September, 1862, to the same time in 1864 ; so I am not now a member. You say : " The defence of independence demands that no opposing banners shall be raised." As a private Mexican citizen, who is not a judge of his country to decide the acts of his government, I agree with you, and will do my best to support that government. As there would be no use in the further expression of my opinion, you will pardon me for not answer- ing more particularly. As I am not a public character, and am not called upon to decide political questions and judge the acts of my government, I beg you to consider this a private letter. Yours, &c, JUAN J. BAZ. Don Jesus Gonzalez Ortega. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 451 New York, February 23, 1866. My much Esteemed Friend : I have just received your circular of the 3d, from San Antonio, enclosing a protest against the decrees of the Sth of Novem- ber last, issued by citizen Benito Juarez, constitutional President, and his minis- ter Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, and asking my opinion of those acts. I will not answer your note officially, because I am a member of congress, as you know, one of the chief bodies of the nation, absolutely independent, and none of its members can be called to account for a year after the close of the session, and then only legally by the executive or judiciary, according to cer- tain laws ; so if I answered you officially I would pass for an ignoramus, and would make myself responsible to the body to which I belong, and to the nation whose laws I have violated. To tell you, then, which side I take would be equivalent to raising one of those banners of revolt that you condemn, and which concerns an internal question in which I do not wish to meddle during this crisis of the republic. As I am a friend of order, I have always condemned any misconduct of my fellow-citizens. I am no blind partisan of any cause, and I think the unfortunate situation of our country is owing, in part, to the want of zeal, good judgment, morality, and purity in some of its former rulers, and to the odious treason of some of its native-born sons. At this solemn time I am only thinking of its independence, the union of all Mexicans who have firmness and constancy in their hearts, and are enthusiastic iu their efforts to repel the enemy — the invader who is trying to take the* coun- try the early revolutionists gave us, the same country now defended by the soldiers of liberty. Without a country, we would have no territory or inhabit- ants to enforce institutions and test legality ; no tribunals to determine the re- sponsibility of those who have failed to do their duty, and thus done evil to their country. On learning you were in the city of New York, I am rejoiced to hear you have the firm resolution of attending to national interests, and of returning to the territory to continue the defence of independence ; for when that is safe, all the rest will follow. I am sure you will provoke no discord, but will join in the union for salvation ; and then those who have been injured will be revenged, and the guilty will meet with a just punishment. • I did not come here of my own will, but by superior order, to fulfil a com- mission, which I fear I will not be able to perform for want of means. When my business is over and my health restored, if not ordered to remain, I will return to Mexico. I consider myself obliged to make this reply known to my fellow-members. I hope this candid answer will not diminish our former friend- ship. LEANDRO GUEVAS. General Jesus Gonzalez Ortega. New York, February 23, 1S66. Esteemed Friend and Comrade: I received your communication of the 3d instant, issued at San Antonio, only this day, with several copies of your protest against the decrees of the Sth November of last year, and a manifest to the nation on the same subject. You ask me, as a member of congress, how I received the decrees — if I ap- prove them or not. In the first place, I must inform you I am not a member of congress, though I was at the last session, which ended in ] 864 ; so, as a member, I have nothing to say about the decrees. This ought to be a full an- swer to your question ; but, without saying whether the Juarez government is in fact or in law the right one, it is certainly the only one we have, and we ought to support it. I for one am disposed to obey all orders from it, and will stick to the national defence. ' 452 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO ITrom your manifest and what you say in your letter I am convinced you are persuaded of the harm two parties would now bring to the republic. We are weak, and must keep united to resist the ills that foreigners would bring upon ras. The country must have a single government, a centre round which to con- centrate and to have a proper effect abroad. It would give a great advantage to the invaders if the country were divided. Therefore, I repeat, I will stand by the government in its defence of the nation. This resolution is entirely disinterested, for I have nothing to gain from the national party ; but it is my duty as a Mexican, particularly under the present trying circumstances, to lay aside all personalities and act for the public good. I do not entirely approve of the tenor of the decrees, particularly of that portion relating to you, for I think they can do no good in these troublous times, when all ought to be friendly and united in the same holy cause. I am glad I have taken no part in them ; for, if they are enforced, harm will certainly result, the country will be split into parties, and anarchy will prevail. As a Mexican and a friend I advise you to remain firm in your patriotism, unless you seek harm. The world is looking at us, and our enemies will take advantage of every imprudence to show tbat we cannot govern ourselves, and this they are constantly repeating. 1 hope you will excuse me for replying to your official communication in this letter ; but as I am not now a public character, and as you have no right to question a citizen on such a serious subject, I must return your note, and sign myself, &c, FELIPE B. BERRIOZABAL. General Jesus G-, Ortega. New York, February 24, 1866. Much Esteemed Friend : Your communication of the 3d from San Antonio cached me yesterday. You ask my opinion about the decrees of the Sth No- vember, prolonging the Juarez presidency. Your excuse for the interrogation is the right the nation has to know the conduct of its public men, and your right to obtain that information. You address me as a member of congress; I am not, nor have I been since 1864. I am a Mexican citizen, who preferred living in a foreign country to submitting to French intervention, since I could be of no service to the national cause. But on account of my former friendship with you, and because I never make a mystery of my opinions, I will give them to you privately in this letter. I do not acknowledge you have a right to ask me these questions, but from courtesy I will answer them. If the nation hereafter desires to know what I am now doing abroad I can tell "A ; but till that time, I choose to keep slience. My former conduct in regard to legal order and progressive principles is well known to my fellow-countrymen, aud my efforts to maintain the supremacy of the law have been constant, both through the press and by public acts, and I have been persecuted by factions conspiring against legality and by the enemies of liberty. As to my approval or disapproval here of acts of the government of Mexico, representing our nationality, I would be failing in my duty if I excited (sontroversies that could only serve to strengthen the foreign usurpers. My only desire is the independence of our country ; in presence of this holy wish everything else seems low and contemptible. I insist that intervention and monarchy are most atrocious injustice and scandalous outrage, and that the peo- ple of Mexico, oppressed, conquered, disgraced, will never submit to a foreign yoke, but will ever struggle for their republican institutions ; and I think that is also the duty of those Mexicans who are living out of the country, without tkinking of domestic dissensions. The decree in which Mr. Juarez prolongs his presidential mandate seems to me to be given conformably to the powers granted to him by congress to sus- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 453 tain the situation, and they are within the restrictions imposed upon him. He can do anything not prohibited ; so I understand the spirit that guided congress, and in this conception I drew up the bill that became a law, and supported it in debate as a member of the committee of relations. As a plain citizen, I therefore recognize Juarez as the legitimate President of the Mexican republic, and I wish the most influence and greatest success to his government, the existence of which, before the world, is identified with our na- tionality. Do not infer from this that I approve of all the acts of the government. If I see some errors, I deplore them and regret them, and I think no private citizen should censure our ruler when the enemy is upon us. If the government acts wrong, makes mistakes, the day will come when it may be called to account, and the country will do justice and pronounce a sentence or remunerate. In the mean time -there is no sacrifice the aggrieved or offended in any way should not make for the government, no matter if it has not taken their advice or made use of their services. The first and least painful of these sacrifices is silence, because every voice that calls out against Mexico is heard in favor of the invader. There is only one case where silence is not necessary, in my opin- ion, and in which the government would lose all its legitimacy, and make the cause of rebellion just and holy — that is, by its accepting intervention ; but for- tunately this case is impossible, and on this point there is no one who does not feel the greatest confidence in the patriotism and constancy of the President of the republic. I have not hesitated to speak to you frankly, because I see from your com- munication you are opposed to the raising of two flags, and because you are prepared for every sacrifice to save your country. You who have the glory to have been one of the chief soldiers in the restoration of order, and who have done so much in the present foreign war, will exalt yourself more in the eyes of your fellow- citizens by this sacrifice, if to refrain from raising another banner in Mexico, to increase our dissensions, to weaken us, and to make the defence of independence impossible, can be called a sacrifice. As ] serenely contemplate the situation of our country, I do not despair of its future ; my only hope is to see Mexico free and independent. My opinion is the more impartial as I have nothing to fear or to expect from you or Juarez ; and I am sure, after independence is recovered, we had better give way to new men, who are younger and stronger, for revolutions break dowra those who take part in them. Your friend and servant, FRANCISCO ZARC0. Jesus Gonzales Ortega. Tlacotalpam, February 26, I860. Dear Sir and Fri end : I yesterday received from Mr. Eomero your esteemed letter of the 10th November last, mentioning your decree prolonging the presi- dential term, and naming General Dias chief of the eastern line, and appointing me second. I said in mine of the 14th that I had ordered a vote on the subject long before I received the decree and accompanying documents, and the result is a unanimous assent to the decrees. I am now publishing the resolutions in the official bulletin, which I send you as it comes out. I also send them to Mr. Romero for the information of the United States, and I will continue to do so, and will send the complete document to the department of government. Though I cannot send you all these resolutions at once, as I said before, you can act with the assurance that all the eastern line is in your favor. ALEJANDRO GARCIA. Don Benito Juarez, President of the Mexican Republic. 454 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO.. New York, February 27, 1866. Very Dear Sir : I received your circular of the 3d, published in San Antonio, (Texas,) this day. You ask me, as a member of congress, my opinion in regard to the decree of the 8th November, prolonging the presidential term till a new election can take place. Believing the constitutional government has acted in conformity with the powers conferred upon him by congress, I have never opposed its acts, as I think, as you do, it would be unpatriotic. I tell you this, not because you have a right to ask me, but because my opinions are public, and politeness to you prompts me to answer you. Yours, &c, CIPRIANO ROBERT. Don Jesus Gonzales Ortega, Present. [Private.] New York, February 28, 1866. Much Esteemed Friend : I have received your circular, your protest, and your manifest of the 3d instant, in regard to the decree of President Juarez continuing his presidential term while the French continue to invade Mexico. I am surprised you ask my opinion in the matter, since nobody has the right to question me in such things. Moreover, I am not now a member of congress, for my term expired in 1864. But for politeness, I will tell you what I think. I think the President acted in accordance with article 128 of the constitution when he issued the decrees mentioned. Now the three powers of the nation are the President, the supreme court, and congress. The President is first, and the natural guardian elected by the people. His duty is to protect it under all circumstances, particularly in times of foreign invasion. Next to him comes the president of the supreme court of justice, also elected by the people, and intended to fill the President's place in case of default. Then comes congress, which is put last, because in troublous times that body cannot always be kept together. I could adduce many occurrences of the last eight years in support of my opinion ; but what I have already said will make you understand why I think citizen Juarez was right in promulgating the decrees, in question. And there is another strong reason why I must acknowledge Juarez as President of the republic — the troubles afflicting the country. If I had been in the country at the time the decrees were issued, even if I had been opposed to them, I would have kept my opinion secret, and continued to fight for the independence of the country. I am rejoiced at your resolve not to divide the party by "hoisting a new banner, and earnestly exhort you to join us against the usurpers of our nationality. As ever, your friend, &c, Don Jesus Gonzalez Ortega, PANTALEON TOVAR. New York, February 28, 1866. Dear Sir : I see by the papers that you, as a good American who takes an interest in Mexican affairs, have asked the Executive when Juarez's presidential term would expire, You also ask if an election has taken place, or can take place during intervention. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 455 As all the documents on this subject are soon to be published, I beg you to wait till then, that you may learn all about it, and act accordingly. I will send you from time to time what is intended for publication. Respectfully, &c, JOAQUIN VILLALOBOS. Mr. Green Clay Smith, Member of House of Rejwesentatives, Washington, I). C. Washington, March 2, 1866. Dear Sir : Yours of the 28th has reached me. I am obliged to you for the information you offer in regard to the close of the administration of President Juarez. My object in offering the resolution was to have a publication of all the docu- ments pertaining to the subject now in the hands of the Executive, and they ought to be complete, for the information of Congress as well as the people. Your most obedient servant, GREEN CLAY SMITH. Mr. Joaciuin Villalobos, New York. New York, April 3, 1866. Much Esteemed Friend : Serious family cares have prevented me from making a few observations on the pamphlet of Mr. Gonzalez Ortega against President Juarez, and I would not now notice the production if the imperial papers were not discussing it. I don't think Mr. Gonzalez Ortega will be pleased with what the enemies of independence say about his protest and manifest, and I believe he will repent of it when he sees the consequences. He might have meant well, but he has certainly done ill. He will suffer enough from the diatribes of those malicious periodicals. I will proceed to give you some ideas that came into my mind when I read the pamphlet in which Ortega endeavors to draw obloquy upon the government, which he says " is located in one corner of the republic." He said, " Juarez is in the republic, it is true, but exists in a small corner of the territory." What can be Ortega's object to ask the people of New York, where he now is, their opinion on the subject? I cannot guess. Only to find out 1 We Mexi- cans abroad are not the country, and it seems almost like recognizing the inter- vention to remain here. What Mexicans are now the real representatives of the country 1 Surely not those under the foreigners and traitors, for they have no suffrage. But who can do this ? Those who, without bread, arms, or ammu- nition, oppose intervention, suffer from hunger and want of clothes, and do all they can for independence only to see Mexico free, with no reward, and the gibbet threatening them in front. These are the real representatives of the nation now, and Mr. Gonzalez Ortega ought to consult them, if he wants to know the opinion of republicans. Let us consider what these patriots have done since the decrees of the Sth November. General Diego Alvarez published the decrees in the south, and recognized the President as the true government. General Francisco de Leon, acting gov- ernor of Tamaulipas, submitted to General Oarvajal, appointed governor by Juarez. General Escobedo, governor of New Leon and commander in Coahuila, sent word to General Oarvajal that he was subject to -his orders. General Alejandro Garcia, governor of Tabasco and chief of the eastern line, continued 456 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. to acknowledge Juarez as President. The brave General Regules is appointed to command the centre by this same man Juarez. Sonora, Sinaloa, and Chi- huahua recognize him. Thus you see all the brave men who fight are in favor of Juarez, and continue to stand by the chief magistrate who has supported the republican flag, if it is in one corner of the Mexican territory. But, if that is not sufficient to legalize the presidency of Juarez, if article 128 of the constitution is not enough, we have the full powers granted him by con- gress on the 27th October, 1862. To show you I am right, I will cite a grave fact, approved by the nation. By these extra powers, the 16th June, 1864, Juarez called a session of congress, declaring that the clergy and federal employes could vote, and no certificate of residence would he required of any one, whether elected by a State or territory. Now, these orders are contrary to the constitution of 1857 ; yet the nation did not raise its voice against them, but elected representatives from Sinaloa, Sonora, Coahuila, New Leon, Chiapas, Oajaca, Chihuahua, Guerrero, Tabasco, and that part of the State of Vera Cruz not held by the enemy. Thus the republic supported the President in his reform of the constitution ; then has he not the right to do what he pleases to save that constitution and the independence of the republic % 1 think so. And I also think General Gonzalez Ortega would have done better to keep silence, and thus fulfil a patriotic duty, and not provoke the Sociedad newspaper to say : "The bold Boman who exhibited the bloody body of Csesar to the people did no more injury to his assassins than Gonzalez Ortega does to legality by expos- ing its bleeding body in garments that are not spotless, owing to his acts." Yours, &c, PANTALEON TOVAB. Don Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, Paso del Norte. Further data. Since this supplement went to press, we have received the news that Colonel Naranjo and Commander Saenz refuse to join General Negrete in his protest against the government. Their answers to his note are too long to be inserted here. Negrete utters this falsehood: "The danger of the situation increases, because the government at Washington will not recognize Juarez. Belations are broken off, and will not be renewed till the new President fixes his place of residence." The circular is dated the 27th January, on the banks of the Rio Grande. Among other things, the colonel says in his answer : " The traitors say they are only pretending to adhere to the empire, and will soon show which side they are on." " Where is your President ? Just where you are ; and yet he presents himself before the entire nation from New York ! He is the personification of law and justice, while he condemns a man who is doing his duty at the head of the defenders of independence." The above letter is from Villaldama, the 6th of February, 1866. Commander Saenz says, among other things : "I have already seen your letter, Mr. Negrete, and I think you ought to know us better than to address us in that manner." "You were the bitter enemy of Ortega in Chihuahua, threatening to murder him in some way, and now you exalt him as our only saviour. 1 can hardly believe it, yet it is true. It was reserved for a Negrete, a Gonzalez Ortega, to appear in the darkest days of sorrow in their country, like unnatural sons who come to kill their dj'ing mother and divide her inheritance between them."" "Indeed, I do not think you are the pilots to save the ship containing the precious treasure of our independence ; you are inexperienced and have not the CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 457 courage. This is what I think of you, when I hear you profaue the sacred name of country and independence, and quoting the constitution to sustain you, interpreting it after your own fashion, of course. But when I examine your speech, I find the truth is wanting, and I become indignant." "I must say to you for the last time, what you see here written contains my opinion, and you will always find me consistent." "All we want is to save our country, and Ave think we shall ; if not, we fall in the attempt. Ready for every sacrifice, we defy the world, if the world dares molest us. If the Mexican nation sink, we will sink Avith it." (Dated February 7, 1866.) — Supplement to No. II of the official paper of tlie government of the Mexican republic. Such is the opinion of the only ones who have a right to give it, and they are those who march with arms in their hands. P. S. — We have just received No. 11 of the official paper from Paso del Norte, dated 8th March, 1S66. It contains notes from Antonio Pedrin, governor of Lower California, and from Garcia Morales, military commander of Sonora, ap- plauding Juarez for issuing the decrees of the 8th November. [Enclosure No. 5.] General Gonzalez Ortega and his nine indorsers versus the Mexican nation and the constitutional President of its unanimous choice, with an appendix, con- taining accompanying documents. A pamphlet in English, intended for circulation in the United States, and prominently put forward within a few days, has been issued by a Mexican general, Jesus Gonzalez Ortega, a pretender to the presidency of Mexico. In Mexico, where, if anywhere, such an appeal is in place, scarcely a word in reply to it would be needed, for public opinion there, with a unanimity far greater even than that which re-elected Abraham Lincoln President of the United States, has already decided the question beyond recall. Negative proof of this, of itself conclusive, is afforded by the pamphlet itself. It contains, as appendix, what Ortega, in the title, calls "letters in ratification of his position." He had seven months to collect these. They are spread over twenty-six pages. WHO ARE ORTEGA'S INDORSERS ? How many of these letters are from Mexican officials % Not one. How many are written from Mexico at all ? Not one. How many are there in all ? Nine — four written from Texas and five from New York. Who are the writers ? Two are ex-governors of States, two ex-brigadier generals, one ex- postmaster general, one ex-colonel ; every one of them disaffected ex-officials, absent from their native country in her hour of danger and suffering. Three more make the list of Ortega's indorsers — one an ex-editor and two others whom nobody knows. Nine malcontent refugees ! He omitted, on his muster-roll, one additional supporter, whose name should have been the tenth — Manuel Ruiz, formerly act- ing minister of justice, who, in November last, declared for Ortega, aud in De- cember went over to the French. — (House Ex. Doc. No. 73, 1S66, part 2, p. 40.) THE VOICE OF THE MEXICAN NATION. How, meanwhile, during these seven months, has the announcement of Juarez's extension of term, necessitated by French intervention, been received ? Jubilantly ; by acclamation. The details would fill a volume. The governor of the State of Vera Cruz, Alejandro Garcia, second in command of the east- 4^5 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. em division of the Mexican republic, in sending on (as early as February last) manifestoes from seventeen towns within his State, says : " The letters already received on this subject are too voluminous to be sent." (House Ex. Doc, 1866, part 2, page 52.) The manifestoes referred to (pp. 54 to 63) exhibit in brief and simple phrase the enthusiasm of the people. There has been throughout the entire nation, whether as regards officials or municipal bodies or public men, no exception. Not a governor of a State, not a town or a city under native rule, but has declared for the continuance in his present position of President Juarez. Nay, more, not a Mexican citizen resident in Mexico has, in public harangue or in printed communication, expressed disapprobation of the exten- sion of Juarez's term of office, or given in his adhesion to General Ortega. We might search in vain throughout modern history for a parallel example of na- tional unanimity. PROOFS. So far as proof of these statements can be supplied, without swelling this pamphlet beyond reasonable limits, it will be found in an appendix. Letters are there given from every governor, now acting as such, within the republic of Mexico, from distinguished officers now in the field, and from public men, all approving the action of Juarez in prolonging his presidency during the war. Several of the towns went further than this, adding an expression of their earnest desire that Juarez should be elected President for a second term, after the present war is over. MEXICAN SENTIMENT IN CALIFORNIA. But it is not to the country over which Juarez's jurisdiction extends that the confidence reposed in him by his countrymen is restricted. California attracts Mexicans in large numbers, and from that country also comes to us, through loyal associations and otherwise, a concurrent meed of approbation. In the congressional document already quoted (pp. 43 to 48) examples will be found. The patriotic Mexican clubs of San Francisco, of Sacramento, of Virginia City, and others, by addresses numerously signed, testify in the strongest terms then- approval of Juarez's course. Is there among these hundreds one voice for Or- tega ? No. Of his corporal's guard of nine not one hails from the shores of the Pacific. Here these remarks might terminate, for the question is a domestic one, as to which Mexicans are the sole arbiters. But it may interest some readers briefly to inquire whether the popular verdict is as just as it has been unanimous. CONSTITUTIONAL ARGUMENT. The articles of the Mexican constitution upon which Ortega's pretensions are based will be found in House Executive Document, 1862, No. 100, at page 148, as follows : Article 79. In temporary default of a President of the republic, and in the vacancy before the installation of the newly elected, the president of the supreme court of justice shall enter upon the exercise of the functions of President. Article 80. If the default of President be absolute, a new election shall be proceeded with, according to the provisions of article 76, and the one so elected shall exercise his functions until the last day of November of the fourth year following his election. Article 82. If, from whatever reason, the election of President shall not have been made and published by the first of December, upon which the change is to take place, or if the newly elected is not able to enter promptly upon the exercise of his functions, the term of the preceding President shall nevertheless cease, and the supreme executive power shall be deposited, ad interim, in the president of the supreme court of justice. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 459 This is from the translation of the Mexican constitution officially communi- cated to the State Department. The concluding phrase of article 82, which contains the gist of the matter, reads in the original as follows : " El supremo poder ejecutivo se depositara interinamente en el presidents de a suprema corte de justicia." The literal translation of the word "interinamente" is "provisionally,'' " temporarily." And the provision is, that the supreme executive power shall he deposited (or, as we express it, shall vest) provisionally in the president of the supreme court. Originally, Mexico had, like the United StateSf a senate and a lower house, the vice-president, as with us, being president of the senate. When a change was made limiting the congress to a single chamber, the chief justice was se- lected as vice-president to fill any vacancy caused by death or other default of the President. The whole context of the articles quoted shows that the arrangement which placed the chief justice in the presidential chair was to be strictly a temporary one. " In temjwrary default of a President," (Art. 79,) the president of the supreme court is to take his place. Against his permanent occupation of the seat a jealous guard is set. In case of the President's death the chief justice is not allowed, as under our Constitution the Vice-President is, to serve during the rest of the presidential term. " If the default of President be absolute," (Art. 80,) a new election shall be held. The policy is plain. Its spirit cannot be misunderstood. No one but the man actually voted for as President is, under any circumstances, permanently to occupy the presidential chair. There was jealousy on another point. An ambitious President, hoping, per- haps, to hold office in perpetuity, might intrigue to prevent or postpone an elec- tion for his successor. In order to defeat any such intrigue, it was provided (Art. 82) that, when the term for which a President was elected had expired, the executive power was to vest in the chief justice. The debates in the con- vention which adopted the Mexican constitution show that this was the spirit and intent of the provision. Article 82, taken alone and according to its letter, undoubtedly gives the presidency temporarily to Ortega, as chief justice, the words being, " If, from whatever reason, the election of President shall not have been made and published by the first of December;" and the election, in point of fact, not having been made and published by that day. But taken in connection with the articles which precede it, and in view of the well-known intent of its framers, and, yet more especially, interpreted in the light of that policy which distinguishes the Mexican constitution from ours, namely, that he only shall permanently act as President who was elected to be President, not he who was elected as a temporary substitute, it would have been a direct violation of the spirit of the articles quoted, had the substitute in this case become the principal. It will be observed that the words are not "If, from whatever cause, no elec- tion can be held." The contingency anticipated evidently was that in which an election, though possible, was not held or was not published ; a contingency much more likely to happen through intrigue of an unscrupulous incumbent, in an unsettled government like the Mexican, than among us. But, in the case we are considering, no man can doubt Juarez's great desire that it had been possible to hold an election ; and as little can we doubt that, if it had been pos- sible, he, by an overwhelming vote, would have been a second time the people's choice. The contingency of a foreign invasion so formidable in its proportions as to overrun the country, and render impossible the holding of an election at all, was evidently not in the minds of the framers of the constitution. Not anticipating it, they did not provide for it. In providing for another case they used words which, if we accept the letter to the exclusion of the spirit, and construe the 460 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. word interinamente to mean indefinitely, maybe claimed to justify a proceeding which was clearly neither foreseen nor intended. But, in addition to this, the Mexican congress, in view of the military neces- sities which, when the French invasion began, they foresaw, granted extraor- dinary powers, suited to the emergency, to the President. By a law of De- cember 11, 1861, they decreed: "Art. 2. The Executive is hereby fully authorized and empowered to take such steps, and adopt such measures, as in his judgment may be necessary under the existing circumstances, without "other restrictions than that of saving the independence and integrity of the national territory, the form of government established by the constitution, and the principles and laws of reform." Suppose the term of election of the governor of a State had expired during the war, with no possibility to elect his successor, is it not certain that Juarez had the power, under that law, to prolong his term of office ? Is it not equally certain that he had the power, if he saw fit to exercise it, to prolong his own % Must he not have been certain that the people, almost unanimously, desired that prolongation 1 Has it not since been proved, beyond all denial, that they did ? And ought he, from motives of false delicacy, and to satisfy a technical scruple, to have thwarted the national will at a moment when everything — even the salvation of the very constitittion from which we have been quoting — depended upon popular unanimity, and popular confidence in the executive head ? That would have been to reverse what we are told of the Sabbath, and to say, "Mexicans were made for the constitution, not the constitution for Mexicans." "The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." Never was there a more com- plete exemplification of the text than in the present case. Blindly to follow the letter of the law, under circumstances in which it was clearly never meant to apply, and thus to violate its spirit, would have been to prefer technicality to vitality, and, in all human probability, to have sacrificed the life of the nation thereby. Is it strange that the Mexican people, listening to common sense, preferred the substance to the shadow and ratified Juarez's decision ? ORTEGA RESIDES IN MEW YORK. But the people of Mexico may have had additional cause, of a personal char- acter, for their decision. On the 28th of December, 1864, General Ortega made an application to the Mexican government, through the minister of foreign relations. He does not give the text of that application in his pamphlet ; but we find it in the Con- gressional document already quoted, (No. 73,) page 30. He applied for "license to repair to the interior of the republic, or elsewhere within Mexican coasts, to continue to defend with arms the independence of Mexico." And he added: " As the interior States are occupied by the invaders, I may have to pass some sea or foreign territory to realize my desires, and I hope you will inform the citizen President of this." Two days afterwards, to wit, under date December 30, 1864, his request was acceded to, leave being granted him to "proceed either directly or by trav- ersing the sea, or through some foreign country, to points of the Mexican re- public not occupied by the enemy, to continue to defend the national independ- ence," &c, but not a word about going to a foreign country, there to remain. Yet the said General Gonzales Ortega, leaving Mexico in February, 1865, and passing by way of Santa Fe to New York, instead of proceeding to any part of Mexico, there to fight for her independence, has absented himself even to the present time, throughout these darkest days of his country's history. Which of the two men were the people of Mexico more likely to desire as CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 461 their standard-bearer — the patriot who has remained faithfully at his post and endured, even to this hour, the burden and heat of the day, or the man who, under cover of a license to proceed through some foreign country to points of the Mexican republic, there to defend her independence, went direct to New York, and has since spent his time chiefly in that city, leaving his country to her fate 1 But these are trifles. The fact is, indeed, that the Mexican people have no longer any confidence in Ortega; but even if that had been otherwise, the na- tional decision would have been the same — in favor of their long-tried leader, Benito Juarez, and of the spirit of their federal constitution. ANIMUS AND OBJECT OF ORTEGA'S PAMPHLET. This appeal, by a Mexican general, to a foreign people, against the unanimous verdict of his own countrymen, is a scheme fraught with unmixed mischief, and not even redeemed, as many unprincipled schemes are, by the poor excuse of possible success in attaining its ostensible object. Mrs. Lavinia Janetta Horton Ryves, a recent claimant for royal rights in the English law courts, was as likely to dethrone Queen Victoria as General Ortega is to displace President Juarez. No sane man, even slightly conversant with the facts, for a moment imagines that he can. That is not the object of Ortega's pamphlet. If it had been, that document would have been published in Spanish and in Mexico, not in English, to circulate among us, who have no voice in the matter. Its object is, injury, by base indirection, to a noble cause. Its object is, to create doubts throughout this country, in the minds of the uninformed, as to the stability of executive authority in Mexico, for what ulterior purpose we need not inquire. Suffice it that the whole affair is the flimsiest pretext; an effort, transparent as glass, to get up the idea that there is a contest for the Mexican presidency. A contest! If there be, it is one in which there is the Mexican nation, in- cluding all its officials, civil and military, duly represented near our government by its accredited minister on the one side, and, on the other, nine absentees, without present position or influence, led by a Mexican general, brave, very likely, and who, in former days, may have done good service in the field, as Benedict Arnold did before he turned traitor to his country. APPENDIX. The following are letters, or extracts from letters, variously addressed, from every governor of a State in the republic of Mexico, now acting as such. It will be seen that every one approves Juarez's course: From General Diaz, governor and military commandant of the State of Oaxaca and commander of the eastern division, to the Mexican minister. Tlalpa, May 9, 1866. * * I have caused the publication here of the late decrees of the government. The first, with reference to the extension of the constitutional period of the President, has been received with great satisfaction. It is unnecessary for me to speak of my own views, for they are always manifested in my conduct, which consists in entire obedience, or in entiie withdrawal from official position, when my convictions do not permit my concurrence in the policy pursued. In the present case, the step taken by the President is, in my judgment, not only opportune, but the only course that is consistent with the salvation of our cause. The decree which orders the submission to trial of General Ortega and other officers similarly liable is, in my judgment, well founded in the ordinances and practice of war. 462 CONDITION OF AFFAIES IN MEXICO. My opinion with reference to the strict maintenance of the ordinances is well known: they should always be rigorously applied. I believe, therefore, that the government has only done what was. its duty in this matter. I remain your attentive friend and servant, PORFIRIO DIAZ. Seiior Don Matias Romero, Washington. From General Garcia, governor of Vera Cruz anal second in command of the eastern division, to President Juarez. Tlacotalpam, February 26, 1866. Very Dear Sir and much Respected Friend : * * . * ' # I informed you in my letter of the 14th instant that on the 1st, before I re- ceived your official decree and other documents prolonging your term, I had sent out a circular to all the authorities within the lines to ascertain the will of the people. I have received assurances from every quarter acknowledging your right to continue in the presidency of the republic till another constitutional election can be held. I am now receiving the manifestoes and am publishing them in the official bulletin, of which I send you copies. I also send some to Mr. Romero, for any good use he may make of them in the United States, and I will continue to do so by every opportunity. When complete, I will despatch them to the depart- ment of government for due consideration. I repeat to you what I said in my last; that is, though I cannot send you the facts now, you may rest assured that all the eastern line will vote in the same way. Nothing new ha3 occurred since my letter of the 14th. I think General Diaz is in Tlajiaco, though I am not sure of it, for, in spite of all my efforts, I have not been able to communicate with him. In the hope that you will continue to favor me with your welcome letters, I remain your friend and servant, ALEJANDRO GARCIA. Sefior Don Benito Juarez, President of the Mexican Republic. The next letter is from the victor in the late encounter on the Rio Grande, in which a rich train, Avorth from one to two million of dollars, was captured. From General Escobcdo, governor of the State of New Leon and commander- in-chief of the forces on the Rio Grande, to the Mexican minister. Rio Blanco, April 26, 1866. * * * * We are all here perfectly united and decided upon the presidential question, and the recent decrees have been received without ques- tion whatever, all being disposed to continue obeying and respecting the gov- ernment of President Juarez. The same is the case in the interior, and the disposition is particularly mani- fested by all the liberal papers, which with so much valor and constancy have continued defending the national cause, even in many cases in places occupied by the forces of the so-called empire. All of our news from the interior is satisfactory. On all sides the public spirit is rising, and the adhesions to the farcical empire changing to the reverse. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 463 What we require is arms, and particularly sabres for our cavalry. It is im- possible tbat our soldiers, armed only with an old musket, or a rifle, can compete with the French- cavalry, or the Austrian, or even the traitors, who are all Avell mounted, armed, and equipped. Nevertheless, we do not avoid the combat, and many times have measured arms with them with good success. I am your attentive and obedient servant, MARIANO ESCOBEDO. Senor Don Matias Romero, Washington, D. C. From the governor and military commandant of the State of Codkuila. q.ffice of the governor and military commandant of the State of Coahuila de Zaragoza, Rosas, December 8, 1865. As this government and command has received the supreme decree of the Sth of November last, prolonging the functions of the citizen President of the republic for the specified time, during the present state of the war, and those of the powers of the person who may be president of the court of justice, for the time necessary to the object of its prolongation, and sees that it is in con- formity with the spirit of the constitution, and to the interests of the republic, agreeable to the national will, and particularly to this State, it therefore decrees that it be fulfilled, and for that purpose has published it this day to the authorities and forces under its command, and will endeavor to give it the greatest publicity in the State. I have the honor to communicate this to you, for your information and that of the chief magistrate of the nation. Independence and liberty! A. S. VIESCA. Eduardo MuZQUIZ, Acting Secretary. The Citizen Minister of Relations and Government, Chihuahua. From the governor and military commander of the State of Sinaloa. Government and Military Dep't of State of Sinaloa, Concordia, December 24, 1S66. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt from your department of the circulars of the 2Sth of October and Sth of November, and of the two decrees issued on that last date. These supreme resolutions shall be rigidly enforced by this State under my command, since in it is involved nothing less than the firm establishment of the supreme authority of the nation, and likewise, as is well understood, the responsibility incurred by those soldiers of the republic who have abandoned the cause in its hour of need, and gone abroad to foreign lands. Orders have been issued to circulate these welcome resolutions through all the districts, and to have them promulgated in general orders to the united brigades of Sinaloa and Jalisco. I communicate these measures to you, in order that through your means they may conie to the knowledge of the supreme magis- trate of the nation. Independence and liberty ! DOMINGO RUBI. F. Sepulveda, Secretary. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chihuahua. 464 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. From the governor and military commander of 'the State of Sonora. I have received with positive satisfaction the two decrees issued by the President under date of the 8th of November last, and the circular from your department with which you were pleased to accompany them, the first of them relative to the prolongation of the term of the supreme magistrate of the nation, as long as the condition of the foreign war in which we are involved does not permit a new constitutional election to be had, and the second relative to the prolongation of the term of the supreme magistrate of the nation, and the mode of supplying his place, if in the mean time he should happen to fail. The anomalous circumstances in which the republic unfortunately finds itself, the deficiency or silence of the general constitution on a point of such vital interest to the nation, the spirit of articles 78, 79, 80, and 82 of the same fundamental code, and, finally, the collection of powers bestowed on the execu- tive by the legislative body of the Mexican union, under date of the 11th of December, 1861, afford superabundant ground and justification for the first of the above-mentioned supreme resolutions, in which the enemies of our country can never see anything else than the unflinching zeal of the President for the maintenance of legitimate authority, the most mature examination in his measures, and, above all, his singular abnegation in facing a situation so stormy as the present one, without any other recompense than the satisfaction always caused by the fulfilment of duty, however onerous it may be. Independence and liberty ! Camp in La Noria, February 1, 1866. J. GARCIA MORALES. D. Elias, Acting Secretary. The Minister of Foreign Relations and Government, Paso del Norte. From Major General J. M. J. Carvajal, governor of the State of Tamaulipas. Santa Rosalia, June 15, 1866. My Dear Sir : I have now reached the territory of Tamaulipas, and find the people here full of good feelirjg, and resolved not only to continue their sacri- fices in defence of the national cause, but convinced of the necessity of an abso- lute obedience to the legitimate authorities, and determined to frown down all such ambitious plans as those of Ortega, which only serve to divide us and to aid the partisans of the intervention. 1 therefore find that all are willing to obey me as governor and military com- mandant of this State by virtue of the appointment of President Juarez, who is recognized as the lawful and legitimate President of the republic, without there being in all the State of Tamaulipas — as there scarcely is in all the re- public — a single person who does not approve the decree extending the term of office of the President until a new election can take place. I am, very truly, your friend and servant, JOSE M. J. CARVAJAL, Senor Don Matias Romero, Washington. From Major General de Regules, governor of the State of Michoacan and commander-in-chief of the central at my. Uruapan, May 7, 1866. Dear Sir: I have received the two decrees issued by the department of foreign relations and of government on the 8th ef November of last year ; the one extending the term of the presidency of the republic, which you so wor- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 465 thily occupy, until the circumstances of the country shall permit a new appeal to the popular suffrage ; and the other declaring the responsibility which has been incurred by General Ortega, in residing for many months in a foreign country without the authorization for that purpose of the department of war. Both decrees have been well received by the forces under my command, and according to the news I am daily receiving, by all the inhabitants of Michoacan who take part in the defence of our country. All comprehend, what is really the truth — that is to say, that you are the one who for a thousand reasons should continue at the head of the nation during this terrible crisis, during which what is most necessary is, that he who occu- pies the high position in which you are placed should be able to count, as you can count, upon the entire confidence of the people, and which confidence it is felt cannot be So fully reposed in any other person. On the other hand, it cannot be doubted that the powers are ample under which you have taken these steps, and that they are in no manner opposed to the fundamental law, for the constitution has no provision for the case when it should be entirely impossible for an election to be held, as now, by reason of the foreign invasion. With reference to General Ortega, the declaration as to his responsibility is only too well deserved, in having abandoned, as he has, in a manner so contrary to his antecedents, the defence of his country at a time when it most required the services of all good patriots, and especially of all having any experience in the career of arms. I am your obedient servant, NICOLAS DE REGULES. President Don Benito Juarez. From Colonel Don Gregoria Menclez, governor and military commander of the State of Tabasco, to President Juarez. San Juan Bautista, February 2, 1866. Most Distinguished and Respected Sir : I have before me your two very acceptable favors of the 27th of October and 9th of November last. Your determination in regard to General Diaz, who is now fighting in Oaxaca, shall be duly respected by me and my subalterns. That general is truly worthy of his former position by his effectiveness, his valor, his honesty, and his energy, particularly as his disappearance depended upon causes over which he had no control. I shall take great pleasure in having the decrees sent me by Mr. Romero published to-morrow; they have my entire approval and that of the State. No person more worthy, or with greater hopes of the nation, could have been trusted with the supreme command than yourself, and at a time when a change might have caused a want of confidence, to say the least. The trial of Mr. Ortega is an act that gives power to the government from its principle of mo- rality, as it impresses upon our society and its great men the necessity of at- tending to their duties, and teaches them the great impropriety of derelictions which they often commit, thinking to be shielded by the elevation of their positions. * # * #•# # # I conclude with an affectionate greeting, wishing you peace and prosperity, and subscribing myself your obedient servant, &c, &c, G. MENDEZ. The President of the Republic, Don Benito Juarez, Chihuahua. 30 Mex. 466 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Extract of a Tetter from the governor of Chiapas to the Mexican consul in San Francisco. Consulate of Mexico, San Francisco, April 13, 1866. Under date of the 15th of February last, the governor of the State of Chiapas, Don J. Pantaleon Dominguez, writes to me as follows : " Informed of the contents of your favor of the 15th December last, and of the decrees issued by the supreme government of the republic relative to the prorogation of the functions of the President of the republic, and to the respon- sibility incurred by the citizen General Jesus G. Ortega, I have to-day ordered the publication and circulation of the said decrees in the State under my command, and that they shall be brought to the knowledge of the governors of the States of Tabasco and Vera Cruz, to whom also I have transcribed your said letter and sent a copy of the letter that you addressed to the first magis- trate of the nation." I have the honor to transcribe the same to you, that you may be pleased to bring the same to the knowledge of the chief magistrate of the republic. I renew to you the assurances of my esteem and consideration. JOSE A. GODOY. The Citizen Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, Minister of Foreign Relations and of Government, Paso del Norte. From General Diego Alvarez, governor of the State of Guerrero. La Providencia, January 21, 1S66. * * * I have been well pleased to see the two decrees issued by the department of foreign relations and of government on the 8th of November last; the one extending the term of the piesidency which you worthily occupy until it shall be possible to again consult the national will by means of an elec- tion, and the other determining that General Gonzalez Ortega shall be submitted to trial. Both measures are well justified by the reasons upon which they are based, and which are fully explained in the circular of Mr. Lerdo which accompanies them. So far I do not believe there has been a single good Mexican in this State who has expressed any other opinion than in favor of these decrees, which the critical circumstances of the republic have imperiously required. ^ M? tF tt * 9P ^p DIEGO ALVAREZ. President Don Benito Juarez. From the political chief of the Territory of Lower California to the Mexican consul in San Francisco. Mexican Consulate in San Francisco, San Francisco, January 24, 1866. Citizen Antonio Pedrin, political chief of the Territory of Lower California, writes to me from San Jose, under date of the 16th of the present month, as follows : , "With your acceptable communication dated the 27th of September last I have received the copies of the official journal which you had the goodness to enclose to me, and in which were published the decrees issued by the President of the republic through the medium of the department of foreign affairs and government; the one relative to the prolongation of the term of the President, and the other to the responsibilities of General Jesus G. Ortega. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 467 "In acknowledging this communication, I confess with pleasure that in my opinion the President could not have adopted any measure more acceptable, be- cause, though it may affect certain partialities interested in a change of admin- istration, yet there is nothing more certain than that no one of our public men could fill the immense void that would be left by the absence from power of the father of the Mexican republic. In him we know that we ever find united faith, integrity, and constancy, fully supported by the national sentiment ; with- out him, God alone knows what would become of Mexico under present circum- stances." And I have the honor to transmit this to you, in order that you may be pleased to communicate it to the President for his information. I renew to you the assurance of my distinguished consideration and esteem. JOSE A. GODOY. Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Government, Paso del Norte. From Major General Ramon Corona, commanding in Sinaloa and Jalisco. Headquarters of the Republican Army, United Brigades of Sinaloa and Jalisco, Concordia December 24, 1865. The circulars and supreme decrees issued from your department on the 28th of October and the 8th of November have been received by me. The common sense of the nation will see in these resolutions the confirmation of the supreme authority of the nation, and the assurance that the faithful de- fenders of the national independence are not confounded with those who, though bearing the name of the soldiers of the republic, abandon its banner in the hour of trial, and go abroad into foreign lands. These supreme resolutions will be made known in general orders to the regi- ments composing the united brigades of Sinaloa and Jalisco. I communicate this inf irmation to you, in order that by your means it may be brought to the knowledge of the supreme magistrate of the nation. Independence and liberty ! RAMON CORONA. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Government, Chihuahua. From Major GeneralJuan Alvarez, commander-in-chief of the southern viilitary division. La Providencia, January 20, 1S66. Dear Sir and Friend : * * * * The two decrees issued by you on the 8th of November last appear to me to be both just and necessary. The extension of your presidential term until the circumstances of the country, now invaded by a foreign enemy, shall permit a new election, is the only solution of the difficulties that is presented, and it is a measure which is, without doubt, within the ample faculties which have been given to you by the national representatives ; nor can it be said that it is opposed to the constitution, which contemplates at least the possibility of an election. On the other band, if yon had delivered the place to the vice-president, the latter, without any legal instalment, so long as an election cannot take place, as it cannot for a long time, would have to continue indefinitely occupying the presidency, when the spirit of the constitution is that he shall only take charge of that office temporarily and in a provisional manner, These reasons, which 468 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. are well explained in the circular of Mr. Lerdo, and the well-merited confidence which you enjoy, have caused this decree, which I have myself long desired to see issued, to be very well received in this State. With reference to the responsibility incurred by Senor Gonzales Ortega, I have nothing to add to the reasons set forth by the government in declaring the same. In my judgment they are conclusive, and however much I may lament the errors of a Mexican who has heretofore done good service for his country, the decree appears to me to be just. #****** * JUAN ALVAREZ. President Don Benito Juarez. Many letters, from General Ortega's former friends, were addressed to him, condemning his course and vindicating that of President Juarez. Of course, General Ortega suppressed them. We select two as specimens, both from mem- bers of the last Mexican congress. Senor Zarco was also, in 1861, Mexican minister of foreign affairs : From Se/wr Zarco to Senor Ortega. [Extracts.] New Yorr, February 24, 1866. My very Esteemed Friend : I have received to-day a communication from you, dated at San Antonio, Texas, the 3d of the present month, in which you ask me what course I have adopted in reference to the destruction of the legal order of things, and what I have done to manifest my approval or disapproba- tion, as the case may be, of the decrees of the 8th of November last, in which Senor Juarez declared that he would continue in the office of President of the Mexican republic. You base your interrogatory on the right which the nation has at all times to know what the course is of its public men, and on the obliga- tion which you think you have to collect the proper information. As you directed your interrogatory to me in the belief that I was a deputy to the general congress, I might limit my answer to informing you that I hold no such position, nor in fact any other public position whatever, since the term expired, in 1S64, for which 1 was elected representative by the districts of various States. I am, therefore, no more than a Mexican who, having held the position with which the people honored me, has preferred to emigrate to a foreign country rather than submit to the French intervention ; which resolution I took when my public character ceased, and after persuading myself that I had no opportunity to serve the national cause in any manner. But in courtesy to you, in consideration of our old relations of friendship, and because I never made ?ny mystery of my opinions, I believe it to be my duty to express my ideas moie at length in this letter, which is no more than that of a simple citizen. Even though 1 had a public character, and I were performing its functions in our country, I could not recognize in you or in any man, no matter how high might be his authority, the right to make me the interrogatory which you have addressed to me ; because, if public men should give an account to the nation of their actions, there is a legal method established for the purpose from which no one should depart. ******** As to approving or disapproving here of the acts of the government of Mex- ico, the representative of our nationality, I should deem myself to be wanting in my duty if I raised controversies that only served to give strength to the foreign usurpers. My only desire is the independence of our country ; and in presence of this sacred object, all else appears to me pitiful and contemptible. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 469 Here I should only be employed in crying out, as long as ever I could, that the intervention and monarchy are the most atrocious injustice, and the most scan- dalous iniquity; and that the people of Mexico, oppressed, conquered, unfortu- nate, never recognizes a foreign yoke, but struggles to break it and restore its republican institutions. Such I believe to be the duty of Mexicans externally, without thinking of domestic dissensions. The decree by which Senor Juarez prolongs his presidential term appears to me to be in conformity with the faculties conferred upon him by the congress, in order to meet the circumstances of the occasion, since the issuing of such a decree is not enumerated in the restrictions imposed upon him. He can do everything, except what these restrictions prohibit ; so I understand the spirit which actuated the congress, and with this understanding, at least, I proceeded to draw up the resolutions which have become a law, and to support them in debate, as a member of the committee on relations. As a simple citizen, therefore, I recognize Senor Juarez as the legitimate President of the Mexican republic, and I desire the greatest possible prestige and support for his government, whose existence, in the opinions of the world, is identified with our nationality. ******** I contemplate the affairs of our country with serenity, without despairing of its future. I have no other aspiration than to see Mexico free and independent. My opinion is the more impartial, as having nothing either to fear or hope from yourself or from Senor Juarez. I entertain the conviction that, as soon as our independence is once established, we who have been public men should yield our places to newer and more vigorous men, inasmuch as civil strifes rapidly waste and superannuate those who take part in them. I am, as ever, your affectionate friend and servant, FRANCISCO ZARCO. Senor D. Jesus Gonzales Ortega. From SeTwr Robert to Senor Gonzalez Ortega. New York, February 27, 1866. Dear Sir : "With the documents accompanying it, I have received a circular from you, dated at San Antonio de Bejar, Texas, the 3d of the present month, in which you ask me what course I have pursued as a deputy in reference to the decree of the 8th of November last, issued at El Paso by the constitutional gov- ernment, prolonging the presidential term of Senor Juarez until the circum- stances of the war permit a suitable election to be held. Believing that the con- stitutional government has acted within the scope of the powers which, conform- ably to the constitution, the last congress conferred upon it, and to which congress I had the honor to belong, it does not seem to me, therefore, that the aforesaid action should be called into question, which, under present circumstances, as you yourself have indicated in your manifesto, would be unpatriotic. I have made the foregoing declaration to you, not because I thought you had any right to inquire as to my conduct, but because my opinions, which are founded on the law, are public, and my consideration for yourself induces me to comply with your request. I remain, &c, &c , CIPRIANO ROBERT. Senor Don Jesus Gonzalez Ortega, Present. Similar documents might be multiplied indefinitely ; but no addition is needed to what is already superabundant proof. 470 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 6. — From the official paper of the constitutional crovernment of the Mexican republic, Paso del Norte, June 7, 1866.] Corrections in General Ortega's publications. General Ortega published a pamphlet in New York containing all the docu- ments he could find to support him for the presidency, and opposing the decrees of the 8th of November prolonging the presidential duties till war permits anew election. He begins by saying all those who held office when the war commenced hold it now by this decree ; and he sent a circular to many ex-governors and con- gressmen living abroad, whose offices expired in 1S64. His pamphlet contains the only favorable answers he could get. They were from Epitacio Huerta, Jose Patoni, Guillermo Prieto, Fernando Pousel, Manuel Quegada, and Joaquin Villalobos. We did not know the last was a public character. The pamphlet also contains a kind of resolution, drawn up in New York, declaring that Ortega ought to be President of the Mexican republic, and it is signed by Juan Tongo, J. Rivera, and Priest Juan N. Orestes, all of them unknown. He did not print all the answers he received against his wishes, because they were private, as he says, when all the others were just as private. However, some Mexicans residing in New York took the trouble to publish the others, which were from Juan J. Baz, Leandro Cuevas, Felipe Berriozabal, Francisco Zarco, Cipriano Eobert, and Pantaleon Tovar, together with some letters from Alejandro Garcia, general-in- chief of the eastern line, and Gregorio Mendez, gov- ernor of Tabasco, favoring the decrees of the 8th of November. We thus give some idea of the pamphlet, and will now proceed to the corrections of it. Ortega published a letter supposed to be addressed to President Juarez by General Patoni, on the 15th of December, from Presidio del Norte. Patoni has just resigned a command he had held in Chihuahua up to the 9th of December, when the government moved to Paso del Norte, and he went to Presidio del Norte. That letter, says Patoni, cannot recognize the President's decree because he thought it ought to have been proclaimed in Chihuahua. We are authorized to say the President never received the letter ; but a letter from Patoni at Presidio was received. It was dated the 25th of December, before he left for San An- tonio, and spoke of government affairs without alluding to the decree. Some months before it was issued, while Patoni was in Chihuahua, he advised the President to prolong his term of office when it should expire. We have the diary of a person who travelled with him to Presidio. It is as follows : " Saturday, December 9, 1865, left Chihuahua at half past four p. m. ; reached Aldama at eight, and stopped for the night. Sunday, 10th, set out at half past four with General Patoni and Guillermo Prieto ; stopped that night at Coyote, where we arrived at half past five p. m. Monday, 11th, started at nine a. m., and got to Hormigas by two p. m. Tuesday, 12th, started at half past five a. m., and slept at Coyame. Wednesday, 13th, left at noon, and got to Coyamo by five p. m. Thursday, 14th, left at one p. m., and got to Cuchillo Parado by nine p. m. Prieto's carriage upset, and the wheel of Patoni's came off. Friday, 15th, and Saturday, 16th, stopped to have the carriages repaired. Sunday, 17th, we left Cuchillo Parado at half past nine, and slept at Arroyo del Mimbre. Mon- day, 18th, set out at seven a. m. ; arrived at Mula by one p. m. Tuesday, 19th, set out at half past nine a. m., and arrived at Ojinaga (Presidio del Norte) at half past three p. m." This diary can be proved by persons along the road and at Presidio. Patoni's letter purports to have been written on the 15th of December at Presidio, four days before reaching that place. As to the style of the letter, it is much like the others in Ortega's pamphlet. Those who are acquainted with that individual may guess what we mean. We doubt if Patoni had anything to do with the CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 471 letter. There is another letter in Ortega's book, supposed to be written from New York to the President on the 7th of October, advising against the prolonga- tion of the presidential term. He did not get the letter ; but he did get one, some months before, from Villalobos, who was in the United States trying to negotiate a loan. In that he said Maximilian had banished him, and robbed him of $10,000, and he requested the government to repay it. He was told it was impossible ; the government could not be responsible for his losses, and if he succeeded in the loan he ought to devote the whole of it to support the war against intervention. Ortega publishes a note from Mr. Huerta, in New York, the 25th of February, in which he gives himself the title of general of division. After the decree of 8th of November the President promoted some officers to the rank of major generals, and Mr. Huerta was amoug them ; yet, after this, he opposed the decree, and called it revolutionary, and compared it to Comonfort's proclamation. He said as soon as Comonfort turned he denied him, and he does the same with Juarez. After sending him the commission, the government ordered him to come home to fight against the enemy. He made some excuses at first, and then sided with Ortega. As to Prieto, when he was with the government, before the decree was pub- lished, he opposed the decree, because he did not think it was constitutional ; but he could not go for Ortega, on account of his acts in 1861, and he would consider it the greatest calamity if Ortega were President. Prieto repeated this everywhere, publicly and privately. The government knew Prieto, and knows him now. He was not molested then, because he seemed to be sincere in his opinion, but was disposed to no harm. Yet, on the 8th of December, the day before leaving Chihuahua, Prieto called to see the President, and asked for pro- motion ; promised to support him in the papers, and offered to be his biographer and historian. The President declined his offers, and said he did not want any honest opinion sacrificed. We hope these corrections will be sufficient, for limited space prevents further expatiation. [Enclosure No. 7. — From the official paper of the constitutional government of the Mexican republic, Chihuahua, September 14, 1866, No. 29.] Letters of Gonzalez Ortega, Santa Anna, and Prieto. We produce below some letters of these gentlemen, who are working for their private interests against the republic. Santa Anna's letter to Priest Ordonez may be found in the Diario del Imperio, with two from Prieto to his friends Ortega's letter, and Prieto's to Negrete, have been sent to the government. We make no comments on these letters, because they need none. Strange means these gentlemen make use of to help themselves ! Such chiefs as Tapia will never aid them. It is absurd to blame a minister because he acts with the President ; and it is equally as ridiculous to think the government would recall Santa Anna. His allies are those interested individuals who would destroy the republic for their benefit. Calumny is vain when so pateut and coming from persons so notorious : New York, April 29, 1S66. Respected Friend and Companion: I have received yours of the 9th, with contents. I hope you have received mine with the circular. It is impos- sible to tell you in a letter all I have done, what I intend to do, and what will be done in many States of the republic. The loyal cause is saved. Chihuahua has been taken by Terrazas ; but Don Benito says he will not leave El Paso yet. What does that mean ? 472 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. I presume you have seen the papers with the diplomatic correspondence. The empire is dead, but there remain important questions to settle. You must operate in Matamoras ; this is the propitious time. Notice the effect of the withdrawal of the French troops, and the prohibition to Austria by the United States to send any more to help Maximilian. My address is 113 East Eighth street, New York city. If absent, the letters will be forwarded to me. Respects to the boys and your family. Your friend, JESUS G. ORTEGA. General Miguel Negrete, Brownsville. San Antonio, Texas, May 6, 1866. Very Good Friend : I enclose a letter to our friend Aureliano Rivera. Read it ; I think you will find it excellent. I anxiously expect your letters. Gen- eral Ortega sends much regard to you and Tapia, and says you will hear from him soon, and wishes you both to join him in the country's cause. He staid in New York to hear from California and to meet a person from the city of Mexico on very important business. He will soon be ready, and I congratulate you and the country upon the value of his services. I have already told you of the capture of Chihuahua by the liberals. I hear Lerdo has resigned his position and has joined the Santa Anna party. They write me this from New York, and say the news has had a serious effect on the Juarez party there. I don't believe it, for you know Juarez will make every sacrifice to keep Lerdo with him. Respects to Margarita and Miguelito, and all other friends, including yourself. Yours, &c, GUILLERMO PRIETO. General Miguel Negrete. San Antonio de Bejar, May 11, 1866 Dear Friend : Ortega will be here in a few days with Huerta, Ochoa, and other friends, to act immediately with you and Tapia. He ought to have been here long ago, to save bloodshed ar«d direct operations properly. Patoni in- forms me that Ortega will leave New York about the end. of this month. He has been detained there on important business. Show this to Tapia and Rivera on the first opportunity. Your friend and servant, GUILLERMO PRIETO. General Miguel Negrete. San Antonio de Bejar, May 11, 1866. General Ortega being personally acquainted with you, and knowing your elevated sentiments, charges me to write you in order that you may represent •him in the city of Mexico. The general, conjointly with Messrs. Huerta, Negrete, Patoni, Berriozabal, and other patriots, will appear in the republic with all the means necessary to give due activity to our operations, as well as in order that our principles may have a clear and legal representation there. After the coup d'etat I thought to continue in the most close retirement, but the alliance of Santa Anna with Juarez has compelled me to alter that design, and brought me in contact with Mr. Ortega. I believe that the object of the latter gentleman is to keep up the fight without entering into questions relating to right of command, and by no means take up arms against those of our friends CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 473 who are engaged in the same struggle, even though they do invoke the name of Juarez. Hence you can represent Mr. Ortega consistently with your refined patriotic sentiments. You can communicate with Mr. Ortega either directly, without further formalities, or through me. As the American force which is at our service has not yet heen ahle to pro- vide itself with what it needs, Mr. Ortega has been forced to delay until now ; hut I have faith in his making up for lost time. Commence, then, your labors at once. Write according to what Mr. N tells you. I send him also a communication now. Inquire of him as to the way of writing to me. Ever yours, GUILLERMO PRIETO. Sefior Don Juan Mateos, Mexico. San Antonio de Bejab, June 4, 1S66. Dear Friend : I have been constantly writing to you without having re- ceived as yet a single reply. I am ill with dropsy ; and, instead of relief from the quarter whence I should expect it, I have to complain that my trouble is increased by your silence. Any misunderstanding with you can have but sad consequences for our cause, and will raise up difficulties hereafter; but it depends upon your good will to avert such a result. From what I see in the public prints, and ascertain by sounding public opinion, as well as from the faint echoes which reach my ears from all sides, I am forced to conclude that you [here the original Spanish shows that the writer is address- ing more than one party. — Ed. Herald] are not satisfied with justifications of Juarez in his attempt at usurpation, but you even represent that act as one of heroism, as one of those noble sacrifices which great men make when risking their popularity and even renown for the salvation of their country. You compare Juarez to Quintus Curtius, [Marcus Curtius is, no doubt, meant. — Ed. Herald,] rushing into the abyss to save Rome. You look upon the question at issue entirely in a personal light; you speak of the glorious tradition followed out by Juarez, and compare it with what yon style the discomfitures and puerilities of Ortega. But the point of difficulty does not lie there ; it consists in the sub- stitution of arbitrary power for law; in the dethronement of right to make way for usurpation. Ever since Juarez has cast aside legality as the rule of his public actions, he has been, as it were, halting in his movements; he holds on to the interests of his accomplices with more tenacity than he adheres to the real welfare of his country. He is forced to flatter those around him, and he can, in consequence, give but little thought to the wants of our people. But you should have taken warning when Santa Anna presented himself on the scene as the ally of Juarez. Santa Anna wished to have the empire; he pro- nounced in favor of it. In iufamy and treason he has outrivalled ; but Saligny, as well as the head of the empire, found him too black with dishonor to have aught to do with him. Do you know what that bartered conscience, that foul wreck, is steering after? His own profit in some diplomatic speculation. And, indeed, , led somehow estray, has been used to bring Juarez and- Santa Anna together. Well, the latter is to be made the instrument, through this connection, for satisfying the wishes of France and of the traitors who sold our country. We had suspected some such mean farce, and what occurred on the removal of the seat'of government to Chihuahua showed that our foresight was correct. Men who were imperialists but the day before, gave banquets to Juarez ; the only absentees from such festivities, the only parties who were not received at them, were such as, like ourselves, had faithfully followed our national banner from the frontiers under his lead. Were we to accept Juarez's usurpation, cow- 474 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. ardly approve the dark and perfidious policy of Lerdo, and make common cause with those who pursue Gonzalez Ortega with infectives and injury, we should be violating law and trampling upon the interest of our country. Such a course could only pave the way for numberless evils, and compromise the future weal of our country to a most deplorable extent. In New York we have no representatives other than bureaucratic ones. This is the result of Romero's sad policy. I understand well your reasons for stav- ing off discussion at a time when our national troubles are unabated ; but you should labor to form opinion among your friends, to prepare the means that should serve in the defence of a cause that is just, and to gather the materials that will insure happiness to our country after the triumph of the principles of social progress. I trust that you will gather your friends together, and that you will write to your acquaintances abroad on this subject. Answer me. Your devoted friend, GUILLERMO PRIETO. P. S. — Wiite me under any name you please, but take care to mark one of the corners of the envelope thus — B. 167. Sefior Don Juan Mateos, Mexico. [Enclosure No. 8. — From the official paper of the constitutional government of the Mexican republic, Chihuahua, September 22, 18b6. ] Prieto's letters. — We give another of his letters found in the Diario del Im- perio of the 7th of August last. We make no comments ; we only republish it to show how discord is tried to be produced in the national cause. His abuse of the President will not be noticed. He has a private grudge against Tejada. Speaking of Tapia, we said in our last number that Prieto called all he pleased his friends without consulting them. To prove this we insert a letter from Berriozabal, published in the New York Herald, with a pro- clamation by General Vega, in California. We insert Ignacio Pena Barragan's safe conduct to quit the city of Mexico, together with part of a letter from Mon- terey concerning Prieto: San Antonio, May 6, 1866. My Dear Fellow: It seems impossible to get a letter from you, though I begged you to write to me. Are you so frightened by Juarez's ambition you cannot write ? They say his decrees of the 8th November have been well re- ceived, and I believe it ; nothing surprises me now. You decide without investigating the case, because you compare a routed hero to a victorious one; because you distinguish between one who left the field of glory to spend his time riotously in New York; because you think all good officers side with Juarez; because you think the Juarez policy is right; but you are all mistaken, and you will see. We are not for persons, and if Juarez and Ortega were contrasted, they would both lose. Ortega did not desert the cause any more than Doblado, Berriozabal, Alvarez, and Pena Barragan ; he left, by permission, and did not return, because he was ordered to be shot if he came back, like a traitor. As to the liberal chiefs, they all have indulgences from year to year. Oanales, the most respect- able, supports Ortega; so does Aureliano, Placido Vega, Huerta, Patoni, Que- sada, Negrete, Tapia, Gomez, and many others; not excepting Oortinas, who joined Garza, the traitor. So you see if discord is introduced, and the rumor of it reaches the United States, it will ruin us. The policy of the rector of San Udefenso is to compromise with the traitors. He hates all reformers; he believes in nothing and respects nobody. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 475 I do not mean to praise Ortega, or to create a disturbance; but I will support all who are struggling for indepeDdence. But we wbo are out of tbe country ought to know tbe truth, and unite with the most intelligent in the good cause. Ortega wants to go back and fight, to show that he has been slandered. For my part, when I get my family into a safe place, I will be ready to fight with Naranjo, Canales, or any other, not caring who is President ; only bent on mortal war against Frenchmen and traitors. Adieu. Write to me. GUILLERMO PRIETO. Direct your letters to some friend in Orleans, and get him to send them to me direct. THE REVOLUTION IN MEXICO. To the editor of the Herald: r In your issue of to-day you have published a letter signed "Guillermo Prieto," and dated ' : San Antonio Bejar, May 11, 1806," in which it is stated that General Gonzalez Ortega, together with Messrs. Huerta, Negrete, Patoni, and Berriozabal, will appear in the Mexican territory to give a new impulse, with large resources, to the defence of the republic, and "a full and legal repre- sentation to our principles," says Mr. Prieto. As this gentleman is known to advocate the pretensions of General Gonzalez Ortega to the presidency of Mexico, the meaning of his quoted words is very plain. Now, in what concerns me personally, I have to say that Mr. Prieto's statement is as false and ground- less as the alliance of President Juarez and Santa Anna, to which he alludes. General Gonzalez Ortega and my friends residing in this country know full well my position in regard to the unlucky question raised by this general claim- ing the presidential chair ; but some persons in Mexico might be induced into error by such loose assertions as Mr. Prieto's, and that is the reason I request of you the publication of these lines. The only truth contained in the cited letter, so far as relates to me, is that I shall soon go to my country in order to continue fighting for its independence and republican institutions, but it will be under the authority of its national government, now sitting at Chihuahua, the only one I have to obey as a general of the republic. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FELIPE B. BERRIOZABAL. New York, August 16, 1866. From P. Vega to Sebastian Lerdo de Tejado, minister of relations and gov- ernment. Chois, September 7, 1S66. On leaving San Francisco, the 8th of July, I informed you and our minister in Washington that I was about to return to the republic. I came to Boca de las Piedras, in the Fuerte district, on the 7th of August last, intending to join the President, but I have been detained. 1 take the liberty to send you a feAv copies of the proclamation I intend to make, and I hope you will approve of them. Yours, &c, P. VEGA. THE PROCLAMATION. Fellow-Countrymen : Fate has been against me in tbe foreign commission intrusted to me by the supreme government of the republic ; and I have thus been forced to absent myself from the seat of war, where, as a loyal Mexican, I was giving my best services to my country. But, thank Heaven, I am back upon the soil that gave me birth, and will have the gratification to offer myself a sacrifice in defence of the independence and liberty of my country. 476 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. While I was away I was rejoiced to hear you had saved the State from falling a pray to infamous invaders. Sinaloa has acted gloriously, and has distinguished herself. I congatulate citizen Rubi, our worthy governor, the indefatigable General Ramon Corona, the other chiefs and officers, and all of you, on your glorious victories, by which you have humbled the French ; and I exhort you not to rest a single day, and you may be sure a happy time of peace and prosperity will come to bless our country. In my march to the interior of the republic I am attended by worthy chiefs, officers, and soldiers, many of whom distinguished themselves at the sieges of Puebla and Oaxaca, and other places. I have many strangers with me, who fought bravely for the cause of civilization and progress of the United States, and now come to us in accordance with the decree of the supreme government, issued in Monterey the 11th of August, 1864; and many good Mexicans follow me, anxious to serve their country. I am well supplied with arms, such as are now used in North America and England, and I invite you all who have no arms to join me and march where the first magistrate of the nation directs. Let your services be given in time, so that we may be the first to revel in the halls of the Monte- zumas. Your friend and companion, PLACIDO VEGA. In the town of Zaragoza, August 15, 1S66. Department of State, Branch of War and Navy. By order of his majesty the emperor, I grant a safe conduct to Don Ignacio de la Pena y Barragan to pass freely, and with all safety, to live at the Hacienda del Hospital, near Ouantla de Morelos ; and the military authorities are charged not to prosecute him or molest him on account of his past political conduct. And for his protection the present is given to him, in the palace of Mexico, on the sixteenth day of July, eighteen hundred and sixty-four. JUAN DE D. PEZA. Monterey, August 26, 1865. Sir : Don Guillermo Prieto wrote from San Antonio saying he was sorry for his conduct towards General Gonzalez Ortega, and asks permission to return here. He was directed to apply to Juarez for permission, and if it was obtained he would be allowed to return. Yours, &c , Mr. , in Chihuahua. No. 133. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero. Department of State, Washington, November 13, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 31st ultimo, containing various documents relating to the claim of General Ortega to the constitutional presidency of Mexico. I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don M. Romero, fyc, fy-c., Sfc. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 477 No. 134. Mr. Romeio to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation to the United States of America, Washington, December S, 1S66. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to remit to you a copy of No. 36 of the official paper of the constitutional government of the Mexican republic, of the 3d November last, in which are published some documents which bear relation to the conduct wbich Don Jesus Gonzalez Ortega has observed abroad, and which I think will be read with interest by the government of the United States. I avail of this occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon.- William H. Seward, §-c, fyc, 8fc. [Enclosure No. 1. — Translated from the official paper of tlie constitutional government of the Mexican republic, of November 3, JSb'6, No. 36.] We publish in the official portion what relates to a permission which General Ortega pretended to give for the coining of Mexican money abroad. Putting aside the pretension of this gentleman to be President of Mexico, and the at- tempt to exercise acts of authority within the territory of a foreign country, the idea of permitting the money of a nation to be coined abroad is such a thing as needs not be anlayzed ; at once one perceives the degradation of consenting to the coinage abroad of the type of a national sovereignty, as well as the incal- culable responsibility and innumerable abuses to which this might give place. Mr. Ortega said in his manifesto that although it belonged to him to exercise the presidency of the republic, he did not desire to come to exercise it, in order not to introduce discord among the defenders of the nation ; the very style of the manifest gave the lie to the sincerity of these expressions, and. as was to be supposed, he has taken upon himself promptly to go on giving them the lie by actions. He has not come to the republic, seeing that all repelled him ; but he pre- tends to the exercise of authority in foreign countries, and there conspires to procure others to support him. Already various evidences of this have been published, and now we place in continuation copy of an intercepted letter of his, which he was sending to General Negrete, according to the direction given therein. We leave to the readers to pass upon the measures by which Mr. Ortega seeks to gain some partisans, by appealing to suppositions which are belied the next day, as that the government of the United States, for instance, had recog- nized him. Nothing need now astonish one as to those who resolve to employ such measures. [Enclosure No. 2.] New York, August 28, 1S6G. Esteemed Sir: Enclosed herein I forward to your excellency a copy of the agreement into which I have entered with General J. G. Ortega for the establishment of a mint in San Erancisco. As I have neither the wish nor the expectation that said Seiior Ortega may succeed in setting up his authority and cabinet within the Mexican republic, as he contemplates doing, and as I desire to obtain this right of coining Mexican money in San Francisco, I hope that 478 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. your excellency, as well as President Juarez, will deem it of great advantage to grant me this privilege on the conditions expressed in the copy which I for- ward herewith. All the papers, as well as the $60,000 referred to therein, are to pass through the hands of Minister Romero. * * * Sefior Ortega goes to Matamoras to-morrow or the day after, and Sefior Ochoa will be accredited to Washington as soon as Sefior Ortega shall have set up his government at Matamoras. We are quite elated here, because the latest news leaves no room for doubt as to Maximilian's departure and the ultimate triumph of the liberal cause. WILLIAM H. McKEE. Senor Don J. M. Iglesias, Minister of the Treasury, fyc, Chihuahua. [Enclosure No. 3.] New York, July 24, 1866. In the exercise of ample power for such purposes, I have given permission to Dr. William H. McKee to coin in the city of San Francisco, California, United States, money having the form, value and legality of Mexican currency, on the conditions which you will settle in accordance with the instructions which I have given you. I reserve to myself the ratification of the contract. For this purpose I hereby commission and authorize you to act in the premises, and this note shall serve as your credentials therefor. Independence and constitution ! JESUS G. ORTEGA, Constitutional President of the Mexican Republic. Citizens General Epilacio Huerto, Governor of Michoacan, and Fernando Maria Ortega, Governor of Puebla. [Enclosure No. 4.] The conditions agreed upon are as follows : Article L. The Mexican government concedes to Senor McKee the privi- lege of coining Mexican money in the city of San Francisco, California, United States. Art. 2. The money so coined shall have the same form, value, and legality as that which is now current in Mexico, and Senor McKee, or the company he represents, shall be held responsible therefor. Art. 3. The government shall appoint an employe, to be paid out of the public treasury ; he shall represent said government in said mint. Art. 4. The present grant is for the term of thirty years from date ; and no other similar one shall be made for a mint in any place within the United States. Art. 5. Senor McKee shall pay $60,000 in consideration of this privilege, as soon as the Mexican minister, appointed by said President, shall be recognized at Washington. Art. 6. There shall be two copies of this agreement made out, and signed by both parties, one for each. E. huerta. F. M. ORTEGA. W. H. McKEE. New York, July 24, 1866. I approve and ratify the foregoing contract, in the name of the republic of Mexico, as constitutional President of that nation. JESUS G. ORTEGA. New York, July 24, 1866. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 479 [Enclosure No. 5.] Ministry of the Treasury axd Public Credit, ChihuaJiua, October 29, 1S66. Enclosed in your communication of August 28 last, which I received long after due, were copies of the documents relating to a contract into which Gene- ral J. G. Ortega went through the forms of making with you for the establish- ing of a mint in San Francisco, California. General Gonzalez Ortega, who calls himself the constitutional President of the Mexican republic, and who pretends to govern said republic from abroad, exer- cises therein no public authority of any kind whatsoever, nor has he the right to exercise any. Hence the acts by which he aims at exercising the authority of legitimate governor of Mexico are null and void. As to the request which you make that the citizen President of the republic, Benito Juarez, will grant the privilege for the establishment of a mint in San Fran- cisco, in California, on the same conditions as those contained in the contract which General Gonzalez Ortega pretends to have made with you, it is impos- sible to accede to such a request. The coinage of money being one of the attrib- utes of the national sovereignty, it should not take place outside of the national territory over which such sovereignty is exercised. No motive nor any condi- tion can justify such a concession. Independence, liberty, and reform ! IGLESIAS. Dr. Wm. H. McKee. [Enclosure No. 6. 3 New York, June 25, 1S66. Dear Friend : I venture to address you this letter; but I do so on account of the urgency of the affair, and because I am aware of your patriotism. The United States government has refused to recognize Don Benito Juarez, on account of his lack of any legitimate title or constitutional power to negotiate with said government a loan of 850,000,000, and in consequence of this it has recognized me as the constitutional President. I believe that before ten days the loan of fifty millions of dollars will be all settled. It is important that you send Avord immediately to Garcia de la Cadena, to Ausa, and to Sanchez Roman, urging that they issue proclamations recognizing the constitutional government of Mexico, aud setting forth that such has always been the sentiment of the State of Zacatecas, whose guide is always the law, and whose standard is the constitution, and stating that this proclamation is made at the present time in order to solemuly record that sentiment of the peo- ple of Zacatecas, and to aid the national cause. Have them to publish the proclamation, so that not only the attention of the public, but that of the press, may be attracted thereto. I wish that the State of Zacatecas may occupy a worthy rank in the salvation of our law, our independence, and the forms of republican government. I desire that the State of Aguas Calientes should figure in the same position. \ Tell Garcia de la Cadena that Ferniza acted with shrewdness and prudence, and did not deliver the letters to those for whom they were intended, but he retains them still in his possession ; so Senor Cadena is not in the least compro- mised. Ferniza will set out in a few days, and will cross the deserts on the frontier. He will bear with him instructions for the arrangement of some way to forward arms and means on a scale corresponding to an affair of so great magnitude as the present. Send word also to Aureliano, and give him a copy of this note. 480 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN. MEXICO. In a few days I will set out for Mexico. I will cross the frontier ; and, should not any obstacle be put in my way by the United States, I mean to cross with a lot of American volunteers. Still, I do not think that any difficulty will arise, judging from the letters which I receive. Tbe personal interests of Don Benito Juarez have prevented Mexico from realizing her salvation. She could have secured it had he not broken the order established by law. The blood that has been uselessly spilt these last few months is exclusively upon him ; for the efforts made by the Mexican people have proved feeble and sterile through the fault of said Don Benito Juarez. We should learn from a foreign nation how to respect law. Tell all our friends, in my name, that before six or eight months we shall have finished our work. Your friend, J. G. ORTEGA. General Don Miguel Negrete. September 10, 1866. True copy i Dr. ARROYO. R. Garcia Hernandez, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 7. — From the New York Tribune, November 21, 1866.] To the editor of the Neio York Tribune: Sir : If Ortega has done nothing on United States soil which maybe properly construed into conspiracy against a neighboring power with which we hold friendly relations, and has been guilty of no other act violating the neutrality laws, then I concur wilh j^ou in the opinion that our government has no right to interfere by arresting him. His conduct, after crossing the Rio Grande, is the affair of Mexico ; and it does not alter the law of the case that the Mexican people, with a unanimity far greater even than that which was shown in our own recent elections, have already decided against him and for Juarez. But I do not agree in the view you seem inclined to take of that decision. I think the Mexicans decided rightfully as well as unanimously. It would be superfluous to debate this here, in the United States, were it not that an opinion favorable to Ortega's claims, if given in a paper so influential as the Tribune, must place serious embarrassments in the way of the Mexican liberals. This, I know well, is a result furthest possible from your intentions. But thus it acts. For four years past the French invaders have had posses- sion of the Mexican seaports, and have seized and appropriated all the revenue from imports. But nearly four-fifths of the public revenues of the Mexican government is derived from the tariff. Add to this that the people, harassed and pillaged, have had little means left, however well disposed, to contribute support to the constitutional government. That government, thus nearly beg- gared, had nothing left but the resort to which all civilized, nations have at times been forced — a public loan. She needs imperatively arms, munitions, and mili- tary appointments ; but she has nothing with which to pay for these except her bonds, duly authorized by Juarez and certified by his accredited minister. Though her entire public debt does not exceed $100,000,000, yet, because of her uncertain fortunes, her credit is low, and she has to dispose of these bonds at 60 cents to the dollar in payment of the supplies she needs. You make it very difficult for her to do even this ; you strengthen the hands of speculators who. seek to impose upon her still harder conditions, for you supply to them arguments going to depreciate the credit of the Juarez government. It is bad enough for an exhausted nation to have to receive 60 and pay some day 100 in CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 481 return, with seven per cent, interest on that 100 till paid. You aggravate the hardship when you intimate that perhaps Juarez has no rightful claim to the position he holds. If he had, in point of fact, no such claim, good and well : let the truth be told, no matter whom it injures. But is that so? The technical period when Juarez's term expired was the 1st of December last. Seven months later, Ortega put forth his claim in a pamphlet, in Eng- lish, published here; an appeal, in fact, against his own nation to ours. This pamphlet had an appendix of twenty-six pages, entitled "Letters in ratification of his position." It discloses the fact that, after seven months' delay, Ortega could muster but nine indorsers, every one Mexican refugees — four living in Texas, five in New York. There were two ex-governors of States, two ex-brig- adier generals, one ex-postmaster general, one ex-colonel — all disaffected officials like Ortega himself, and, like him, all absent from their native country in her hour of danger and suffering. Three more, an ex-editor and two unknown individuals, made up the list. To this pamphlet the friends of Juarez issued a reply. Its appendix contains letters from every governor of a State in Mexico, then acting as such, to the number of twelve, besides despatches from the principal corps commanders then in the field, and communications from other public men. Every one of these sanctions Juarez's action, and approves, in unqualified terms, his continuance in office as legal and in accordance with the will of the people, so far as it was possible to ascertain that will. The pamphlet further says: "Not a governor of a State, not a town or city under native rule, but has declared for the continuance in his present position of President Juarez. Nay uK»re — not a Mexican citizen, resident in Mexico, has, in public harangue or in private communication, expressed disapprobation of the extension of Juarez's term of office." The grounds upon which this acquiescence rests (aside from the love and trust borne by the nation for their long-tried leader, Benito Juarez) seem to be the following: The Mexican constitution differs from ours in this — that no one but the man actually voted for as President is, under any circumstances, permanently to occupy the presidential chair. In temporary default of a President, (Art. 79,) the president of the supreme court of justice shall serve. If the default of President be absolute, (Art. 80,) a new election shall be forthwith held. If the election of President shall not have been published by the first of December, (Art. 82,) the president of the supreme court shall be President provisionally. The word in the original is intermamente, strictly translated temporarily. Taken alone and according to its letter, article 82 gives the presidency tem- porarily to Ortega as chief justice. But, taken in connection with the articles which precede it, and in view of the well-known intent of its framers, and yet more especially interpreted in the light of that policy which distinguishes the Mexican constitution from ours, namely, that he only shall permanently act a3 President who was elected to be President, not he who was elected as a tempo- rary substitute, it would have been a direct violation of the spirit of the consti- tution had the substitute, it a crisis like the present, become the principal. The default of the President, in his case, was absolute, not temporary, and in such a case there is but one constitutional remedy — a new election shall be held. That could not be because of the French invasion. The case provided for in article 82 is not one in Avhich it was impossible to hold an election, but one in which an election, being possible, was not held or was not published. The in- tent was to guard against some intrigue of an unscrupulous incumbent, a contin- gency much more likely to happen under an unsettled government like the Mexican than among us. But no one doubts Juarez's great desire, had it been possible, to hold an election ; and as little can we doubt that, in case of such an 31. Mex. 482 CONDITION OF AFFAIKS IN MEXICO. election, he would have been, by an overwhelming majority, the people's choice. These are the arguments of Juarez's friends. Good or bad, they have been indorsed by the Mexicans themselves, the sole judges in this case. To go be- hind their decision is to do them an injury by increasing the difficulty of re- establishing among them constitutional rule. Perhaps you doubt whether they are steady and patriotic enough to do this. I do not doubt it. I think we are too much inclined to undervalue other races than our own, and too little disposed to make allowance for the difficulties under which such races often labor. The Mexican race, when Oortez found them, mild and friendly, had made encouraging advances towards civilization. Since then they have been trodden under the heel of despotism. The French usur- pation is but the last in a long series of outrages. For nearly three centuries they suffered under Spanish viceregal rule, intensified by religious bigotry, as odious a government as the world ever saw ; and when relieved from that they fell into the hands of an unscrupulous church, with vast temporal possesions — $300,000,000 of real estate, including half the city of Mexico. The ecclesiastical revenues from this source amounted to $25,000,000 annually, amply sufficient in that country to carry on war, and employed by the Mexican church throughout the last thirty years for that very purpose against the liberals who sought to throw off so grievous a burden. These last succeeded in that attempt only in 1859, under Juarez, all the church property beyond its legitimate means of support being then secularized — that is, disposed of for the public benefit. The Mexicans had their slavery as well as we; only ours was secular, theirs ecclesiastical. They, like us, have rid themselves of it, and are prepared, as we are, to enter untramelled on a new career of progress. Let us bid them God- speed. Let us place no stumbling-block in their way; that is the least we can do for them. That the Mexican republicans will ever recognize, or that we, in any shape, shall ever assume the $300,000,000 of debt incurred by France and by Maxi- milian in an iniquitous attempt to subvert a republic and erect by force a monarchy on its ruins, is incredible. No Mexican congress will ever ask for such assumption, and no American congress will ever agree to it. A FRIEND TO REPUBLICAN MEXICO. New York, November 17, 1866. No. 135. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero. Department of State, Washington, December 17, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 8th instant, containing a copy of the official paper of your government, (No. 36,) of the 3d of November last, in which the situation of Don Luis Gonzalez Ortega is referred to, and to thank you for its transmission. I embrace the present occasion, sir, to reiterate to you expressions of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don M. Romero, -fyc., fyc,, fyc. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 483 No. 136. Mr. Stanton to Mr. Seward. War Department, Washington City, December S, 1SG6. Sir : I enclose herewith a copy of a report received this day from General Grant, transmitting a protest of J. G. Ortega against his arrest, and expressing concurrence in the remarks thereon of Major General Sheridan, by whom the protest was forwarded. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State. [Enclosure No. 1.] CONSTITUTIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE MEXICAN REPUBLIC. Brazos, November 5, 1S66. Captain : At the city of New Orleans, I, with six other Mexican citizens, embarked on board of the United States steamer St. Mary. The following are the names of those six : General Epitacio Heurta, ex-governor of the State of Michoacan ; General Fernando M. Ortega, governor and military commander of the State of Puebla ; Colonels Juan Tognr and Joaquin S. Ortega, Commander Carlos Ortega, and Captain Guilcoga. We came under the protection of the United States flag, because we journeyed in the waters of that nation, and in a steamer that raised on high the starry pavilion. We came under the safeguard and guarantees which the laws aiid Constitution of that republic grant to all strangers who tread her soil. I moreover had with me guarantees and privileges, with repeated protests in official documents made by the government of this nation, not to intervene in the internal political questions of Mexico, which to her alone belongs the right of salvation — guarantees which in the sense tacitly granted me my proper political character, that of being the constitutional Presi- dent of Mexico, which title I have justly obtained by a precept of the funda- mental law of the country, and also by the spontaneous and free vote of its people. It is not out of place for me to tell you here that the press of the United States has been extensively engaged in noting this, and that I have caused to be pub- lished, in English, official documents which thro w upon this question ail necessary light. Therefore, I believe no authority can ignore the political and military significance which I have in all local and foreign questions of my country. Upon my arrival at this place, and before I had stepped ashore, you presented yourself in the presence of the captain of the steamer, showing me an order signed by General Sheridan, commander of the department of the Gulf, in which you are ordered to arrest me, and those persons who accompany me, without giving any reasons for this act, (or much less having one,) because not even apparently have I broken the laws of neutrality of this country. What if I have political intention which I think of putting in practice in Mexico as a ful- filment of my duty, and to save my country from anarchy ; this is not, nor can it be made, a just reason for my apprehension in a country who has protested against all intervention in the politics of others. You complied with the order .and I was immediately arrested. I yielded to the force of this violent act, common and frequent in a despotic monarchy, but unusual in a republic like the United States. 484 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. I only limited myself to asking a copy of the order, so as to protest against this act. You will please furnish me with an official copy. You offered to give General Sedgwick, commander of the frontier, and sta- tioned at Brownsville, immediate information of this act, so as to abide by his instructions, (for you were so ordered,) and that I might know my final destina- tion. In the copy of the note which you have just sent me, I perceive it is ordered that we shall remain in prison until further orders, unless we desire to return to New Orleans, which we are permitted to do, returning on the same steamer. Nothing is said of the reason or motive why I am imprisoned. It is easy to conceive that a political reason dictates it, to impede in an illegal manner, and against all right, my entry into Mexican territory, for no reason that I can comprehend now, but which posterity in its march will reveal. I do not believe the people of the United States or the government of that great nation participate in th s act. To them I look for reparation. I verbally informed you that the Constitution and laws of the United States had conceded to me certain individual guarantees which this violent act exercised against my person had broken. I asked your protection in the name of these laws, as you are actually in command of the American forces. You answered me, that as a soldier you could not ; that you must obey the orders given you by your superiors. I told you that, as the legitimate constitutional President of the Mexican re- public, and invested by that nation in that political character, my arrest signi- fied a marked partiality, and was equivalent to a piercing of those official com- promises which the United States had contracted for political and convenient reasons, not to intervene in the internal question of Mexico. To this you gave the same answer. Finally, I told you that it was another act of violence against my person to undertake to make for me the exclusive right of returning to New Orleans. This is equivalent to obliging me to remain in the United States contrary to my will. 1 said to you, also, that admitting this act of violence by which I was made a prisoner without those guarantees and liberties allowed by law, if I returned to New Orleans, would it be as a prisoner, or would I have the priv- ilege to dispose of my person as convenience might dictate 1 Before might, I had at last (as is natural) to still the voice of right and reason. But right and reason are the great powers of this republic, and they are on my side, and it will not be long before they are heard. Now, I have no other means left me but the offering of the following protest : ] st. I protest against the violent act of the military force exercised against my person, apprehending me on board the steamer St. Mary, and keeping me imprisoned until to-day, without any reason to justify this violent act, thereby disregarding individual guarantees given by the laws of this country to for- eigners travelling therein. 2d. I protest in the name of the Mexican republic, whose powers I exercise as President thereof, against this said act, because it imparts an indirect interfer- ence by the armed forces of the United States in the solution of local Mexican questions. NotAvithstanding the knowledge I have of the generous and loyal sympathies of the American people in favor of the Mexican republic and the advancing party of that nation, and notwithstanding, also, the knowledge I have that this pow- erful moral aid can save the independence of my country, still, in what pertains to the privileged administration of its affairs, I do not think the American people have any right to interfere. And I again protest, as President of Mexico, against all acts which directly or indirectly tend by forcible means to impose upon the Mexican people, in the character of government, the faction represented by Mr. Benito Juarez, who ceased to exercise all legitimate power over that nation from the day the political CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 485 constitution of the country so decreed, and that constitution has been broken by that faction. A constitution, captain, is the social reasoning of a free nation ; it is the act by which the people show their voluntary sovereignty, and it is the only base upon which a republic can rest. And when once this ceases to exist, then, of necessity, come chaos and anarchy. In the name of that same nation, and in fulfilment of my duty, I declare as treasonable towards the Mexican people all acts which have been and may be exercised by Mr. Benito Juarez, and his minister at Washington, Mr. Matias Romero, who by intrigue, and with the help of other means equally condemned, and by foreign aid and usurped power, scorning all republican principles, and impeding, by this, my entrance into Mexico ; although the people have no legiti- mate authority to protect them, and the destruction of the very origin of its con- stitution is passed as a necessity. What a conquest ! What is the standard of that peace which has cost that people thousands of victims and ten years of a bloody and continued war? You will please, captain, forward this communication to whom it may concern, and accept the assurances of our personal appreciation. Independence and constitution ! J. G. ORTEGA. Captain John Paulson, Post Commander, Present. [Enclosure No. 2. — Indorsement.] Headquarters Department of the Gulf, New Orleans, November 30, 1866. On or about the 24th June, 1866, the city of Matamoras was surrendered by the imperialists to the forces of the liberal government of Mexico, and soon thereafter the city of Monterey and all of eastern and northern Mexico. In process of time the imperial forces were driven to the valley of Mexico and the line connecting the city of Mexico and Vera Cruz, and it became reasonable to suppose that the imperial government would be driven out of the country. The acknowledged head of the liberal government of Mexico during all these im- portant events was President Juarez, and it is well known that General Ortega fled his country and took no part in bringing about these events, but, on the contrary, he, while in a foreign country, did as much as he could to counteract them by creating political divisions, and by the publication of real or pretended rights, as constitutional President of Mexico. So far as this went it did not interfere with my command, and there was no violation of our neutrality laws ; but this did not satisfy General Ortega or his schemers, but an appeal to arms must be made to enforce his claims, and combi- nations were formed in New York and Brownsville within the United States for an armed assertion of his claims at the expense of a violation of our neutrality laws. To counteract these machinations, and to prevent our neutrality laws, from being violated, my letter of October 23 to General Sedgwick was written and a copy of it placed in the hands of General Ortega, in the city of New Orleans. Not heeding this, but under the belief that we gave directions in our country for buncombe, General Ortega was about to cross the line of our frontier, and was arrested on the same principle that the Fenians were arrested in attempting to violate our laws by the invasion of Canada. Since the termination of the rebellion, the people of the United States have suffered in trade, from the disturbed condition of affairs on the Rio Grande line, about twelve million of dollars yearly — first by imperialism ; then by the hos- 486 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. tility of foreign merchants in Matamoras, who set up such men as Canales and Ortega, supporting them and reimbursing themselves by passing goods out from the city free, or nearly free, of duty. P. H. SHERIDAN, Major General. Respectfully forwarded for the information of the General-in-chief. Headquarters United States Army, December 8, 1866. Respectfully forwarded to the Secretary of War. I concur in the views ex- pressed by General Sheridan in his indorsement hereon. U. S. GRANT, General. [Enclosure No. 3.] Telegram of General Sheridan to General Grant. Office U. S. Military Telegraph, War Department, Washington, V. C, November 27, 1866. [Time, 4.30 p. ro.— From New Orleans, La., November 27, 1866.] Sir : I am just in receipt of news from Brownsville, and fear that General Sedgwick, commanding the sub-district of the Rio Grande, will, for some unac- countable and unjustifiable reason, demand of Canales the surrender of the town of Matamoras, on the plea of preventing the pillage of houses of Americans, &c. The situation there is this : General Escobedo is in front of the city with about three thousand five hundred men, and Canales offered to surrender if the liberal government would pay the merchants who have been supporting him in his illegal and infamous acts. This Escobedo would not agree to. I very much fear that these very merchants have in some way gotten around Sedg- wick, and have prompted him to this action which he contemplates. I have heretofore notified you that these very merchants were at the bottom of all trou- bles over there. There is perfect harmony between Sedgwick and Escobedo, and no objections are made to the contemplated act of General Sedgwick. Should General Sedgwick act as I have some reason to expect, I will at once dis- approve of his action and relieve him from his command. I have telegraphed to General Sedgwick disapproving his contemplated act, or any action he may have taken in view of it. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. H. SHERIDAN, Major General U. S. Army. General U. S. Grant, Commanding Army. [Enclosure No. 4. — Indorsement on the above.] Headquarters United States Army, November 30, 1866. Respectfully forwarded to the Secretary of War for his information. U. S. GRANT, General. (Received 3.20 p. m., November 30, 1866.) Respectfully referred to the Secretary of State. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 487 [Enclosure No. 5.] Major General Sheridan to Brevet Major General Rawlins. Headquarters Department of the Gulf, New Orleans, La., December 11, 1866. General : I have the honor to make the following report of my recent trip to the Rio Grande frontier : I arrived at Brownsville at 4 o'clock on the morning of the 6th instant, and found that on the 24th of November General Sedgwick, commanding the sub- district of the Rio Grande, had demanded and received the surrender of the city of Matamoras from Oanales, who arbitrarily held possession of the city against the legitimate authority of his government ; that, on the 30th ultimo, the few United States troops (about fifty) holding the city had been withdrawn, in obedience to instructions sent by me, disapproving the act of occupation or any action arising from it. The motives which influenced Brevet Brigadier General Sedgwick in this act are unknown to me ; but the alleged one, of protecting American citizens and their property, was in violation of a decision made by the honorable Secretary of State on this subject, which decision is on file in his office. The case presents itself to my mind in this way: After the surrender of Matamoras to General Carvajal, the merchants of Matamoras, most of them foreign-born, and some claiming American citizenship, but ultra Maximilian ad- herents, and blockade-runners during the rebellion, induced Canales (a noted character) to pronounce against the authority of the liberal government. They had two objects in this : first, to help the imperial cause, by creating as much dissension as possible among the liberal leaders ; second, that they might pass out goods from the city, free of duty, or nearly so. This worked well for them, and goods said to amount to a large sum of money were so moved out. This condition of affairs continued until General Escobedo, in command of the liberal forces, advanced troops against Matamoras for its recapture. Pend- ing this event, Ortega was sent for, and as Canales was a usurper, it was ne- cessary to support him by a more noted character like Ortega. But Ortega hav- ing been arrested at Brazos Santiago, and Escobedo having laid siege to the city, these merchants were obliged to change their plans. They then proposed that Canales should surrender the city to Escobedo, if Escobedo would agree to pay them the money given or said to have been given to Canales, the amount being some ($600,000) six hundred thousand dollars. This Escobedo refused, and fearing that they would lose their claim and perhaps their property, if the city was taken, they brought their influence to bear on Brevet Brigadier Gen- eral Sedgwick. * * * This is the point of the whole affair. The occupation of the city was a mere matter of form, and had the consent of General Escobedo, who made no objections, and since the city passed into his hands has called on General Sedgwick in the most friendly manner, and asked me to forgive his action. ********* I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. H. SHERIDAN, Major General U. S. Army. Brevet Major General J. A. Rawlins, Chief of Staff, Washington, D. C. 488 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO, [Indorsements on the above.] Headquarters U. S. A., December 18, 18G6. Respectfully forwarded to the Secretary of War for his information. JNO. A. RAWLINS, Brevet Major General, Chief of Staff, (In absence of General Grant.) War Department, December 18, 1866. Copy respectfully transmitted to the honorable the Secretary of State, for his information. [Enclosure No. 6. — From the Rio Grande Courier, Brownsville, December 7, J8G6 ] THE OCCUPANCY OF MATAMORAS. From the despatches which appear in the northern papers, via Louisville, coupled with the arrival of General Sheridan at this point, it would seem well settled that Colonel Thomas D. Sedgwick either has been or immediately will be relieved from the command of the sub-district of the Rio Grande. While the primary cause of this is, no doubt, the dissatisfaction felt by high authority on account of his course in the late occupancy of Matamoras, yet it is more than probable that some change would, in any case, have occurred at an early date. While we know of no earthly reason for reflecting upon the good intentions of Colonel Sedgwick, yet it has been well understood that the delicate position of affairs here requires a man of enlarged experience, both in military and civil matters. Colonel Sedgwick came to the command by virtue of his seniority of rank solely, and without regard to fitness or qualification. He did not seek the place. Indeed, without claiming to speak by authority, we think we can safely say that he accepted it only because his official duty did not allow him to decline it. It has so happened that the difficulties over the river, and the machinations upon this side, have been far greater and more numerous than usual during his administration, making his duties the more intricate and arduous. It is impossible for either the authorities at New Orleans or at Washington to lay down a course of conduct to be followed in every case which may arise. All they can do is to mark out a general line of policy, leaving to the good sense and judgment of the commander here to attend to the details. To do this is ofttimes the most difficult part of the task. The interests upon the other side of the Rio Grande are so often complicated, the leaders so numerous, their professions so persistent, and their skill at diplo- macy so great, backed up as they are by any number of shrewd, intelligent lawyers, that he is indeed a man of unusual intelligence who can cope with them, and for this reason we say, as we have before said, that there is no place upon the continent where a commanding officer of great capacity and firmness is more required. In the late fiasco — for such it was — Colonel Sedgwick has been simply out- witted by a combination of military and civil influences, the latter mostly of American nationality. The foreign merchants and capitalists of Matamoras, who have been com- pelled to advance money to Canales, were naturally enough anxious for its re- turn. Escobedo, in all attempts which were made at negotiations, persistently refused to recognize Canales's engagements. These merchants were conse- quently opposed to any surrender of the city which would involve the loss of CONDITION OF AFFAIRS LN MEXICO. 489 the money advanced by them. Many of them were Americans, and in these matters had the ear of the commanding officer. In their advice and represent- ations they were of course influenced by their interests. They were also in the confidence of Canales, for, in the matter pending, their interests lay with him. With these and with Canales, who professedly recognized Juarez as President, Colonel Sedgwick had to deal ; every question which might at the same time arise, the more complicated by the presence of an army, under the command of the recognized representative of Juarez, besieging the city, for whose success General Sedgwick was at all times anxious. The result was a blunder, which, in its practical results, was in this instance "worse than a crime." The object desired, viz., the advancement of Escobedo's interest, was not obtained, but rather the contrary, as the presence of the American force, in the attack which followed, contributed very greatly to the success of Canales. Nor, as it seems, were the wishes of the government carried out, as in render- ing assistance to Juarez his instructions did not warrant the occupancy of American (Mexican) territory. The result was Colonel Sedgwick's removal. Though not as generally well known as his predecessors, socially he has been popular with our citizens, and aside from his official duties, his departure from among us, should this be involved, will be regretted. In commenting upon his course in the late affair, this journal has felt compelled to criticise it with some severity. The result has shown that we were correct. In doing so, we have been actuated by no unkind feelings to Colonel Sedgwick, but have acted solely for the honor and interest e>f the American name. IVo. 9. CUSTOM-HOUSE DUTIES AT ACAPULCO. List of papers. 137. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with one enclosure) May 3, 1866. 13S. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero July 6, 1866. 139. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with two enclosures) Oct. 8, 1866. 140. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero Oct. 12, 1866. No. 137. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation of the United States of America, Washington, May 3, 1S66. Mr. Secretary : Referring to my note of the 24th of February last to your department, relative to certain duties collected in Acapulco by the governor of the State of Guerrero, I have the honor to send you the copy of a communica- tion I have received from Mr. Lerdo de Tejada, minister of foreign relations of the Mexican republic, dated at Paso del Norte the 31st of March following, and numbered ISO, explaining why that business has not yet been decided upon by the Mexican government. I accept the opportunity of renewing to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, Sp., Sp., Sfc. 490 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 1.] No. 180.] Dep't of Foreign Relations and Government, Paso del Norte, March 31, 1866. I have received your note No. 88 of the 7th of February last, with a copy of Mr. Seward's to you on the same day, in regard to the custom-house duties ordered to he collected from certain American citizens in Acapulco by the gov- ernor of the State of Guerrero. In your note of the 24th of the same month, No. 133, you said you had re- ceived mine of the 22d of January, No. 22, in which I told you what the min- ister of hacienda had communicated on the subject, a copy of which you trans- mitted to Mr. Seward. I now send a copy of your note No. S8, with Mr. Seward's to you on the 7th of February, to the minister of hacienda, as it is his duty to decide the affair, which has not been settled for want of the proper information from the governor of Guerrero, and which could not be had on account of the distance and the insecurity of the roads. Accept my attentive consideration. LERDO DE TEJADA. Citizen Matias Romero, Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Mexican Republic. Washington, May 3, 1866. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. No. 138. Mr. Seward to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, July 6, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 3d of May last, containing a letter addressed to you by Mr. Lerdo de Te- jada, explanatory of the dilatoriness on the part of the Mexican government in attending to the matter concerning certain duties collected in Acapulco by the governor of the State of Guerrero. I embrace this opportunity to renew to you the assurances of my distinguished consideration. Senor Don M. Romero, fyc, fyc, fyc. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. No. 139. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation to the United States of America, Washington, October 8, 1866. Mr. Secretary : Referring to the note which I addressed to your department on the 3d of May last, relating to certain duties collected at Acapulco from citi- zens of the United States by General Don Diego Alvarez, governor of the State of Guerrero, I have now the honor to remit to you a copy of a note from Mr. Lerdo de Tejada, minister for foreign relations of the Mexican republic, dated at Chihuahua, the 6th September last, marked No. 42S, with which a copy was CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 491 sent me of a communication from the minister of finance and public credit of the same date, transcribing a despatch from General Alvarez, dated the 1st June last, in which he expresses the reasons for which he thinks it necessary to re- serve, until the port of Acapulco may be evacuated by the enemy, the report re- quired from him on that incident. I gladly avail myself of this occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the as surances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc., fyc, Sfc. [Enclosure No. 1. — Translation.] No. 42S.] Department of Foreign Relations and Government, Chihuahua, September 6, 1866. I send you a copy annexed of a communication from the minister of finance of this date, in which he transcribes that which was addressed to him on the 1st June by the governor of the State of Guerrero, setting before him the rea- sons why he thought it necessary to reserve, until the port of Acapulco was un- occupied by the enemy, the report called for from him respecting the exaction from some American citizens of payment of duties of customs which they had already paid to the French commanders during their anterior stay at that port. Please give account of this communication to the Hon. Mr. Seward ; in it the circumstances are indicated which delayed the information sought for. I express to you my most respectful consideration. LERDO DE TEJADA. Citizen Matias Romero, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister of the Mexican Republic. Washington, October 8, 1866. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 2. — Translation.] Department of Finance and Public Credit, Chihuahua, September 6, 1866. The governor and military commander of the State of Guerrero says to me, under date of 1st June last, as I copy : "Your despatch of 11th April is received, in which you request this govern- ment to report what was the cause of deciding that some American citizens should pay again the duties they had already satisfied with the French authori- ties during their stay in Acapulco. I have the honor to say, in reply, that as soon as that port may be left unoccupied by the enemy, I will send the re- port in question, because it is not proper to the public service to send it now, because there is no security that the correspondence may reach the point in- tended, as perhaps it would fall into the enemy's hands, which I think it pru- dent to avoid because there is in question a matter which may commit persons who are living there, which I transcribe to you for your information, IGLESIAS. The Minister of Foreign Relations. A true copy : JUAN VALDEZ, "Principal Officer. Washington, October 8, 1S66. A true copy : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary 492 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Legacion Mbxicana en los E. Unidos de America, Washington, 8 de Octubre de 1866. Senor Skcretario : Refiriendome a la uota que deriji a ese departamento el 3 de Mayo ultimo, relativamente a ceirtos derechos cobrados en Acapulco a ciudadanos de los Estados Unidos por el General Don Diego Alvarez, goberna- dor del Estado de Guerrero, tengo ahora la honra de remitir a V. copia de una nota del Sr. Lerdo de Tejada, ministro de relaciones exterioros de la republica Mexicana, fechada en Chihuahua el 6 de Setiembre proximo pasado y marcada numero 428, con la que se me envia copia de una comunicacion del ministerio de hacienda y credeto publico, de la misma fecha transcribiendo un oficio del General Alvarez fechado el 1° de Junio ultimo, en que espresa los motivos por que cree necesario reservar para cuando el puerto de Acapulco sea evacuado por el enemigo, ei infbrme que se le pidio sobre aquel incidente. Aproveche gustoso esta oportunidad para renovar a V, Senor Secretario, las seguridado de mi mas distinguida consideracion. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc., 8fc., Sfc. No. 1. Numero 428.] Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Gobernacion, Chihuahua., Setiembre 6 de 1866. Envio a V. copia anexa de una comunicacion del ministro de hacienda, fecha de hoy, en que me transcribe la que le derijio en 1° de Junio el gobernador del Estado de Guerrero, manifestandolo los motivos por que creia necesario reservar hasta que el puerto de Acapulco iuere desocupaclo por el enemigo, el informe que se le pidio, respecto de hubiese exijido a unos ciudadanos Americanos que pagaren los derechos aduanales que habian satisfecho a los gefes Franceres du- rante su anterior permanencia en aquel puerto. Puede V. servirse dar conocimento al Hon. Mr. Seward de esa comunicacion, en que se indican las circunstancias que hacen retardar el informe pedido. Protesto a V. mi muy atenta consideracion, LERDO DE TEJADA. 0. Matias Romero, Enviado Extraordinario y Ministro de la Republica Mexicana. Washington, Oct. 8 de 1866. Es copia : IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretario. No. 2. Ministerio de Hacienda y Credito Publico, Chihuahua, Setiembre 6 de 1S66. El gobernador y comandante militar del Estado de Guerrero, me dice con fecha 1° de Junio ultimo lo que copio : "Recibido hay el oficio de V. de 11 de Abril ultimo, en que pide a este go- bierno informe lo que haya ocurrido acerca de haber determinado que pagasen algunos ciudadanos Americanos las derechos que habian satisfecho a las autori- dades Francesas, durante su permanencia en Acapulco ; tengo el honor de decir a V. en respuesta: que luego que el referido puerto sea desocupado por el enemigo, le remitire' el informe de que se trata, por ser inconveniente al servicio de la causa CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO 493 nacional verificarlo hoy, en razon de que no habiendo seguridad de que pase la corespondencia por el espresado puerto, se espondria a caer en manos del ene- migo, lo cual creo prudente evitar por tratarse en ella de un negocio en que se comproineten personas de las que residen alii." Lo que transcribo a V. para su conocimiento. IGLESIAS. Al Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores. Es copia : JUAN VALDEZ, Oficial 1°. "Washington, Oct. 8 de I860. Es copia : IGNO. MARISCAL. No. 140. Mr. Seward to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, October 12, 1866. Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 8th instant, containing a copy of a letter from the minister of foreign affairs to you, and of one from the department of finance and public credit of Mexico to the minister for foreign affairs, in which the reason for delaying an answer to the complaint of certain citizens of the United States, that duties had been illegally collected from them at Acapulco, is stated to be the present occupation of that city by the enemies of Mexico. It is to be regretted that a cause has intervened to prevent an explanation of this matter. Under the circumstances, however, the government of the United States is disposed to wait until the cause assigned shall have passed, in the hope that any additional delay will be avoided. I avail myself of this opportunity t > renew to you the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Don M. Romero, tye., fyc, fyc. J\o. 10. CASE OF SCHOONER SOLEDAD COS. List of papers. 141 . Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero, (with one enclosure) April 17, 1866, 142. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward April 17, 1866. No. 141. Mr. Seward to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, April 17, 1S66. Sir : Referring to your communication of the 13th of October, 1865, relative to the disposition made of the schooner Soledad Cos, previously known as the Anna Taylor, and to my reply thereto of March 13, 1866, I have now the 494 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. honor to transmit for your information a copy of the letter of trie honorable the Secretary of the Navy, dated the lGth instant, from which it appears that the vessel referred to was condemned as a good prize by the prize court at New York, and that the proceeds have been distributed among the captors. I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you, sir, the assurances of my very distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Sefior Matias Romero, 8fc, 8fc., 8fc., Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] Mr. Welles to Mr. Seward. Navy Department, Washington, April 16, 1866. Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge -the receipt of your letter of the -5th Instant, transmitting papers in the case of the schooner Soledad Cos, and to state, in reply to your inquiry, that~ the vessel referred to was condemned as a good prize by the prize court at New York, and that the proceeds have been distributed among the captors. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State. G. WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. No. 142. Se;wr Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation. ] Mexican Legation to the United States op America. Washington, April 17, 1S66. Mr. Secretary.: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of this date, in reply to mine of the 13th of October last, relating to the Mexi- can schooner " Soledad Cos," enclosing me a copy cf a communication from the Secretary of the Navy to your department, from which it appears that the said schooner was declared to be a lawful prize by the New York prize court, and the proceeds of its sale distributed among its captors. I send a copy of your note, with the accompanying document, to my govern- ment, this day, that, in view of them, it may determine what is proper. I embrace the occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, tyc, Sfc., Sfc. No. 11. SEAT OF THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT. List of papers. 143. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with three enclosures). . . . .August 6, 1866. 144. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero . . .August 16, 1866. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 495 No. 143. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation. ] Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, August 6, lbbb. Mr Secretary : I have the honor to send to you, for the information of the government of the United States, a copy of the supplement to No .19 of^he official paper of the Mexican government, published in Chihuahua the 20th ot Tune hst containing a circular from Mr. Lerdo de Tejada, minister of foreign Sion of tt republic, dated the 17th of that month, communicating the in- telligence that the constitutional President of the republic left the town of Paso del Norte on the 10th, with his cabinet, and arrived in Chihuahua on the 17th, where he was received by the inhabitants with demonstrations of the most sin- cere enthusiasm. The chief magistrate also met the same welcome in all the t0 I ToVncloIe^a note from Mr. Lerdo de Tejada, addressed to me on the 18th of June, and containing a copy of the circular. , _ It is seen from the above circular that the State of Chihuahua is entirely fiee from the presence of the French invaders ; and in it the assurances are renewed hat the President will continue his efforts, as he has ^f°f^?™f^ with his duties in supporting the cause of independence ami the institution, ot the republic, until it shall have attained a complete success I am pleased to have this opportunity to renew to you, Mr. Secretaiy, the as- surances of my most distinguished consideration. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, &c, &c, &c. [Enclosure No. 1.] No 271.1 Department of Foreign Relations and Government, J Chihuahua, June 18, lbbb. I send you for your information copies of the circular I have addressed to the State governors, informing them that the President arrived in this city yester- day' where he returns to fix the seat of the national government for the time being. I protest to you my attentive consideration. ^^ ^ ^^^ Citizen Matias Romero, Envoy Extraordinary and _ Minister of the Mexican Republic in Washington. Washington, August 6, 1S66. A true copy: F. D. MAOIST, Second Secretary of the Legation, [Enclosure No. 3.1 Department of State, Chihuahua, Tuesday, July 17, 1S66. The citizen President of the republic left El Paso on the 10th instant, and arrived to-day in this city, where he comes to establish for the present the resi deuce of the national government. As the State is now free from the invading foreign and traitor forces, the citizens of Chihuahua, always moved by their 496 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. patriotism, have taken still more pains than even on former occasions to make the greatest and most enthusiastic demonstration of their respect and regard for the chief magistrate of the nation. When, on other occasions, this department as announced the change of residence of the national government, caused by the exigencies of the war, it has been stated, and it is, therefore, unnecessary to repeat it now, that wherever thePresident maybe, and under any circumstances, he will always endeavor, as he has done heretofore, to fulfil his duties in sus- taining the cause of independence, and the institutions of the republic, until that cause succeeds finally, through the patriotism, courage, and constancy of the Mexican people. LERDO DE TEJADA. The Citizen Governor. No. 144. Mr. Seicard to Senor Romero. Department of State, Washington, August 16, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 6th instant, containing a copy of the supplement of No. 19 of the official paper of your government, in which the details of the arrival of the constitutional Presi- dent of the republic of Mexico at Chihuahua are given at large, and to beg of you to accept my thanks for the same. . I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you the assurance of my most distinguished consideration. Senor Don Matias Romero, $-c, Sfc, fyc. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. No. 12. EXPORTATION OF ARMS. List of papers. 145. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with one enclosure,) March 24, 1866. 146. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero, (with one enclosure,) March 24, 1866. 147. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward March 25, 1866. 1 48. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero April 18, 1866. No. 145. Senor Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation to the United States of America, Washington, March 24, 1S66. Mr. Secretary : I have the honor to remit to you a copy of a note which I have just received from the consul general of the Mexican republic at New York, dated yesterday, in which it is intimated to me that a person worthy of credence has given him information that there have been shipped on board the steamer " Manhattan," which should sail from New York for Vera Cruz this CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO, 497 day at three o'clock in the afternoon, five thousand muskets, purchased by the agents of the usurper Maximilian, and shipped, not as private property, but for account of the said usurper. I think it my duty to beg that you will please to give the orders necessary that the export of said arms, in case the facts communicated to me turn out to be true, be not allowed. I avail myself of the occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon. William H. Seward, Sfc, Sfc., fyc. [Enclosure. — Translation. ] Consulate General of the Republic of Mexico in the United States, New York, March 23, 1866. I have the honor to bring to your knowledge that at this moment a trust- worthy person has come to me, assuring me that on board the steamer Man- hattan, which is to leave this port at three o'clock to-morrow, there are five thousand' muskets, purchased by the agents of Maximilian, in violation of the laws of neutrality. In communicating this for the purposes which may take place, I renew to you the assurance of my consideration. JUAN N. NAVARRO. C. Matias Romero, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Ple?iipotentiary of the Mexican Repuhlic, Washington City, D. G. No. 146. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero. Department of State, Washington, March 24, 1866. Sir : With reference to your communication of this date requesting that the necessary orders may be given by this government to prevent the exportation of five thousand muskets " purchased by the agents of the usurper Maximilian and shipped not as piivate property, but for account of the said usurper," I have the honor to enclose a copy of letter of this date from the Attorney Gen- eral, whose opinion I hastened to obtain. It appears therefrom that the orders suggested would be illegal. Accept, sir, a renewed assurance of my high consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Matias Romero, Sfc., 3fc., fyc. Mr. Speed to Mr. Seward. Attorney General's Office, Washington, D. C, March 24, 1866. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 24th March, together with a copy of a letter from Mr. Romero, the minister of the Mexican republic. Mr. Romero says that he has been informed that agents of the "usurper Maxi- 22 Mux. 498 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. milian " have purchased in New York five thousand muskets, and that " they are to be shipped to Vera Cruz not as private property, but for account of the said usurper." Mr. Romero asks that the shipment be not allowed. You ask my opinion whether there is any law or regulation now in force prohibiting the ex- portation of arms for the account of any person whatever, be his political desig- nation real or assumed, or of any government. This question is fully answered in my opinion delivered to you on the 23d day of last December. The opinion of the 23d of December was given upon a complaint of Mr. Ro- mero that General McDowell, commanding the military department of California, had prohibited the exportation of arms or munitions of war by the frontier into Mexico. That opinion is to the effect that General McDowell's order was un- lawful. I can perceive no difference in principle betwixt that case and this. So far as neutrals are concerned belligerent parties are equal. I know of no law or regulation which forbids any person or government, whether the political designation be real or assumed, from purchasing arms from citizens of the United States and shipping them at the .risk of the purchaser. I am, sir, your obedient servant, JAMES SPEED, Attorney General The Secretary of State. No. 147. Scfior Romero to Mr. Seivard. [Translation.] Mexican Legation to the United States of America, Washington, March 25, 1866. Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of yesterday, informing me that "in reference to my communication of this date, requesting that the necessary orders may be given by this government to pre- vent the exportation of five thousand muskets purchased by ageuts of the usurper Maximilian, and embarked not as private property, but on account of the said usurper," you enclose me the copy of a note from the Attorney Gen- eral of the United States, whose opinion you had readily asked, and from which it appears that the orders referred to would be illegal. 1 also received the copy of the note of the Attorney General of the United States addressed to you yesterday, stating that the question was settled by the opinion he gave to the State Department on the 23d of December, 1865, of which you sent me a copy with your note of the 24th of that month. The Attorney General states that that opinion was given in reply to a com- plaint of mine against the order issued on the 11th of October, 1865, by Gen- eral McDowell, commander in-chief of the military department of California, prohibiting the exportation of arms and munitions of war across the north- western frontier of Mexico; that the Older was then declared illegal; and adds, there is no essential difference between that case and the present, for as far as neutrals are concerned, belligerent parties must consider them as equals. The Attorney General concludes by saying that " heis acquainted with no law or regulation that prohibits any person or government, whether the firm be real or fictitious, from buying arms from citizens of the United States and shipping them at the risk of the purchaser." In submitting to the government of the United States for the first time the question of the legality of the exportation of articles contraband of war from this country to one of the belligerents in the present war in Mexico, you replied to CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 499 me in your note of the 24th of November, 1S62, enclosing me the copy of a note from the Treasury Department to the Department of State, dated the 20th of the same month, (Executive Document No. 11, sent to the Senate of the 38th Congress, 1st session, page 19,) and extracts of authorities quoted by the Solicitor of the Treasury, from which it appears that the purchase of articles contraband of war in the United States, and their exportation for the use of belligerents, is permitted when it is done in trade by xoay of merchandise and private speculation, but not when done directly by one of the belligerents, with the declared intention to be used against the other belligerent, with whom the United States are at peace. This is the same principle, in my judgment, that serves as a foundation for the neutrality laws of the United States, which prohibit the armino- of vessels of war in the United States for belligerents, as well as the organization of hos- tilities against either of the belligerent parties. Such, at least, was my understanding of the neutrality laws of this country, up to the present time, deduced from data furnished me by your department; that is, trade in articles contraband of war for the use of belligerents was lawful when carried on by merchants as a private speculation, but unlawful when done by the belligerents themselves. For that reason I complained of General McDowell's order, supposing it pro- hibited all trade, both that which I considered to be lawful and what I held as unlawful, and I requested it to be revoked in regard to the first. And for the same reason I requested in my note of yesterday that the neces- sary orders should be issued to prevent the clearance of the " five thousand muskets purchased and shipped in the steamer Manhattan for Vera Cruz, by the agents of the usurper Maximilian," stating I had been assured that the muskets had been shipped, " not as private property, but on account of the said usurper;" and I added, "that I desired the orders to be issued, in case the facts were as they had been represented to me." The Attorney General says that " he knows of no law or regulation which forbids any person or government, whether the political designation be real or assumed, from purchasing arms from citizens of the United States, and shippiug them at the risk of the purchaser," and this statement makes me believe that I have been mistaken in my understanding of the laws of this country, since I cannot suppose for a moment that a restrictive interpretation to the disadvantage of Mexico has been given to them, up to the present moment. In this suppo- sition I have now to state, that I accept the interpretation the Attorney General gives to those laws, not doubting, of course, from the equity and good faith of the government of the United States, that they will be interpreted in the same manner when the Mexican government attempts to purchase and export articles contraband of war from the ports of the United States, or over its frontiers. I do not pretend to ask that any law of this country be interpreted in favor of Mexico, to the detriment of the other belligerent (the French government,) but I think it is reasonable to ask that no interpretation be adopted by which Mexico is placed in a situation inferior to that of her enemy. As the Attorney General seems to consider me inconsistent in asking the rev- ocation of an order prohibiting the exportation of arms across the frontier, and a few months afterwards asking the prohibition of the shipping of arms pur- chased, not by way of merchandise, but by agents of the usurper Maximilian, and on his account, "provided the facts were as they had been represented to me," I take the liberty to request you, if there be no objection, to communicate to him the explanations I make in this note. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assur- of my most distinguished consideration, M. ROMERO. Hon. William II. Sewakd, fyc., fyc., fyc. 500 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. No. 148. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero. Department of State, Washington, April IS, I860. Sir : I have had the honor to receive your communication of the 25th ultimo, in reply to mine of the previous day, enclosing to you the opinion of the At- torney General of the United States with reference to the exportation of five thousand muskets purchased and shipped in the steamer Manhattan for Vera Cruz, by the agents of Maximilian, and which exportation you desired should he prohibited. The opinion of the Attorney General, already communicated to you, precludes the necessity of any extended remarks on my part upon this subject, except to assure you that no law of the United States will be so interpreted as to place Mexico in a position inferior to that of her enemy. I beg also to inform you that, in compliance with your request, a copy of your note of the 25th March has been communicated to the Attorney General. I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you, sir, the assurance of my most distinguished consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. No. as. SOUTHERN IMMIGRATION TO MEXICO. List of 2 )a I >ers - 149. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with 12 enclosures) August 3, 1866. 150. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero August 16, 1866. 151. Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward, (with 4 enclosures) December 12, 1866 152. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero December 20, 1866. No. 149. Se/ior Romero to Mr. Seward. [Translation.] Mexican Legation to the United States of America, Washington, Augttst 3, 1866. Mr. Secretary : In confirmation of the reports I have transmitted to the Department of State of the United States, on divers occasions, relative to the efforts of the French agents in Mexico, to induce citizens of the southern part of the United States to immigrate to that country, animated by a feeling hos- tile to their government, I have the honor to send you this day an index of original documents containing particulars of plans for that purpose, more mi- nute than any I have yet been able to communicate to your department. I regret I am not at liberty to say how these documents have fallen into my hands, but I can assure you they are authentic. I take pleasure in embracing this additional opportunity to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration. M. ROMERO. Hon, William H. Seward, fyc, Sfc., fyc. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. iOl Index of documents sent to the Department of State of the United States by the Mexican legation in Washington, with the note of this date, in relation to the plan of southern colonization in Mexico. No. Date. 1865. Feb. 5 Nov. 1 Dec. 6 Dec. 6 Dec. 6 1866. Feb. 9 7 Feb. 1? Contents. 10 11 12 Feb. 17 May 3 May 14 June 6 Dec. 16 Letter of Mr. Charles M. Douglas, of Charleston, South Carolina, to the minister of the so-called Mexican empire in Washington, inquiring about the pay of passage for emigrants to Mexico. Letter from Mr. John 0. Shelby, at Cordova, to Mr. Frank Lilly, of St. Louis, Missouri, giving information for confederate emigrants to Mex- ico. Communication from Mr. M. F. Maury, called Imperial Commissioner of Colonization, to Mr. E. Farrenne, of New York, in relation to the estab- lishment of a bitreau of correspondence in the city of New York. A copy, in English, of the so-called colonization laws issued by the emperor Maximilian. An extract from the Mexican Times, of the 9th of December, 1863, con- taining a circular signed by Maury, and addressed to persons who wished to settle in Mexico. Letter from Mr. Benjamin Crowther to Mr. J. C. Littrell, of St. Louis, Missouri, giving information about confederate settlers in Mexico. I Letter from Mr. Richard L. Maury, son of M. F. Maury, called Imperial Sub-commissioner of Colonization, and colonel in the late confederate army, Mr. to James M. Payne, of Nashville, State of Tennessee, enclos- ing the following circular : Circular on Mexican colonization. Letter from Mr. R. L. Maury to Mr. W. C. S. Ventress, of New Orleans, informing him that his father had gone to England, and would return in October with his family ; enclosing a copy of No. 8. Letter from the same to Mr. Reuben Herndon, in Galveston, Texas, telling him of the inducements to emigration held out by the usurper Maximil- ian, and enclosing a copy of the circular No. 8. The colony founded by certain confederate ex-generals near Cordova, and named Carlotta, under the sanction of Maximilian, is broken up and de- stroyed by the liberal inhabitants in its vicinity. Letter from General Sterling Price, giving an account of the colony of Car- lotta, established by himself and other confederates. Reiterates his ad- hesion to rebeldom, and is perfectly content with his lot in Mexico. WAshixGTOX, August 3, 1866. IGNO. MARISCAL, Secretary. [Enclosure No. 1.] Charleston, S. 0., February 5, 1865. Dear Sir : Several young men, natives of this city, are desirous of emigrating to Mexico, but are without the necessary funds to enable them to do so. A let- ter is published in a Columbia, S. C, paper of the 4th instant, written from the city of Mexico by Colonel Maury, late of the confederate army, in which he states that the imperial government will defray the expenses of emigrants to Mexico. Our object iu addressing you is to inquire if this is a fact ; and if it is, to whom we are to apply for transportation. If necessary, all of the party can furnish you with the best testimonials as to character, &c. An early answer will be esteemed by us a great favor. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. M. DOUGLAS. The Minister of the Empire of Mexico, Washington, D. C. 502 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. [Enclosure No. 2.] [ The envelope containing this letter was marked as follows : " Mr. Frank Lilly, St. Louis, Missouri."] Cordova, Mexico, Nove?nber 1, 1865. Dear Lilly: How often have I written to you since I crossed the Rio Grande. Too often, and I would not tax you further, save I have just learned you have married my favorite of Waverly, May Hall. God knows my heart heats with joy ; and why? Because I love you hoth, and I am made happy hy knowing she has united with a man who will protect and guard her, and who numbered not among those who persecuted the South. I am here as an exile ; defeated by the acts of the southern people themselves. And why 1 Because they loved their " niggers," their estates, more than principle. They won, didn't they ? Let them reap what they deserved, eternal disgrace. D n 'em, they were foolish enough to think by laying down their arms they would enjoy all the rights they once had. How is it ? Your United States papers tell us their condition. Who can sympathize with them ? I can't, for I know them too well. Our independence was in our own hands. We lost from the fact our people were unwilling to sacrifice money — not blood. Of the women of the South, no man dare complain, and may a just God always guard over them. They labored hard, but even their influence failed to nerve the southern army to its duty. They sacrificed all save their honor. They urged a further continuance when the cowardly southern had cast aside his gun and only awaited the coming of the northern abolition fanatic to do his bidding. And to think that was the people we border-State men were fighting for ! Yes, that was the people we were fighting for. Were we not deceived 1 Still tve were right ! However, take away the women and children of the South, the balance might sink in a chasm of eternal damnation where there could be no relief. My heart is heavy at the idea of being separated from you all forever ; but I am not one of those to ask forgiveness for that which I believe to-day is right. The party in power has manifested no leniency. Though not among the politicians, I am not ready to play the sycophant. Frank, say to old George I have written to him several times; would like to hear from him. Bud I know will write to me. Tell Charley Cowan to write to me, and say further to him, in case I succeed in this country he shall not suffer. I will divide always with him. Please inform him where I am, and say to him to write to me and I will answer immediately. I would like George Hall to send Bud to me. I will have him taught Spanish, and he can return in two years a good Spanish scholar. Say to my Waverly friends to look for me when Napoleon jumps Uncle Sam. y^Thexe are about two hundred confederates here. We are settling on the railroad, in the finest agricultural country in the world, seventy miles from Vera Cruz. I will await to hear from you. Send this letter to George Hall. My love to May and your family. Ever your friend, J. 0. SHELBY. • Do you know where Mr. William Shelby is 1 When you go to Waverly tell my old friends it would console me much to hear from them. Say to Brock Fletcher I was in hopes of meeting him last fall, and he must write to me. To old man Rudd and John Hall I would say, my prayers Avould be offered freely if I thought the prayers of a rebel would avail the good. And where is poor Can. Kertley ? Old Spencer Brown, I know the blessings of a righteous God will always rest on him. A better man, a better heart, was never created. May happiness attend him and his. Let me hear, all. Tell Paschal to send me the Weekly Republican. I will pay. Yours, J. 0. S. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 503 [Enclosure No. 3.] Colonization Office. No. 13 6.] Cincinnati, December 5. A special despatch to the Commercial, from Brownsville, Texas, dated No- vember 30, says : "General Sedgwick, on the 24th, made a formal demand on Colonel Canales for the immediate surrender of Matamoras, which was acceded to, and Canales occupied the fortifications, while the American flag floats over the city. A suf- ficient number of troops occupy the city to render the occupation secure. "Escobedo attacked Caaales on the 27th, and a desperate battle ensued, last- ing three hours, resulting in the defeat of Escobedo, with a loss of six hundred men, including General Espinosa. Colonel Cfinales lost seventy-five men. Escobedo lays his defeat to the interference of United States troops." " Another despatch says Escobedo attacked Canales in Matamoras on Tuesday morning at half-past five o'clock, but fell back after two hours' desperate strug- gle. One occasion of his defeat was the occupation of Matamoras, three days before, by a body of American troops, who relieved Canales of the city, and left him to use his force in defending the fortifications. Escobedo indignantly complains of the action of General Sedgwick. He expects re-enforcements, when he will resume the attack. Meanwhile, the Ameri- can flag floats within the besieged defences. SECOND DESPATCH. Cincinnati, December 5. The following is the full despatch to the Commercial : The city of Matamoras was surrendered to General Sedgwick, commanding the United States forces on the Rio Grande, on the evening of the 24th instant. Colonel J. G. Perkins, of the nineteenth United States colored infantry, was 550 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. placed in c'onnnand. One hundred and eighteen men of the fourth cavalry crossed over and cccupied the city on that day. Colonel Canales made an official statement to General Sedgwiek that, owing to his inability to pay his troops, he could no longer correct them, whereupon Sedgwick immediately demanded the surrender of the place, which was granted. The following were the terms : First, Colonel Canales shall place Matamoras under the orders of the commander of the United States forces. Second, the latter guarantees to. Canales and his forces their liberty and secures the safety of their interests. Third, the persons and interests of all the inhabitants of Matamoras are to be respected, no matter to what nationality they belong. Fourth, the forces of Canales are to maintain their actual position. Fifth, no forces shall enter the place except those of the United States. It will be seen that, under the agreement, General Sedgwick pledges himself that the forces of Escobedo, now besieging the city, shall not enter therein, and that the forces of Canales shall remain within the fortifications. On Sunday morning, the 25th, Colonel Perkins issued the following order, which was posted about the streets : [General Order No. 1.] Headquarters United States Forces, Matamoras, November 24, 1866. According to the orders which the undersigned has received, he takes command of this city in the name of the United States. The persons belonging to my staff are the following : Lieutenant J. S. Patterson, assistant adjutant general; W. T. Larkin, provost marshal, who shall be obeyed and respected as such. M. G. PERKINS, Commander United States Forces. A body of colored troops passed over Saturday night. During Sunday a pontoon bridge was laid at the ferry-way. On Sunday evening, through the instrumentality of General Sedgwick, an interview was arranged between Canales and Escobedo, for the purpose of set- tling existing difficulties. Much bickering and recrimination ensued, and nothing was accomplished. Escobedo announced his intention to attack the city at once. Monday, the 26th, passed in quiet. Colonel Perkins having been taken sick, Brevet Colonel A. M. Randall, company I, first artillery, was placed in command, and the American troops occupied the plaza, while Colonel Canales remained within the fortifications. The attack began at 5 o'clock a. m. of the 27th. Escobedo opened his attack, the Ameiican flag meanwhile floating from the Government House. A feint was made by Cortinas on the south side of the city, while the main attack was made on the north side. Brisk firing continued up to 7 o'clock, but the attack was repulsed at every point. The American force in the city preserved peace and guarded the ferry, practically acting as provost guard. Escobedo, who is endeavoring to enforce the authority of Juarez, attributes his defeat to the moral effect of the presence of the Americans, which he con- sidered increased the strength of Canales threefold. He claims that orders were forwarded to General Sedgwick from Washington to afford him all the as- sistance which he might require in sustaining the authority of Juarez, and that, instead of doing it, he has assisted Canales, who is in open rebellion. Escobedo's loss in killed and wounded, captured and deserted, foots up seven hundred and fourteen men. During the fight on Tuesday morning Colonel Randall sent a message, under flag of truce, to Escobedo, informing him that the United States forces held the place, and directing that in no case should his forces advance beyond the forti- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 551 fications without communicating with him (Randall.) Escobedo responded that he should be guided by circumstances; that the American commander had promised him to withdraw all his troops, save fifty men ; and that he had broken his promise by retaining three hundred men in the place. Randall, who had re- ceived orders in no case to fire on Escobedo's men, immediately made arrange- ments to withdraw with the army in case he should be attacked. Battery I, of the first artillery, was stationed on the American bank to cover the troops, if for any reason they should have to fall back. The following is a memorandum of the agreement entered into betwepn Sedg- wick and Escobedo prior to the attack : First. General Sedgwick assures General Escobedo of the continued friend- ship of the United States government towards himself and the liberal govern- ment. Second. The American commander considers himself as morally holding the city of Matamoras, under the terms of Canales's surrender of that place to him; but it is for no hostile purpose, as regards the force commanded by General Es- cobedo, but to protect the lives and property of American citizens and others of foreign nationality. Third. That the American commander will withdraw the armed forces in case an attack is made, with the exception of fifty men and two officers, who will report their presence to General Escobedo should he capture the city. Fourth. That the United States forces shall hold Santa Cruz and the ferry, and that no armed men shall cross to the American shore. This agreement had not been made known to Colonel Randall when he sent out the flag of truce. RUMORS OF AN ATTACK ON BROWNSVILLE by Cortinas, were rife on Tuesday, the 27th, and two hundred citizens were en- rolled for defence ; they were armed by the United States authorities. It proved nothing but a scare. On Wednesday this force was retained under arms to keep down any outbreak on the part of the Mexican population, as such was threatened. The occupancy of Matamoras by the Americans caused the most bitter feel- ing among the people, and prominent citizens are accused of exciting the lower orders to an attack on the troops. General Sedgwick's course is regarded as incomprehensible. He seems at first to have determined to take possession of and hold the city, with a view of eventually turning it over to Escobedo, and to have subsequently changed his mind and held it for the purpose of protect- ing American and other foreign citizens, while Canales and Escobedo were fighting over the fortifications. His position rids Canales of the necessity of taking care of the city and of protecting the ferry. The impression among his troops was that the American forces were in the city to assist them if necessary. Escobedo announces his intention to renew the attack at an early date. Sedgwick has written to him stating that he desired his success, and would do what he could to assist him. Escobedo returned a very bitte: response. General Sedgwick, apparently realizing the effect of his act, is doing what he can to remedy it. All supplies for Canales from this side have been stopped, and all the forces have been withdrawn, save a company of colored troops. The steamer has just arrived from New Orleans and returns at once. It brought despatches to General Sedgwick, on receipt of which, orders were issued for the withdrawal of the troops from Matamoras. Advices received here from the city of Mexico say that Mejia left that city October 2, with orders to march on Matamoras with all speed. Another report says the liberal force under Queviro, Narajano, and others were completely routed at the Hacienda de los Bocas, near San Luis Potosi. Quiroga left the 552 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. main army with one thousand cavalry, and marched upon Monterey, which had been left without defence. Brownsville, December 1, 1866. Upon the demand of General Sedgwick, the city of Matamoras, with the for- tifications and troops, were surrendered to the United States last evening. The troops are to be treated as prisoners of war of the United States. Their lives and property are fully guaranteed. The city will be turned over to Escobedo. He is reported in possession. [By telegraph to the New York Tribune, December 6, 1866.] AMERICAN VIOLATION OF NEUTRALITY — GENERAL SEDGWICK'S OCCUPATION OF MATAMORAS HE SUSTAINS CANALES — ESCOBEDO'S ATTACK ON THE CITY. Washington, December 5. The following despatch has just been received at this bureau from the Tribune bureau at Brownsville : Brownsville, November 30. American neutrality on the Mexican border has again been sacrificed, but this time, instead of on the side of Juarez and justice, as under gallant, but too impetuous Weitzel, it has been prostituted to serve a rebel and mutineer, as Servanda Canales, the usurper of Matamoras, is to our government as much an outlaw as Mejia, the imperialist. The former lacks the personal claims that entitled the gentlemanly commander and sober representative of Maximilian to respect and consideration. The mistake of General Sedgwick, therefore, in in- terfering in favor of Canales, is both a diplomatic and moral blunder. On Sat- urday; the 24th instant, Escobedo, with about 2,700 men, being expected to attack Matamoras, Canales expressed a desire to surrender the place to Colonel Sedgwick, alleging, as his excuse, that he could not control his own command, which, he said, unless restrained, would resort to pillage. His request and reasons for this having been stated in writing, General Sedgwick responded by immediately crossing a detachment of the 4th cavalry and the 19th United States colored infantry, the former under Brevet Colonel Mclntyre and the latter under Colonel Perkins. Colonel Perkins, with his colored troops, took station at Santa Cruz, which is at the ferry and about two miles from the city. Mclntyre went into town and the next Sunday morning published an order as- suming command of the surrendered city by virtue of rank, forbidding any but United States soldiers to carry arms, forbidding soldiers to pass or repass without authority, and requiring foreign citizens to register themselves at their several consulates, and to pass goods, if subject to pass, from headquarters of the American occupation. This order was countermanded and taken down by Colonel Perkins, sustained by General Sedgwick. Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Randall, 1st United States artillery, soon after succeeded Mclntyre in com- mand. Thus, while the city appeared nominally surrendered to the Americans, not only were Canales's troops permitted to retain their arms, but left free to occupy in full force the fortifications against which Escobedo was to move. Late Sun- day evening a meeting between Escobedo and Canales was arranged by Brevet Brigadier General Sedgwick, to the end of an amicable settlement, which, of course, was impossible, Escobedo, justly offended at the new attitude of affairs and the moderate support rendered by Americans to the cause of mutiny, re- fusing to accept anything less than unconditional surrender for Canales, at the same time demanding the withdrawal of the United States troops except 50 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 553 men, to remain for the protection of American interests, which demand was. agreed to by General Sedgwick, but he failed to comply with it. Instead of 50, 300 Americans were retained in the city, for which General Sedgwick's preca- rious excuse is that it subsequently appeared the additional number of Ameri- cans were absolutely necessary as a defence against an uprising of the citizens, so outraged by such ill-timed intervention. To an American flag of trace sent out on the morning of the attack to inquire what would be the attitude of the assailants toward the Americans, Escobedo returned a curt reply that, as the stipulations had been violated, his own course would be guided by circum- stances. At 5 o'clock on Tuesday morning, Escobedo attacked in full force, with about 2,700 infantry and artillery. The attack was begun upon the left, the east or lower side of the city, by Oortinas, who was repulsed ; next at Fort Monterey, at the back of the city, on the Monterey road. General Lonnegane- ga assaulted, but his bridge prepared for the trench proving too short, in the delay ensuing, the point of attack was re-enforced and rescued. The final as- sault upon the usurper, on the upper or west side of the city by the cazadores and two squadrons of cavalry under Colonel Flores, was also successfully re- pelled, by the ill-timed intermeddling of Americans, Canales being enabled to swing his whole force from side to side as needed, without fear of a distracted rear. The following, from the Ranchero of the 29th, is represented to be Escobe- do's general order extraordinary : GENERAL ORDER FOR THE NIGHT OF THE 26TH OF NOVEMBER AND THE MORN- ING OF THE 27TH. The general in command orders that to-morrow r Matamoras be attacked by the forces under his command. For this the following columns will form, to which there will be given suitable positions : The first column shall attack Fort Freeport, and will be commanded by Colonel Alonzo Flores, and it will be com- posed of the battalion of Cazabores and the squadrons of Fernandez, Garcia, and Perez Villareal. The second column shall attack Fort Monterey. It will be ' commanded by General Lorenzo Viga, and will be composed of the Coahuila battalion, a company of the Foreign Legion, and free corps of the frontier. The distance between these columns will be covered by the corps of explorers, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Ruperto Martinez. General Sosternes Rocha will have chief command of this line of attack. The reserve will be formed of one column of infantry and two of cavalry. On their flanks, the first will be composed of the battalion of sappers and miners, first Nuevo Leon, under com- mand of General Albino Espinoza and his subordinates, composed of the bodies which form the light cavalry brigade, under command of their chief, Colonel Adolfo Garza. The artillery will give three pieces for the first column of attack, six for the second, and establish its respective parks in convenient positions. The train general will situate himself according to instructions of the provost. The Tamaulipas brigade, commanded by General Juan N. Cortinas, will attack the fortifications of the line which to-day covers and comprises from Fort San Fernando to the Rio Grande, by the oriental part of the city. The point or points which ought to be attacked is left to his discretion, but on his most strict responsibility he is ordered to commence attack as soon as the line which attacks west of the city opens artillery. He is also ordered, within half an hour of the broken lire, to execute the assault on the fortifications which he attacks. Gen- eral Cortinas will make a boundary in order to take possession of the enemy's first fortified line quickly, without continuing the attack to the interior of the city, till headquarters give him proper instructions, in order to avoid a meeting of his column and the columns of attack. General Cortinas will be careful to give quick notice to headquarters as soon as he will have taken possession of 554 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. the enemy's first fortified line, and hold it at all hazards. The forces which at- tack the place will Ijave for watchword, " Oajaca," and for the countersign, " Durango," and they will carry for distinction a green leaf of any kind of plant. The troops will immediately prepare themselves to march to their respective positions. At the first, order will be given by General Cortinas to the com- manding generals, chief officers and soldiers who compose the forces which go to attack Matamoras, that they will be strict and active in discharge of duties, which are more important than ever to free themselves. The aforesaid general in command is convinced that each and every one of the citizens who make up the forces with whose command he is honored understands very well the object of the affair which to-day is confided to their valor and military skill. It is as important and glorious as if it treated of some national independence, which is the principal object of endeavors of d\ Mexicans. Headquarters, front of Matamoras. By order of the general in command : FELIPE BERRIOZABAL, Adjutant General. Escobedo's loss is rumored to be about four hundred. His right bower, Gen- eral Espinosa, lies mortally wounded, shot through both thighs, a prisoner in Matamoras. This gallant young chieftain, a native of San Luis Potosi, already has no less than a dozen scars. General Sezvando Oanales, youngest brother of M. Canales, was killed, and another brother, Tristane, seriously wounded. The American flag is reported by Brownsville papers of the 29th to be still floating over Matamoras, supported by a garrison of about fifty men. Oanales, emboldened by success and backing, still holds out, and, doubtless to the in- creased irritation of Escobedo, condescends to offer an arrangement for peace. Meanwhile, the American commander and usurper in Mexico has an elephant on hand of most egregious proportions. It is fair to state that Brevet Brigadier General Sedgwick is a young man, and, doubtless unduly influenced by repre- sentations from interested parties in Matamoras, has partly himself acted in good .faith. Oanales's adjutant general (Major Foster) is a confederate — a New Yorker — who is said to have remarked of the American flag raised over Mata- moras that he had fled 2,000 miles in vain to escape its shadow. Browxsvillb, November 30. Tuesday's struggle lasted two hours. A pontoon was laid across the river near the ferry on Sunday, and Colonel Randall, sensitive of his ticklish position, had his two batteries drawn up on the American side in readiness to cross. A regiment of volunteer militia was raised for the defense of Browsville, and was commanded by the notorious fillibuster and confederate, Colonel Ford. It is said that Marshall, the new American agent, successor to Mr. Avery, is now in Brownsville, afraid to return to his office, such is the danger from the loose soldiery of Canales and from citizens enraged at American intervention, who cry on the streets " Death to the Gringos !" Escobedo, it is understood, as soon as re-enforced by Trevino, will renew the attack, probably this week ; but the hope of his troops must again be compassed by the prospect of the flag of a friend strangely supporting the foe. The Tribune is indebted to Mr. Sterling, of New York City, who courteously takes charge of these despatches to telegraph office, Galveston. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. f)55 Xo. 172. Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero. Department of State, Washington, Decemher 17, 1S66. Sir : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 13th of Decemher, in which you allude to a late proceeding of General Sedgwick, in taking possession of Matamoras ond holding it for a few hours. I have to inform you in reply, that the proceeding of General Sedgwick was not only without authority from this government, but is understood by this department to have been in violation of the orders of .his military superiors ; that as soon as it came to their knowledge the proceeding was disallowed and countermanded, and that General Sedgwick was thereupon suspended from command and sub- jected to discipline. I am unable to write with precision upon the subject for want of full information ; but I think there is sufficient ground for believiug that General Sedgwick's error was committed under pressing importunities from persons residing in Matamoras, amenable to the government of Mexico, and that his indiscreet proceeding was regarded by him as favorable to that government, instead of being injurious to it, or likely to give offence. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you my assurances of the high- est consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senor Dox Matias Romero, tyc., 8fc, §v. No. 17. EVACUATION OF MEXICO BY THE FEENCH. List of papers. 173. Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward, May 16, 1S66. 174. Same to same,. May 31, 1S66. 175. Mr. Hay to Mr. Seward August 10, 1866. 176. Mr. Seward to the Marquis de Montholon August 16, 1866. 177. Mr. Hay to Mr. Seward August 17, 1866. 178. Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow August 24, 1866. 179. Same to same , October 8, 1866. ISO. Same to same Nov. 9, 1S66. 181. Mr. Seward to Mr. Stanton Nov. 23, 1866. 152. Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell, Nov. 23, 1S66. 153. Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward Nov. 30, 1S66 . No. 173. Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward. No. 320.] Legation of the United States, Paris, May 16, 1S65. Sir : I translate from La France, of last evening, the following announcement : "The embarcation of troops of Austrian volunteers for Mexico has been coun- termanded. Those enlisted have been discharged, and the majority of them have been enrolled in the army of the north." I suppose I may consider this paragraph, in a semi-official paper, as practi- 556 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. cally answering - the inquiry which I addressed to the minister of foreign affairs on Thursday last, and as finally disposing of what threatened to become an un- pleasant complication. Apropos of our relations with Mexico, and more especially of the latest phase of them, 1 invite your attention to the annexed extracts from the Memorial Diplomatique, semi-official, and from the Debats, mild opposition. General Almonte, who was appointed to replace Mr. Hidalgo at this court as the representative, of Mexico, has arrived. I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, JOHN BIGELOW. Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington. [Enclosure No. J. — From the Memorial Diplomatique, May 13.] According to an American letter published in the Times, the minister of the United States at Paris recently suggested to the cabinet of the Tuilleries that, for the purpose of arresting the military reprisals in Mexico, the Juarez govern- ment should be informed of the limit within which the French army of occupa- tion should be withdrawn. Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys delivered this overture for the reason that the French government had no means of communication with Juarez. At length Mr. Bigelow offered for this purpose to the cabinet of the Tuilleries the good offices of his government, near which is accredited the Juarist agent, Mr. Romero. It appears, from our information, that what there may be of truth in this story relates to the steps formerly taken by the federal cabinet to induce France to demand from the Mexican government the repeal of certain decrees concerning the Juarist brigandage. These steps, and the reception which they met with from the minister of foreign affairs of France all this is found at length in the Livie Jaime of 1866 ; and we believe that no later incident could have changed in this regard tli£ rule of conduct of the imperial government. [Enclosure No. 2. — From the Memorial Diplomatique, May 13.] According to the information which reaches us from Vienna, the imperial government has had no difficulty in convincing Mr. Motley that Austria has no intention to send troops to Mexico to replace ; that the volunteers in question cannot be considered as Austrian soldiers, as it is of their own accord that, after having fulfilled their military obligations in their own country, they enlist in the service of the emperor Maximilian to form an integral portion of the Mex- ican army. The proof that this incident seems to have been settled in a satisfactory man- ner is, that the embarcation of one thousand Austrian volunteers was to take place the 10th of May instant, at Trieste, where, since the 7th, the Tampico has been lying at anchor — a vessel of the Transatlantic Company, on board of which they were to be transported to Vera Cruz. [Enclosure No. 3. — From the Journal des Debats, May 14, 1366.] We yesterday called attention to the despatches of Mr. Seward to the minis" ter of the United States at Vienna, in which the American Secretary of State protests against the sending of Austrian volunteers to Mexico, in terms whose earnestness every one can appreciate. The Constitutionnel thinks it can an- CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 557 nounce this morning that all difficulties are removed in the matter, and that the explanations given by the Vienna cabinet have fully satisfied the minister of the United States, so that a first detachment of 1,000 volunteers was to embark on the 10th of May at Trieste, for Mexico. To tell the truth, the Constitution- nel knows nothing of these facts of itself, but gets them from the Memorial Diplomatique, in which, for our part, we are far from having absolute confi- dence. It may be, after all, that Austria has not thought proper to pay atten- tion to the protest from Washington, although she has at this moment affairs enough on hand not to seek for new ones. We shall soon know if it is true that one corps of volunteers set out three days ago for Vera Cruz, on board the Tampico ; but even if this fact were exact, it would not be enough to prove that an understanding in regard to this question of volunteers exists at present be- tween Austria and the United States. The very categoric language of Mr. Seward permits us to doubt this. We shall wait, therefore, until the text of the arrangements concluded between the two governments is made known to us before we believe it, by the Constitutionnel's leave, which indorses statements of which it has no proof except the assertion of the Memorial Diplomatique, which are always to be received with caution. No. 174. Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seicard. No. 328.] Legation of the United States, - Paris, May 31, 1866. Sir : I have your despatch, No. 459, marked " confidential," and had pro- posed to discuss its contents to-day with the minister of foreign affairs. His excellency, however, had received a summons to the palace, which compelled him to terminate his reception of the diplomatic corps abruptly. He remarked, with a smile, as I entered, that he knew what I came for — that I had a harsh message to him. " Am I not right ? " he asked. I told him that I had been instructed, as he was aware, it seemed, to acquaint him with the disquiet which certain reports, in regard to the transport of fresh troops from different quarters of the world to Mexico, had occasioned in the United States, and I expressed my fear that these reports, unless met promptly by some satisfactory assurances, might develop discussion upon another theatre, imperfectly informed of the actual situation and of the dispositions of the imperial government, thereby aggravating the difficulties with which both governments already had to con- tend. I then said, that as he was called elsewhere, I would wait upon him at any other more convenient hour that he would name. He proposed that I should call again on Saturday at 1J p. m.; meantime he wished me to be assured, as he had assured me on several previous occasions, that the troops reported to have sailed for Vera Cruz were to replace others whose terms of service had expired, and in numbers less rather than more than were there before. He believed, also, that the orders for their shipment were given before the proposed recall of the army was announced. Upon all these points he expected to have more precise information from the minister of war to give me on Saturday. As I was going out his excellency repeated what he has often said, that they were but too anxious to withdraw their troops from Mexico ; that they would be withdrawn certainly not later, but probably sooner, than the time proposed. I then took my leave without alluding to the'other subjects about which I was specially instructed to confer with him. I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, JOHN BIGELOW. Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State. 558 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. No. 175. Mr. Hay to Mr. Seward. No. 357.] Legation of the United States, Paris, August 10, 1866. Sir : There have recently appeared paragraphs in the journals of Paris, an- nouncing the contemplated departure from Mexico of the wife of the Archduke Maximilian. These naturally created some degree of discussion and comment generally unfavorable to the imperial cause in Mexico. To check this injurious line of remark, the Memorial Diplomatique, the organ of the so-called Mexican empire in Paris, in its last issue published the following formal announcement : " We are authorized to contradict, in the most formal manner, the rumor that the empress of Mexico is on her way to Europe. " The same report was circulated at the time of her majesty's departure for Yucatan, and it is known that the emperor Maximilian, on a solemn occasion, denounced as an infamous calumny the mere supposition that either he or his august spouse could ever be false to their duty." The Pays, a journal in the same interest, published on the following day this additional denial of the same rumor : " A journal, tormented with the desire of producing sensation news, has men- tioned in reference to Mexico a completely absurd rumor, started at Paris, by no one knows whom, some days ago. " There is not one Avord of truth or reason in the assertion." Yesterday, to the confusion of these positive and indignant friends, the lady in question arrived in Paris, and alighted at the Grand Hotel. She was imme- diately waited upon by Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, who passed in her company the greater part of the afternoon. To-day the morning papers publish the following extract from the official journal of Mexico, of the Sth July: " The empress leaves for Europe, where she is going to treat of the affairs of Mexico, and regulate different international matters. This mission, accepted by our sovereign with real patriotism, is the greatest proof of abnegation that the emperor could offer to his new country. We give this intelligence that the public may know the real object of her majesty's absence." The princess is accompanied by Mr. Martin Castillo, minister of foreign affairs, the Comte del Valle, her grand chamberlain, the Oomte de Bouchelles, and other officers and attendants. The most unfavorable conclusions are deduced from this visit, especially by those who are so unfortunate as to hold large amounts of the Mexican loan. It is generally regarded as a final effort to obtain by personal influence and solici- tation that indispensable aid for the Mexican empire which has been refused to its accredited diplomatic representative. I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, JOHN HAY, Charge d' Affaires ad interim. Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington. No. 176. Mr. Seward to the Marquis de Montholon. Department of State, Washington, August 16, 1S66. Sir : I have the honor to call your attention to two orders or decrees which purport to have been made on the 26th of July last, by Prince Maximilian, who CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 559 claims to be emperor in Mexico, in which he declares that he has committed the direction of the department of war in that country to General Osmont, chief of the staff of the French expeditionary corps ; and that he has committed the direction of the department of the treasury to Mr. Friant, intendant-in-chief of the same corps. The President thinks it proper that the Emperor of France should be in- formed that the assumption of administrative functions at this time by the afore- named officers of the French expeditionary corps under the authority of the Prince Maximilian is not unlikely to be injurious to good relations between the United States and France, because it is liable to be regarded by the Con- gress and people of the United States as indicating a course of proceeding on the part of France incongruous with the engagement which has been made for the withdrawal of the French expeditionary corps from that country. Accept, sir, a renewed assurance of my hijc y^ * ^s ;)c Your despatch No. 2, containing an account of your interview with Mr. Ma- gruder, has been submitted to the President. The department approves of your proceedings mentioned in your No. 3 of the 23d instant, which seem to have been discreet. I am, sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Lewis D. Campbell, Esq., fyc , fye., fyc. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 577 No. 194. Mr. Campbell to Mr. Setvard. No. 4.] United States Steamer Susquehanna, At anchor off Verde Island, outside the Port of Vera Cruz, December 1, 1S66. Sir: I have the honor to report my arrival at this anchorage on the 29th ultimo, having left Havana on the afternoon of the 25th. Mr. Lane, our consul at this port, was on board with me here during the day yesterday. From him, and from other sources, I have gained the following information as to the state of affairs at this point, and, so far as is known here, with regard to the interior. Maximilian is still at Orizaba. His ministers, it is stated, are now there with him. He has not been in the city of Mexico since his departure from that place the last of October. It is generally understood that the functions of government in the city of Mexico are in the hands of Marshal Bazaine. At Orizaba and at this port the civil power appears, however, still to be exer- cised by so-called Maximilian authorities. Betweeu these and the Fr.ench there is evidently some disagreement, particu- larly with reference to the possession of the custom-house of this port. No French troops, so far as I can learn, were embarked at this port during the month of November nor for some time previous. There are but one or two transport vessels now here, and nothing transpiring that is obvious here, that indicates any preparations for the immediate withdrawal of any part of the French forces. It is said that they are being withdrawn from the interior and concentrated on the line from the city of Mexico to this port. From a French source I learn that the number of their troops now in this country is twenty-eight thousand. It is reported that Miramon and Marquez are with Maximilian at Orizaba, and that the government may be turned over to them as the representatives of the reactionary party. I am unable to obtain here any definite information as to the movements of President Juarez, but it seems to be the general impression that he is now in the neighborhood of the city of San Luis Potosi. The French forces have been withdrawn from that point, and there remained in that vicinity but a small Max- imilian force, which it is believed can interpose but little obstacle to the occupa- tion of that place by the forces of President Juarez. The harbor of Vera Cruz being in full and complete possession of the ene- mies of the republic, acting under your instructions, I do not deem it proper to land here. The French expeditionary forces having been concentrated on the line from this city to Mexico, it appears to me that this route is the very last that I should adopt iu seeking to establish communication with President Juarez. I should not feel authorized to accept, even if tendered to me, the good offices of those who are and have been for years in the attitude of enemies of the republic, in seeking to reach its President. I expect to receive positive information from our consul at Tampico, Mr. Chase, as to the situation at that point, by the English steamer which will be due from that port to-morrow. From all the information I can gather here, that port, and the line thence to San Luis Potosi, are in the undisturbed possession of the liberals. From my present information, therefore, it appears that there is no other 37 mex. 578 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. point on the coast from whence I can more speedily open communication with President Juarez than Tampico ; and unless some important fact is developed here within a delay of a few days, changing the aspect of affairs, I shall pro- ceed at once to that port and make an effort to reach the government of the republic at San Luis Potosi, or some other point in the interior in that direction. My anxiety to open communication with President Juarez as speedily as possible is enhanced by the fact that the condition of affairs may be such as to require some action on the part of Congress during its short session, and early and reliable information, therefore, cannot but be regarded as important by the department. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, LEWIS D. CAMPBELL. Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington. No. 195. Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward. No. 5.] United States Steamer Susquehanna, Isla Verde, off Vera Cruz, December 1, 1866. Sir : I had just finished my despatch No. 4 to you of this date, when a boat came off to our consul, Mr. Lane, who is still on board, bringing the enclosed proclamation published this morning in Vera Cruz, which I have only time to send you without translation by this mail. From its tenor it appears that Maximilian has decided to remain in the country. A note from the office of the consulate to Mr. Lane states that Maximilian left Orizaba (it is supposed for the city of Mexico) last night. 1 am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, LEWIS D. CAMPBELL. Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington. [Translation.] Long live the empire I — Long live the emperor ! Veracruzans: One of the most grateful events for good Mexicans has just occurred to the nation. His Majesty the emperor, who has made so many sacrifices for the welfare and happiness of our dear country, has given the best proof of the interest he takes in it. When overwhelmed by the natural feelings which were still contending and still are so in his mind, in consequence of the ill-health of his august and noble spouse our beloved sovereign, he thought for a moment that he ought tempo- rarily to abandon the country to devote himself to fulfilling the sacred duty of offering to his worthy consort the cares she so much needs in the delicate con- dition in which she is. The emperor sacrifices himself for us, postpones his duties as a man to those which his honor points out to him to be controlling, and in these critical moments, that the country may pass safely through, he solemnly declares that he will continue at the helm, and will contest without remission until the last drop of his blood be shed in defence of the nation. Veracruzans ! Let us rejoice ; let us give thanks to Providence for having saved the integrity of our territory, and with full outpouring of our hearts let us hail the day of the resurrection of our nationality, on the eve of disappearing. Vera Cruz, December 1, 1866. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 579 No. 196. Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell. No. 10.J Department of State, Washington, December 15, 1S66. Sir : I Lave to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches Nos. 4 and 5. The department approves of the matters contained in your No. 4. I am, sir, your obedient servant. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Lewis D. Campbell, Esq., fy-c, §c, Sfc. No. 197. Mr. Seivard to Mr. Campbell. No. 7.] Department of State, Washington, December 6, 1866. Sir : I transmit for your information a copy of a telegram of the 3d instant, from Mr. Bigelow, at Paris, giving the substance of a note to him from the French minister for foreign affairs in regard to the military occupation of Mexico. From this it appears that the French troops will be withdrawn altogether from Mexico in March next. It does not seem necessary to modify the instructions heretofore sent to you. I am, sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Lewis D. Campbell, Esq., fyc, fyc., 8fc. Paris, December 3. In reply to a verbal communication, the minister for foreign affairs writes me to-day, "The resolutions of the French government are not changed, but, from military considerations, it has thought it ought to substitute a collective evacua- tion of Mexico for one by divisions ; and our force of occupation is to embark in the month of March next." I add that the French government is disposed to have an understanding with the United States, in view of possible events in Mexico. JOHN BIGELOW. The Secretary of State, Washington. No. 19 S. Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seivard. No. 6.] Brazos Santiago, December 13, 1S66. Sir : I have the honor to advise you that, not deeming it proper to enter the harbor of Vera Cruz, we left our anchorage off Green island (Isla Verde) on the evening of the 2d instant, and proceeded to Tampico, arriving at the bar off that port on the 4th. Meeting there the United States gunboat Paul 580 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Jones," Captain Fitzhugh commanding, we learned that the port was in pos- session of the liberals, and under orders from Commodore Alden that vessel conveyed Lieutenant General Sherman and myself, and our respective suites, across the bar and up to Tampico. On reaching the town, the boats of the officers of the port came off, and we were received and escorted on shore to the American consulate with much attention. During the evening we received visits from the principal civil and military authorities of the place, which were duly returned by us the following morning. Ascertaining that the information received at Vera Cruz, that the forces of the national government were in possession of the city of San Luis Potosi, was incorrect, and President Juarez was probably still at Chihuahua, we were forced to the conclusion that a speedy communication with him from that point could not be effected. It was therefore deemed best to forward to the minister of foreign affairs, Sellor Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, a communication, copy of which is enclosed herewith, marked No. 1, advising him of our arrival in the coun- try and desire speedily to reach the seat of government of President Juarez ; which communication was placed in the hands of General Gomez, the chief military officer of the place, .who agreed to forward the same by special courier. We left Tampico on the afternoon of the 5th instant, and anchored off the bar of this port on the 7th. Here we learned of the presence of General Sheri- dan in Brownsville, and had an interview with him on his return from that place in the evening. From General Sheridan we learned that the national forces under General Escobedo were in full and complete possession of Matamoras. On the 8th we proceeded to Brownsville. On the 9th we crossed to Mata- moras and had a full and cordial interview with General Escobedo, commanding the national army of the north and representative of the government of the republic on this frontier. From him we learned that President Juarez would probably be in Monterey by the 20th instant. Acting upon this information, I at once determined to proceed to that point. This determination I communicated to Mr. Lerdo de Tejada by a special courier, despatched by General Escobedo that night. A copy of my communication is herewith attached, marked No. 2. On reaching Brownsville on the evening of the 8th, I received a polite note from General Escobedo, expressing his satisfaction at the arrival of the mission on this frontier. Copy of this note and translation, marked No. 3, is annexed hereto. Copy of my reply, also annexed, is marked No. 4. Having spent only a few hours in Tampico, and the same time in Matamoras, it would not be proper for me at this time to attempt to give any detailed informa- tion as to the general situation of affairs in the interior of the country, but all the information I have received, both at Tampico and from General Escobedo, appears to be highly favorable to the cause of the republic. The spirit of the national forces is undoubtedly excellent, but their progress is necessarily slow from the great disadvantages under which they labor for want of means. On the 12th instant we returned to this point, Brazos Santiago. Here I take leave of Commodore Alden of the Susquehanna, of whose uniform kindness and courtesy to myself and suite I desire to make special mention, and whose promptitude and unceasing vigilance as a naval officer cannot be too highly acknowledged. Lieutenant General Sherman does not deem it necessary to accompany me to Monterey, and leaves here in the Susquehanna. To-morrow it is my purpose to return to Matamoras, and thence to proceed without delay to Monterey. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, LEWIS D. CAMPBELL. Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 581 [Enclosure No. 1.] Tampico, December 5, 1866. Sir : I Lave the honor to advise you informally of my arrival at this point in the character of envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary from the United States to the republic of Mexico, of which his excellency Don Btmito Juarez is President. Lieutenant General Sherman, of the United States army, accompanies me in my mission. We arrived here on the 4th instant in the United States steam frigate Sus- quehanna, Commodore Alden commanding. On our way here we anchored from noon on the 29th ultimo to the afternoon of the 2d instant at Green island, off the port of Vera Cruz. Finding that port in possession of the enemies of the Mexican republic we did not enter the harbor, and observing no prospect of a change in affairs there we came to this port, which we find is occupied by the forces of the constitutional government. For reasons which will be obvious to you, I regard it as of importance both to the government of President Juarez and of tne United States that I should speedily effect an official communication with him. The Congress of the United States is now in session, but, under our Consti- tution, will adjourn on the 4th of next March, and it is not probable that it will meet again until next December. Therefore, as the condition of affairs in Mex- ico and the continued occupation of its territory by the French may, in the judgment of the President, require congressional rather than executive action, it seems to me that I should present my letters of credence without unnecessary delay. For these reasons I address you this informal note by courier. As now advised I presume that the movements of your government are in this direction, and it has been suggested that President Juarez might, perhaps, establish the seat of his government temporarily at this place. This would greatly facilitate me in communicating official intelligence to my government as to the condition of affairs and the desires of President Juarez. If, however, the President has no intention of coming here, I desire to be ad- vised as early as possible as to the point in the interior at which and the time when I may probably have an opportunity of presenting my credentials. I shall await information from you on these points at this place or Brownsville, Texas, in company with Lieutenant General Sherman and Commodore Alden, and we will detain the Susquehanna and the United States gunboat Paul Jones until I hear from you. I am, sir, with great respect, most truly, your obedient servant, LEWIS D. CAMPBELL. His Excellency Don Sebastian Lbrdo de Tejada, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Mexican Republic. P. S. — You will please send your reply to me to the care of Franklin Chase, esq., United States consul at this port, and duplicate copy of same to me, care commanding officer United States forces at Brownsville, Texas. LEWIS D. CAMPBELL. [Enclosure No. 2.] Brownsville, Texas, December 9, 1866. Sir : I enclose herewith a copy of a communication, duplicate copies of which I placed in the hands of General Gomez at Tampico, on the 5th instant. He promised to forward them to you by courier. I left Tampico in company with Lieutenant General Sherman on the 5th 582 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. instant, and arrived here yesterday. To-day we have had an interview with General Escobedo, in Matamoras, and I have concluded to proceed to Monterey for the purpose of meeting President Juarez at that point. General Sherman will leave me here and proceed in the United States steam frigate Susquehanna to New Orleans to confer with our government at Wash- ington by telegraph. For many reasons not proper to he mentioned herein, I regard it as important to the cause of the republic that I should communicate with President Juarez at Monterey speedily, and I shall go there with the expectation of enjoying that honor at an early day. I am, sir, with great respect, your most obedient servant, LEWIS D. CAMPBELL. His Excellency Don Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, Minister of Foreign Relations of the Republic of Mexico. [Enclosure No. 4.] Brownsville, December 8, 1866. General : I have the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt of your es- teemed favor of this date, and beg to express to you my acknowledgments for your polite attention. In company with Lieutenant General Sherman, I shall have the pleasure of waiting upon you in person, at your headquarters in Matamoras, at ten o'clock to-morrow. It is the earnest desire of the government of the United States that the re- public of Mexico, of which Don Benito Juarez is the recognized President, should speedily be acknowledged by all the nations of the earth as a stable and permanent nationality. The purpose of our mission is not to dictate or interfere with the free will of the people of Mexico in regard to the form of government that they shall adopt. I am, general, with the highest respect, your most attentive and obedient servant, LEWIS D. CAMPBELL. General Don Mariano Escobedo, General-in-Chief of the army of the north, and representative of the government of the republic of Mexico on this frontier, ,. Matamoras. No. 199. Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell. No. 11.] Department of State, Washington, December 27, 1866. Sir : I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of December 13, No. 6. ********* Your proceedings at Vera Cruz, Tampico, and Brownsville, as therein related, are approved. The information which you have given me is appreciated. With a reserva- tion, which I may take a more convenient occasion to mention, the President approves of the notes of which a copy is appended to your despatch. I am, sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Lewis D. Campbell, Esq., fyc, fyc., fyc. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 583 No. 200. Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward. N -, New Orleans, December 24, 1866. Sir • Referring to my despatch No. 6, of the 13th instant, from .BnM Santiago I Sv^ow the honor to inform you that I left that place on the 16th inatant and reached Brownsville late the same evening. {MowS morning I received a note from General Escohedo, adv 1S mg me that he would be obliged to leave for the interior at once. " Copy and translation of the same is enclosed herewith, marked No. 1 On the 18th I received, from a reliable source, information that liesiaent Ju^ez ema ned at Chihuahua as late as the 24th of November with no indx- Sns of a departure from that point, and that it was doubtful whether he would leave, and if he left, whether he would go to Monterey On the same day, ascertaining that Ortega had crossed the Rio Grande tiom the United SteteS into Mexico, and that probably Canales and Cortmas, with tLu forces, would nt?te against Escobedofl deemed it improper to proceed m the department since your instructions on setting out I deemed it prope to Sme to S point as speedily as possible, with a view of communicating directly ^SgSSl SioS^f this determination by a note, a copy of Wl L tvt £&£^^ I Wed here, by way of Galveston, in the ^wVentthfGnlf of Mexico I was overtaken by the United States gunboat Winooski, Captain Cooper commanding, bearing to me your despatch No. 4, ot th Capfam f C^falsVtnded to me a despatch from Mr # Lane, our consul at yX Enclosing a communication from Mr. Otterbourg, our consul at the ^CopVof Mr.' Lane's despatch, which is of a late date, is herewith enclosed, ma in e ii N communication to me, Mr. Otterbourg enclosed a sealed communica- tion from Marshal Bazaine to Lieutenant General Sherman, which I have de- ^Thfs^eaM^mmunication, without instructions from Washington, seemed to me to make it imperative on me to deliver it in person. harmful I consider my presence on the border of Mexico ummp ortant, if no ^imhi until the residence of the republican government under Juarez shall have ^heen definitely ascertained. I desire to avoid any complication of on fJJ**™*\ with the factions of the liberals, who seem now to be at war wi h e ch ot h^ therefore I will go back to Mexico or return to Washington for further instrnc tions, as the department may direct. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient Bjut, ^ 0AMpBELL< Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. G. [Enclosure No. 1.— Translation.] Matamoras, December 16, 1866. Sir • Urgent military duties have placed me under the necessity of not w- ' maimVg in this city the time that I desired, in order not to deprive myself of the pleasing honor of awaiting your excellency. 584 CONDITION OP AFFAIES IN MEXICO. But there will remain to represent me in this city the general of division, Felipe Berriozahal, military commandant of the district and chief of the line of the Rio Grande, in order to present anew to your excellency my respects. In addition, I have already given orders that there should he placed at the convenient points the escort which is to accompany your excellency, whom I hope to have the pleasure of seeing on the road or in the city of Monterey. I am, sir, with great respect, your most obedient servant, M. ESCOBEDO. His Excellency Hon. Lewis D. Campbell, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America. [Enclosure No. 2.] Brownsville, December 19, 1866. General : Circumstances have transpired which render it expedient that I should go over to Galveston or New Orleans to communicate with my govern- ment at Washington. This will require an absence of ten days or two weeks, and I must therefore postpone my intended trip to Monterey for that period. You will please communicate these facts to General Escobedo, with my thanks for his courtesies and kindness. I am, general, your very obedient servant, LEWIS D. CAMPBELL. General F. Berriozabal, Cominanding in Chief, Matamoras. [Enclosure No. 3.] Consulate of the United States of America, Vera Cruz, December 15, 1866. Sir : Yesterday the American gunboat Winooski put in here expecting to find you. As they have important despatches for and instructions to find you somewhere, I have thought it best to send by them what correspondence I have received since your departure — among them a despatch from Mr. Otterbourg, enclosing message from General Bazaine. I hope I do not err in sending them. The mail steamer from France arrived here on the 11th instant, bringing two hundred soldiers belonging to the foreign legion. The same day the steamer Florida arrived for the purpose of taking any French troops. Maximilian left Orizaba on the 12th instant for the city, it is said, but will make a stop at Cholula. With the present feeling existing between him and Bazaine I do not believe he dares to go to the city. Bazaine had Marquez and Miramon arrested, but the latter escaped, and has not yet been recaptured. It is said the priests have offered to raise Maximilian $15,000,000 and 36,000 troops, 12,000 each under the command of Marquez, Miramon, and Marin. That the French are preparing to leave 1 cannot doubt, from present appear- ances ; still, I may be mistaken. When I got on shore from the Susquehanna I was met by the report that the prefect of this city, acting under orders from Maximilian, had commanded the Susquehanna to leave this port forthwith. I am sorry to say it was believed by many. When the news of her departure reached Orizaba the bells -were rung and the rabble shouted. There were heard vivas for Maximilian — groans and cries of death to the Americans and the French. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 585 On Sunday last the French took forcible possession of the custom-house, turning out all the appointees of Maximilian, from collector down, and filling their places with French. I send you all the newspapers that have come to hand; also papers and proclamations of this country. The Winooski was very kindly and courteously treated by Admiral Clam. "With kind remembrances to all your party, yourself included, I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, M. D. L. LANE. Hon. L. D. Campbell, United States 31i?iister, fyc No. 201. Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell. No. 12.] Department of State, Washington, Decemb&r 29, 1866. Sir : Your despatch No. 7, of the 24th instant, has been received. The pro- ceedings to wbich it refers are approved. We adhere to the directions given you in the telegram of the 25th instant. I am, sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Lewis D. Campbell, Esq., fyc, fyc, fyc. No. 202. Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward. Office United States Military Telegraph, Washington, D. C, December 24, 1866. [Telegram received at "War Department from New Orleans, December 24, ] 866 — time 5 p.m.] Hon. W. H. Seward, Secretary of State : Left Matamoras 19th ; Juarez still at Chihuahua November 24th ; Ortega gone on to Mexico ; Canales and Cortinas, with their followers, reported to have pronounced for Ortega. It is my deliberate judgment that I cannot soon com- municate with Juarez, and that my presence on the border does more harm than good. I learn by telegraph that my daughter is very ill ; will you permit me to return home, or report in person at Washington ? LEWIS D. CAMPBELL. No. 203. Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell. [Telegram.] Department of State, Washington, December 25, 1S66. Lewis D. Campbell, Esq., fyc, fyc, fyc, New Orleans : Your despatch of 24th received. You are especially desired to remain in New Orleans until you receive further directions, after more definite intelligence from Mexico. Should you return home, however, on account of ill health in your family, you will be expected to return as early as possible to New Orleans. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. 586 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. No. 204. Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward. No. 8.] Nrw Orleans, December 31, 1866. Sir : I regard it proper to inform you of the facts brought to my knowledge of a flagrant wrong lately perpetrated on an American citizen by the authorities of the Mexican republic. These should have been imparted sooner, but, in the constant movements to which this legation has been subject by the embarrass- ments which have surrounded it, some of the papers bearing upon the affair were misplaced. On the 13th instant, after Lieutenant General Sherman and myself had re- turned from Matamoras — we were detained at Brazos Santiago by a storm, which had driven the Susquehanna and the Paul Jones to sea — a paper was pre- sented to us asking our interference to prevent a threatened outrage to the owner of the American schooner Mary Bertrand, that had lately been wrecked on the Mexican coast near Bagdad. The facts of this case were subsequently presented to me in a more formal and reliable manner by the papers herewith enclosed, marked Nos. 1, 2, and 3, to which your special attention is called. Not having opened any official communication with the government of Presi- dent Juarez, it seemed proper that I should refer the matter to Mr. Marshall, our consul at Matamoras. Accordingly a telegram was sent to him by Lieu- tenant General Sherman and myself, copy of which is enclosed, marked No. 4. Beceiving reliable information at Brazos Santiago, on the 15th, that the specie referred to had been actually seized by a military force, and that General Esco- bedo, who had represented himself to Lieutenant General Sherman and myself as the representative of the government of the republic on that frontier, had re- fused to interpose his authority for the protection of the rights of our shipwrecked mariners, I started from Brazos Santiago for Matamoras on the 16th, and arrived at Brownsville at eleven o'clock that night, with the view of having his attention more particularly called to the subject. On the following morning, before I had time to cross the river to Matamoras, I received the note from General Escobedo, (copy and translation of which were enclosed in my despatch from this place of the 24th instant,) who had agreed to await my arrival, informing me he would be obliged to leave at once for Monterey. I immediately despatched Mr. Plumb, the secretary of legation, to Matamoras, for the purpose, if possible, of seeing General Escobedo, and informally urging upon him the necessity of arranging the affair of the seized specie before his departure. On the arrival of Mr. Plumb, however, in Matamoras, at about eleven o'clock a. m., it was learned that General Escobedo had already left for the in- terior. The enclosed papers, stating the case, were immediately brought before Gen- eral Berriozabal, who had been left in command, by Mr. Marshall, and every possible effort used to procure the return of the specie to its owners, but without avail. The most that could be accomplished was an order from the judge that the money should be placed in our consul's hands until the claimant should pro- cure proof from Tampico that the specie had been properly cleared from that port, thus subjecting him to great inconvenience and expense, and depriving him of his rights for an indefinite period, if not to the entire loss of his property in the present revolutionary and turbulent condition of affairs at that point. The sudden departure of General Escobedo, (when it was known to him I had just arrived,) in connection with the seizure of this specie, seemed to me somewhat mysterious, if not positively suspicious. This impression was strength- ened by the fact that General Escobedo had agreed to wait, with his escort, for me, and had been fully apprised by both Lieutenant General Sherman and my- self of the friendly disposition of our government. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 587 Having then established no official relations with the government, I could not further interpose with regard to this affair ; but it occurs to me, in view of the many complaints that are made by American citizens in that quarter, and espe- cially in view of the alleged wrongs inflicted by the liberal authorities, as repre- sented by Mr. Ulrich, the consul at Monterey, and others of that city, which were made the subject-matter of your despatch No. 2, of October 2 last, that I should call your special attention to this case. In presenting these facts to you, permit me respectfully to make the sug- gestion, that, from all I could learn, there is little disposition to respect our flag or the rights of our citizens in that region of Mexico. Such acts seem to me to be flagrant aggressions upon the principles of inter- national integrity and good will, if not positive violations of solemn treaty stipu- lations. At least they form some of the reasons why I do not feel disposed, until otherwise positively instructed by the department, to appear to obtrude hastily our "good offices " on that government, until its residence shall have been definitively established, and its authorities show, practically, some power and a greater disposition to enforce justice and to respect our flag. \ I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, LEWIS D. CAMPBELL. Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Wasldngton, D. C. [Enclosure No. 1.] Brownsville, Texas, December 17, 1866. Sir: The undersigned, a citizen of the United State?, ha- the honor to ad- dress your excellency in regard to a seizure of his property by the authorities of the republic of Mexico, under circumstances which the undersigned cannot but consider as illegal and arbitrary. The facts are as follows : The undersigned, owner of the American schooner Mary Bertrand, cleared at the port of Tampico, Mexico, for Brazos Santiago, Texas, and set sail on the 3d instant under the customary sea-papers, having on board twenty thousand dollars in silver, the property of the undersigned and others. The export per- mit for the silver on board was taken up by the proper officer, at the mouth of the Tamesi river, so that this paper did not remain on board. It is proper to state that the twenty thousand dollars referred to were the proceeds of a lot of arms and ammunition sold by the undersigned to the repub- lican Mexican authorities of Tampico, and that it was a condition of the sale, made to them by the undersigned, that the purchase-money should be allowed to leave the country under a free permit and exempt from duties. This condition was fulfilled by the authorities at Tampico, and the money was placed on board the Mary Bertrand by the Mexican customs officers of that port, with the necessary papers. Afterwards, on the ninth day of this month, the Mary Bertrand was wrecked in a storm, and cast upon the Mexican coast, a few miles below the mouth of the Rio Grande. The specie on board was taken ashore and hauled by the undersigned, as part of the wreck, and for greater safety, to Bagdad, at the mouth of the Rio Grande. While there, a party of Mexican soldiers, forming part of General Escobecla's command, attempted to take possession of the specie, whereupon the under- signed placed over it, for protection, a flag of the United States, and warned the officer commanding the soldiery that he should respect that safeguard and leave the money undisturbed. Notwithstanding this, the specie in question was, on Monday afternoon, De- cember 10, seized by the said» officer, and afterwards, on the 12th instant, the 588 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. same was transmitted by him to Matamoras, where the customs authorities of that city now hold it. The undersigned has been unable to obtain any redress for the injury done to him by such illegal seizure, nor can he secure the possession of the specie to which he is entitled, and the undersigned fears that unless some action is taken in the premises by your excellency he will meet with a total loss of this money. - Therefore the undersigned earnestly appeals to your excellency for the pro- tection to which he believes himself entitled, and respectfully requests your in- terposition to prevent a great wrong from being inflicted on citizens of the United States who are interested herein. I am your excellency's most obedient servant, A. A. McGAFFEY. His Excellency Lewis D. Campbell, Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary of the United States to the Republic of Mexico. The foregoing affidavit sworn to and subscribed before me this 19th day of December, A. D. 1866. Witness my hand and the seal of the district court in and for Cameron county, State' of Texas, being of the 12th judicial district of the same. rsEAL.l . s - powers, L ' J Judge of the 12th Judicial District of Texas. [Enclosure No. 2.] State of Texas, County of Cameron : Personally appeared before me, the undersigned authority, J. W. Tompkins, to me known, who being duly sworn, upon his oath doth declare and say that he is master of the American schooner Mary Bertrand, now totally a wreck on the coast of Mexico, a few miles below the mouth of the Rio Grande ; that she sailed from the port of Tampico, Mexico, on the 3d day of December, A.D. 1866, for the port of Brazos Santiago, in the county and State aforesaid; that he obtained from the customs officers at Tampico the usual clearance papers ; that there was, at the time of sailing from said port, twenty thousand silver dollars, in nine wooden boxes, the property of A. A. McGaffey and others — the same specie having been laden and put on board the said schooner hy the Mexican customs authorities of said port ; that the said authorities furnished affiant with the pro- per permit for the exportation of said specie, which was taken at the mouth of the Tamesi river by the proper officer as is usual at said port; that subsequently, to wit, on the 9th day of December, A. D. 1866, the said schooner Mary Bertrand was wrecked and cast away on the Mexican coast aforesaid, and the said specie was removed from on board and taken ashore, the schooner herself being a total wreck. J. M. TOMPKINS, Master. Sworn and subscribed before me this 17th day of December, 1866, at my office in Brownsville, Cameron county, Texas. r gEAL n EDWARD DOUGHERTY, Notary Public, Cameron County, Texas. [Enclosure No. 3.] State of Texas, County of Cameron : Personally appeared before me, the undersigned authority, Charles D. Stock- ing, to me known, who being duly sworn by me, upon his oath did declare and say, that he is an American citizen ; that on the 3d day of December, A. D. 1866, CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 589 be left Tampico, in the republic of Mexico, for tbe port of Brazos Santiago, in county and State aforesaid, on hoard tbe American scbooner Mary Bertrand, J. B. Tompkins, master ; tbat previous to sailing tbe vessel was regularly cleared at tbe custom-bouse of the port of Tampico, and that the officers of the said custom-house did load and put on board tbe said Mary Bertrand twenty thou- sand dollars, contained in nine wooden boxes covered with grass matting ; tbat the said loading and putting on board of said specie by tbe said Mexican authorities was open and public and in view of the bystanders then and there being ; that tbe affiant knows that the said specie, thus being put on board the Mary Bertrand by the Mexican customs authorities of Tampico, was in payment of a lot of arms sold to the Mexican government by A. A. McGaffey, a citizen of tbe United States ; that subsequently, to wit, on tbe 9th clay of December, 1866, the said schooner Mary Bertrand was wrecked in a storm and cast upon the coast of Mexico a few miles below tbe mouth of the Bio Grande, and the said twenty thousand dollars were removed from on board to the shore. Afterwards the same were taken to Bagdad, as part of the wreck, for safety. Affiant fur- ther declares, that the Mexican authorities have seized the said specie and have now possession thereof. CHARLES D. STOCKING. Sworn and subscribed before me at my office in the city of Brownsville, on the 17 tli day of December, A. D. 1866. r SBAL] EDWARD DOUGHERTY, L ■■' Notary Public, Cameron County, Texas. [Enclosure No. 4. — Telegram.] Brazos Santiago, December 13, 1S66. To tbe U. S. Consul, Mat amor as : Sir : Representations have just been made to us tbat nine cases of silver, said to contain eighteen thousand dollars, the property of an American citizen, reg- ularly cleared from Tampico for this port, and wrecked near Bagdad, and there placed by tbe owner in the safe-keeping of the agent of King, Kennedy & Co., are sought to be taken possession of from tbe owner and his agents by the collector of Bagdad, supported by an armed force, claiming to act under authority. It is stated that forcible possession of the same would be taken last night, not- withstanding the protest of the owner and his agents. You will please call tbe immediate attention of General Escobedo to this mat- ter, that the proper orders may be given, if the facts are as above represented. Respectfully, your obedient servants, LEWIS D. CAMPBELL. W. T. SHERMAN", Lieutenant General U. S. A. No. 205. Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell. No. 14] Department of State, Washington, January 14, 1867. Sir: I have received your despatch No. 8, of the 31st ultimo, concerning the seizure, by some liberal forces under General Escobedo, of a sum amounting to about twenty thousand dollars in silver, belonging to A. A. McGatfey and others, citizens of the United States. Your letter on the subject to tbe consul at Mat- amoras is approved. 590 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. As the money is now in his hands, there would seem to be no difficulty in the way of its restitution to the owners after they shall have obtained and presented to the consul the requisite proof of its having been properly cleared from Tam- pico. I am, sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Lewis D. Campbell, Esq., fyc, fyc, fyc, New Orleans. No. 19. CORRESPONDENCE ON THE MEXICAN QUESTION WITH LEGATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES IN EUROPE. List of papers. ENGLAND. 206. Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams Dec. 21, 1864. 207. Same to same * Feb. 7, 1865. 208. Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward Feb. 9, 1865. 209. Same to same Feb. 17, 1865. 210. Same to same *. Feb. 23, 1865. 211. Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams March 25, 1S65. 212. Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward June 2, 1865. FRANCE. 213. Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward March 25, 1864. 214. Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton April 7, 1864. 215. Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow Feb. 13, 1865. 216. Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward March 10, 1865. 217. Same to same March 17, 1865. 218. Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow March 27, 1805. 219. Same to same March 30, 1865. 220. Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Seward April 17, 1S65. 221. Mr. Hunter to Mr. Bigelow Oct. 19, 1865. 222. Mr. Seward to Mr, Bigelow Oct. 30, 1865. AUSTRIA. 223. Mr. Motley to Mr. Seward Feb. 13, 1865. 224. Same to same Feb. 26, 1865. 225. Mr. Motley to Mr. Hunter June 5, 1865. PRUSSIA. 226. Mr. Wright to Mr. Seward Nov. 15, 1865. BELGIUM. 227. Mr. Sanford to Mr. Seward Feb. 1, 1865. 228. Same to same March 13, 1865. 229. Same to same i April 12, 1865. 230. Same to same May 29, 1865. 231. Same to same May 31, 1865. ITALY. 232. Mr. Marsh to Mr. Hunter May 15, 1865. 233. Samo to same . „ June 5, 1865. 234. Same to same June 29, 1865. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 591 ROME. 235. Mr. King to Mr. Seward March 4, 1S65. 236. Same to same April 22, 1S65. 237. Same to same May 24, 1S65. K38. Mr. King to Mr. Hunter June 2, 1865. NETHERLANDS. 239. Mr. Pike to Mr. Hunter May 17, 1865. 240. Mr. Pike to Mr. Seward Oct. IS, 1865. SWEDEN AND NORWAY 24J . Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward Sept. 27, 1864. 242. Same to same Nov. 5, 1864. 243. Same to same Dec. 13, 1864. 244. Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell Jan. 10, 1S65. TURKEY. 245. Mr. Morris to Mr. Seward March 29, 1865. 246. Mr. Morris to Mr. Hunter May IS, 1S65. 247. Same to same May 25, 1865. 24S. Mr. Seward to Mr. Morris Sept. 21, 1S65. 249. Mr. Morris to Mr. Seward Oct. 29, 1S65. EGYPT. 250. Mr. Hale to Mr. Seward Aug. 26, 1S65. 251. Mr. Seward to Mr. Hale Sept. 21, 1S65. 252. Mr. Hale to Mr. Seward # . . . Oct. 27, 1S65. 253. Same to same Nov. 13, 1S65. 254. Same to same Nov. IS, 1S65. 255. Mr. Seward to Mr. Hale Nov. 27, ] S65. 256. Mr. Hale to Mr. Seward Nov. 27, 1S65. MOROCCO. 257. Mr. Perry to Mr. Seward Dec. 17, 1S64. GREAT BPtlTAIN. No. 206. Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams. No. 1199.] Department of State, Washington, December 21, 1S64. Sir : I enclose for your information a copy of a despatch of the 12th ultimo, No. 20S, from Charles A. Leas, esq., the United States commercial agent at Belize, in regard to a recent proclamation of Prince Maximilian affecting the British settlement in the Honduras, aud relating also to other features of politi- cal affairs in that quarter and the West Indies. I am, sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Charles Francis Adams, Esq., Sfc., $*•., 8p. [For the enclosure to this letter, see House Ex. Doe. No. 73, 39th Congress, 1st session, Part II, page 413.J 592 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. No. 207. Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams. No. 1258.] Department of State, Washington, February 7, 1865. Sir : It is a truism that in times of .peace there are always instigators of war- So soon as a war hegins, there are citizens who impatiently demand negotiations for peace. The advocates of war, after an agitation longer or shorter, generally gain their fearful end, though the war declared is not unfrequently unnecessary and unwise. So peace agitators, in time of war, ultimately bring about an abandonment of the conflict — sometimes without securing the advantages which were originally expected from the conflict. The agitators for war in time of peace, and for peace in time of war, are not necessarily, or perhaps ordinarily, unpatriotic in their purposes or motives. Results alone determine whether they are wise or unwise. The treaty of peace concluded at Guadalupe Hidalgo was secured by an irregular negotiator under the ban of the government. Some of the efforts which have been made to bring about negotiations with a view to end our civil war are known to the whole world, because they have employed foreign as well as domestic agents. Others, with whom you have had to deal confidentially, are known to yourself, although they have not publicly transpired. Other efforts have occurred here, which are known only to the persons actually moving in them, and to this government. I am now to give you, for your information, an account of an affair of the same general character, which recently received much attention here, and which doubtless will excite inquiry abroad. A few days ago Francis P. Blair, esq., of Maryland, obtained from the Presi- dent a simple leave tffc pass through our military lines, without definite views known to the government. Mr. Blair visited Richmond, and on his return he showed to the President a letter which Jefferson Davis had written to Mr. Blair, in which Davis wrote that Mr. Blair was at liberty to say to President Lincoln that Davis was now, as he had always been, willing to send commis- sioners, if assured they would be received, or to receive any that should be sent ; that he was not disposed to find obstacles in forms. He would send com- missioners to confer with the President with a view to a restoration of peace between the two countries if he could be assured they would be received. The President thereupon, on the 18th of January, addressed a note to Mr. Blair, in which the President, after acknoAdedging that he had read the note of Mr. Davis, said that he was, is, and always should be willing to receive any agent that Mr. Davis or any other influential person now actually resisting the authority of the government might send to confer informally with the President with a view to the restoration of peace to the people of our one common country. Mr. Blair visited Richmond with his letter, and then again came back to Wash- ington. On the 29th instant we were advised from the camp of Lieutenant General Grant, that Alexander H. Stephens, R. M. T. Hunter, and John A. Campbell were applying for leave to pass through the lines to Washington as peace commissioners to confer with the President. They were permitted by the Lieutenant General to come to his headquarters to await there the decision of the President. Major Eckert was sent down to meet the party from Richmond at General Grant's headquarters. The major was directed to deliver to them a copy of the President's letter to Mr. Blair, with a note to be addressed to them and signed by the major, in which they were directly informed that if they should be allowed to pass our lines, they would be understood as coming for an informal conference upon the basis of the aforenamed letter of the 18th of Jan- uary to Mr. Blair. If they should express their assent to this condition in writing, then Major Eckert was directed to give them safe conduct to Fortress CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 593 Monroe, where a person coming from the President would meet them. It being thought probable, from a report of their conversation with Lieutenant General Grant, that the Richmond party would, in the manner prescribed, accept the con- dition mentioned, the Secretary of State was charged by the President with the duty of representing this government in the expected informal conference. The Secretary arrived at Fortress Monroe in the night of the ,1st day of February. Major Eckert met him in the morning of the 2d of February with the informa- tion that the persons who had come from Richmond had not accepted in writing the condition upon which he was allowed to give them conduct to Fortress Monroe. The major had given the same information by telegraph to the Presi- dent at Washington. On receiving this information, the President prepared a telegram directing the Secretary to return to Washington. The Secretary was preparing at the same moment to so return without waiting for instructions from the President. But at this juncture Lieutenant General Grant telegraphed to the Secretary of War, as well as to the Secretary of State, that the party from Richmond had reconsidered and accepted the conditions tendered them through Major Eckert; and General Grant urgently advised the President to confer in person with the Richmond party. Under these circumstances, the Secretary, by the President's direction, remained at Fortress Monroe, and the President joined him there on the night of the 2d of February. The Richmond party was brought down the James river in a United States steam transport during the day, and the transport was anchored in Hampton Roads. On the morning of the 3d the President, attended by the Secretary, received Messrs. Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell on board the United States steam transport River Queen, in Hampton Roads. The conference was altogether in- formal. There was no attendance of secretaries, clerks, or other witnesses. Nothing was written or read. The conversation, although earnest and free, was calm, and courteous, and kind on both sides. The Richmond party approached the discussion rather indirectly, and at no time did they either make categori- cal demands, or tender formal stipulations or absolute refusals. Nevertheless, during the conference, which lasted four hours, the several points at issue between the government and the insurgents were distinctly raised, and dis- cussed fully, intelligently, and in an amicable spirit. What the insurgent party seemed chiefly to favor was a postponement of the question of separation, upon which the war is waged, and a mutual direction of efforts of the government, as well as those of the insurgents, to some extrinsic policy or scheme for a season, during which passions might be expected to subside, and the armies be reduced, and trade and intercourse between the people of both sections resumed. It was suggested by them that through such postponement we might now have imme- diate peace, with some not very certain prospect of an ultimate satisfactory adjustment of political relations between this government and the States, section, or people now engaged in conflict with it. This suggestion, though deliberately considered, was nevertheless regarded by the President as one of armistice or truce, and he announced that we can agree to no cessation or suspension of hostilities, except on the basis of the dis- bandment of the insurgent forces, and the restoration of the national authority throughout all the States in the Union. Collaterally, and in subordination to the proposition which was thus announced, the anti-slavery policy of the United States was reviewed in all its bearings, and the President announced that he must not be expected to depart from the position he had heretofore assumed in his proclamation of emancipation and other documents, as these positions were reiterated in his last annual message. It was further declared by the President that the complete restoration of the national authority everywhere was an indis- pensable condition of any assent on our part to whatever form of peace might be proposed. The President assured the other party that, while he must adhere to these positions, he would be prepared, so far as power is lodged with the 38 MEX. 594 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. Executive, to exercise liberality. His power, however, is limited by tbe Con- stitution ; and when peace should be made, Congress must necessarily act in regard to appropriations of money and to the admission of representatives from the insurrectionary States. The Richmond party were then informed that Congress had, on the 31st ultimo, adopted by a constitutional majority a joint resolution submitting to the several States the proposition to abolish slavery throughout the Union, and that there is every reason to expect that it will be soon accepted by three-fourths of the States, so as to become a part of the national organic law. The conference came to an end by mutual acquiescence, without producing an agreement of views upon the several matters discussed, or any of them. Never- theless, it is perhaps of some importance that we have been able to submit our opinions and views directly to prominent insurgents, and to hear them in answer in a courteous and not unfriendly manner. I am, sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Charles Francis Adams, Esq., §c., Sfc, Sfc. [No. 208.J Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward. No. 871.] Legation of the United States, London, February 9, 1865. Sir : The rebels are so fruitful of schemes of all sorts, and are so apt to be elated by the very last one, notwithstanding all preceding it have failed, that your communication in your despatch No. 1245, of the 23d of January, did not sur- prise me. The theory broached in the article of the Richmond Sentinel is not novel in my experience in London. I saw it long ago gravely put forth in the columns of an evening paper, as communicated by a correspondent by the name of Cowell; and it has, from time to time, been brought up in the editorial de- partment ever since. The Richmond correspondent of the Times tried it once in that paper. It has made no impression whatever. The device will go the way of its thousand and one predecessors, to oblivion. I was gravely informed the other day that it was reported to be a notion held by Lord Russell. If so, he has taken good care to give no hint of it either in his language or his action. Whatever he may hold as a theory, I have some reason from him to believe that he does not expect that it or anything far stronger will avail the insur- gents for long. There has been another rumor started since, which has been used for a few days to sustain the public confidence in the cotton loan. This is connected with the appearance of Mr. Gwin in Mexico, and the story that he was to be the viceroy of the Emperor Napoleon, who was to receive from Maximilian the ces- sion of the northern States. The hope here has been that this news, when circulated in the United States, may prompt some hasty and violent conduct in Congress or among the people which will embroil us with the French nation. Of course you will receive more accurate information with respect to this matter from the proper source in France than I can give. But my conviction is that it is a bugbear worked out of the usual thin materials. The capacity of these men for the intriguing portion of politics is marvellous. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS. Hon. William H. Seward, fyc., fy-c, Sfc. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 595 [No. 209.] Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward. No. 880.1 Legation of the United States, London, February 17, 1865. Sir : Owing to the delay in the arrival of the Canada, I only, late yesterday, received from the department the despatches numbered from 1247 to 1255, in- elusive. ******** The news of a probability of peace, which came by the steamer Canada, spread consternation everywhere. The funds fell, the cotton market was paral- vzed, and nothing in the city showed animation except the cotton bends and the United States stocks. There is a singular delusion prevailing here, that no pacification will be made without a recognition of the confederate loan. The effect seems to have been much the same at Paris, excepting that the cause of panic was different. There, it was the rumor of the Monroe doctrine being made the basis of union, which is construed as hostility to the French in- fluence in Mexico. Fortunately for the nerves of all parties, the Canadian steamer came in the very next day, with the quieting intelligence that no result had been arrived at. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS. Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. No. 210. Mr. Adams to Mr. Seward. No. 884.] Legation of the United States, London, February 23, 1865. Sir: I have just come from an interview with Lord Russell. He w r as un- well, and received me at his own house. I had asked it for two purposes. One of these was to communicate to him the substance of your despatch No. 1258, and especially to point out to him that portion of it relating to the intimation given by the rebel commissioners of some device to unite the sentiment of both sides on an object not defined, yet not difficult to be conceived. The morning's newspapers, however, contain, among the other intelligence from America, the whole of that despatch as furnished to Congress by the President. I therefore contented myself with a reference to the Times, w r hich his lordship had not yet read, and particularly to the passage alluded to, as exemplifying the intriguing nature of the rebel operations. They endeavor to sow distrust between us and foreign powers by proposing on the one side, as a measure of conciliation, the adoption of a policy which may be inferred to be hostile to them in America, whilst on the other they seek aid and co-operation from them by offering to place themselves in the breach against that same policy which they boldly im- pute exclusively to us. The other object of my interview related to the contents of your No. 1256. * * * * % * I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS, Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. 596 CONDITION OF AFFAIES IN MEXICO. No. 211. Mr, Seward to Mr. Adams. No. 1320.] Department of State, "Washington, Marcli 25, 1S65. Sir : Your despatch of the 9th of March, No. 8S9, has been received. After collating the speculations of the London Times (to which you have directed my attention) with similar utterances which have been made in Paris, I think I understand the object of the authors. When the news of our late successes arrived in Europe, accompanied by exaggerated and perverted statements concerning the conference held at Hamp- ton Koads, it was apprehended that a peace would be hurriedly made by agree- ment. Neither British commercial interests nor the interests of large political parties in Great Britain could accommodate themselves all of a sudden to the cessation of the strife. French politicians thought that the political situation in Mexico would be embarrassed by so sudden and abrupt a termination of our civil war. It must, therefore, be protracted, if possible; and if not, the time must be improved to prepare the European mind for the end. I do not think the strategy is of any serious importance. The war will come to an end neither the sooner nor the later 'for all that European politicians may think or wish about it, unless there is actual intervention; and that we do not expect to occur. Factious European combinations to embarrass will not affect results depending upon military and political agencies existing here. In the last twelve days I have seen six hundred deserters, veteran soldiers from Lee's army, pass up the avenue to the provost marshal's office and take the oath of allegiance to the United States. The war will come to its end because the rebels are weary of it, but not so soon as we and they wish, or as the enemies of our common country in Europe fear that it will. I am, sir, yoiu- obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWAB.D- Obarles Francis Adams. Esq., Sfc., §*c., §v. No. 212. jlr. Adams to 3Ir. Hunter. No. 975.] Legation of the United States, London, June 2, 1S65. Sir : Within a couple of weeks there has been a singular attempt at a renewal of the panic in regard to the designs of our government which made the subject of my despatches some time ago. ^f. * % # * * If I am right in my statement, it is not, perhaps, unfair to infer here the pres- ence of three threads of influence combined in one cord of intrigue : The first, that of the indefatigable rebel emissaries ; the second, that of French-Mexican- ism under imperial shelter; the third, that of aristocratic British sympathy with the rebellion. I shall probably have occasion for some time to come to notice and expose similar schemes. While but little disposed to attach importance to them, or to believe in any chances of their success, I think it my duty to continue to trans- mit to you the information, in order that you may be placed on your guard and hold in your hands at all times the means of counteracting the false impression? attempted here by such devices. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS. William Hunter, Esq., Acting Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. 597 FRANCE. Xo. 213. Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward. No. 442.] Paris, March 25, 1S64. Sir: Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys informed me yesterday that the negotiation for a loan in hehalf of Maximilian, as emperor of Mexico, had been completed on favorable terms, and that he would sad for Mexico on Snnday next. I regret to learn by the communication you enclosed to me that the power of Mexico is still further enfeebled by faction and division among themselves. There is nothing in the present condition of things there to justify a hope that the republicans of that country can successfully meet the French invading force, aided by factionists at home, and any action at present in that direction by the United States would be sure to embroil us "with France. We cannot, under existing circumstances, afford a war with France for the quixotic purpose of helping Mexico. "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." I am, sir, your obedient servant. WILLIAM L, DAYTON Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Sp., Sfc., fyc. Xo. 214. Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton. Xo. 525.] Department of State. Washington, April 7, 1S64. Sir : I have received your despatch of March 25, Xo. 442, which informs me of the completion of the loan to the Grand Duke Maximilian, and of his antici- pated embarcation for Mexico. In order that you may understand the condition of affairs in that country, as fully as they are understood here, I have given you a copy of a communication which has lately been received from our consul at Matamoras. I give you also, for your information, a copy of a note which has been received from Mr. Geofroy on the subject of the protection which was extended to the consul at that place by Major General Herron, and of my answer to that paper. This correspondence embraces some other incidental subjects. It is proper to say that Mr. Geofroy proposes to communicate to me a statement of another distinct subject of complaint, in regard to proceedings on the frontier, under instructions from Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, and that I have engaged to bestow due consideration upon it. I send you a copy of a resolution which passed the House of Representatives on the 4th instant, by a unanimous vote, and which declares the opposition of that body to a recognition of a monarchy in Mexico. Mr. Geofroy has lost no time in asking for an explanation of this proceeding. It is hardly necessary, after what I have heretofore written with perfect can- dor for the information of France, to say that this resolution truly interprets the unanimous sentiment of the people of the United States in regard to Mexico. It is, however, another and distinct question, whether the United States would think it necessary or proper to express themselves in the fonn adopted by the House of Representatives at this time. Tbis i- a practical and purely executive 598 CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO. question, and the decision of it constitutionally belongs, not to the House of Representatives, nor even to Congress, but to the President of the United States. You will, of course, take notice that the declaration made by the House of Representatives is in the form of a joint resolution, which, before it can ac- quire the character of a legislative act, must receive first the concurrence of the Senate, and, secondly, the approval of the President of the United States ; or, in case of his dissent, the renewed assent of both houses of Congress, to be ex- pressed by a majority of two-thirds of each body. "While the President receives the declaration of the House of Representatives with the profound respect to which it is entitled, as an expression of its sentiments upon a grave and im- portant subject, he directs that you inform the government of France that he does not at present contemplate any departure from the policy which this govern- ment has hitherto pursued in regard to the war which exists between France and Mexico. It is hardly necessary to say that the proceeding of the House of Representatives was adopted upon suggestions arising within itself, and not upon any communication of the executive department, and tbat the French government would be seasonably apprised of any change of policy upon this subject which the President might at any future time think it proper to adopt. I am, sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD. William L. Dayton, Esq., fyc., fyc., fyc. Accompaniments : Mr. Geofroy to Mr. Seward, April 3, 1S64. Mr. Seward to Mr. G-eofroy, April 6, 1864. Resolutions of House of Representatives, April 4, 1864. No. 215. Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigclow. No. 43.] Department of State, Washington, February 13, 1S65. Sir : I transmit a copy of a despatch, and of its accompaniments, of the 223. of November last, addressed to this department by F. B. Elmer, esq., United States consul at La Paz, in Mexico, relative to the removal of powder from the United States schooner William L. Richardson, while on a voyage from San Francisco to the mouth of the Colorado river, by the commander of the French war steamer Diamant. The powder referred to is shown by the papers to have been consigned to Paul Heller, at Tucson, in Arizona Territory, and is alleged to have been intended for mining purposes in that Territory. The belligerent right of the French to prevent contraband of war from reach- ing Mexican territory during the existence of hostilities in that country may be conceded. That right, however, cannot be allowed to interfere with perfect free trade in all commodities between ports of the United States. You will conse- quently present this case to Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, and in your note upon the subject you will say that, if the facts should, upon investigation, turn out to be as set forth in the papers, the value of the powder, and such other reparation as the case may call for, will be expected by this government. I am, sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD. John Bigelow, Esq., fye., Sp., fyc. CONDITION OF AFFAIRS IN MEXICO 599 [Enclosure No. 1. — Extract.] Mr. Elmer to Mr. Seward. No. S.J United States Consulate, La Paz, Mexico, Xovember 22, 1S64. Sir : I have the honor herewith to transmit the affidavit of George Goodrunir master of the schooner William L. Richardson, of San Francisco, concerning what I heg leave to express the hope that the government will decide to have been a violation of the rights of neutrals, and a case where ample reparation must he demanded. I have satisfied myself, after a careful inquiry, that the powder was not to be landed upon the Mexican coast, and was -shipped in good faith for a person living at Tucson, Arizona Territory. Should any other testimony than that contained in the accompanying affida- vit be required, I shall be able to forward it, as I have corroborating evidence on file, to be forwarded if called for. I have retained a copy of the bill of lading, from which I extract the follow- ing as pertinent : " Shipped in good order and condition, by J. Underbill