[Extract.]

Mr. Corwin to Mr. Seward

No. 36.]

Sir: * * * * * * * *

There are now about 42,000 French troops in Mexico. These are on their march from the Grulf coast to Puebla by two routes—one division by Jalapa, the other by Orizaba. It is, doubtless, their intention to concentrate their main army at the siege of Puebla. This latter is a strongly fortified city, about seventy miles from this city, and on the direct route from this to Vera Cruz. Military men suppose that the superior guns and engineering skill of the French will enable them to take Puebla. If this opinion shall be verified, then it is, I think, quite certain that this city will be quickly and easily captured, though every effort, possible to a government so much in want of means as Mexico, is now making to defend this capital. When the French army shall be in possession of this city, and command the entire road to Vera Cruz, I see no possibility of ending the war for one or two years, unless the French choose to treat with the present government. Mexico will obstinately adhere to her present position.

Within the last two weeks all intercourse between the Gulf and this city is forbidden by a decree of the supreme government, so that this despatch will go to Acapulco, on the Pacific, and from thence to New York by way of Panama.

I must beg the department hereafter (and until this decree shall be revoked, [Page 1232] or the route to Vera Cruz opened by the French) to send duplicate despatches—one by way of Havana and Vera Cruz, and the other by way of Panama and Acapulco to this city.

* * * * * * * * *

Your obedient servant,

THOS. CORWIN.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c.