Mr. Corwin to Mr. Seward
Sir: The American consul here having a leave of absence, the government here, as a special favor, have permitted me to send by him despatches to my government, and letters to my friends. He will deliver them at Washington.
Your despatches up to No. 66 have been received. A few days since I had an interview with the Mexican secretary of foreign relations. He expressed much satisfaction at having received from Mr. Romero a note, saying that no trade from the United States would hereafter be permitted, in articles useful in war, to either France or Mexico. This, I think, will probably soothe the irritation occasioned by the correspondence with Mr. Romero, which you forwarded to me, and which was delivered by me to the state department here.
The progress of the French war presents puzzles to all not in the cabinet secrets of the Emperor. It is conceded that he wishes to take Puebla. He has been before that city just one month. It has not surrendered. He has taken Fort St. Javier, said to be the weakest of those which protect the city, and, from that point, has made a lodgment within the walls, occupying six blocks in that suburb. According to our intelligence, any attempt made to advance has been repulsed; in one a company of Zouaves was captured by the Mexican forces.
If the French wish to capture Puebla, the reason why it is not done seems to be because, with their present force, they cannot. Re-enforcements from France, to the number of 3,000 or 4,000, lately landed at Vera Cruz, are now on their march to join the army at Puebla. It is surmised that General Forey waits for the arrival of these troops, and will, when they reach him, make a more vigorous assault.
The Mexican people greedily devour every article of news from Europe. They hope a rupture will take place touching the further occupation of Rome by French troops, or by the Polish disturbances on the further occupation of Venetia by Austria; but, as far as I can learn, their last and surest hope lies in the establishment of our old Union, which they believe would exert a controlling influence against the occupation of this country by any monarchy of Europe.
I send duplicate despatches of those recently despatched by the Acapulco route, as the transit from here to Acapulco has proved hitherto unsafe.
Your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State U. S. A., Washington, D. C.