Mr. Geofroy to Mr. Seward
Sir: According to information which has reached the Emperor’s government, three regiments of the federal army have lately been sent to Matamoras under pretext of protecting the consul of the United States at that point, and have there re-established the Juarist authority, by driving out therefrom General Cortinas, who had pronounced against it. This news, the official confirmation of which, however, it had not received, has fixed the attention of the Emperor’s government. Such a fact would constitute a violation of the neutrality, on which the assurances of the cabinet at Washington have authorized it to rely, on its part, in regard to Mexico, and would also be entirely opposed to the instructions addressed by the Department of State to General Banks, who has been directed to favor neither of the two parties, and not to enter the Mexican territory, even to protect the American consul and citizens there. I therefore deem it my duty, sir, to point it out to you, and would be infinitely obliged if you could furnish me with explanations on this subject.
Be pleased to accept, sir, assurances of my high consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.