Mr. Geofroy to Mr. Seward
Sir: It would appear, agreeably to the information which has reached the government of the Emperor from various quarters, that ex-President Juarez has not abandoned the project of issuing letters of marque against our [Page 251] commerce, and that there are being constructed in the ports of the United States, especially at New Orleans and at San Francisco, vessels destined to cruise for his account.
I bring this fact to the knowledge of your excellency, not supposing, however, that the federal government, had it learned it from another source, would not have immediately taken measures to prevent the departure of these vessels, which is announced as very near at hand.
If, however, the good faith of the authorities of the United States being overreached, these vessels should take the sea, I must inform you that the government of his Majesty could not, in any case, recognize in them the character of privateer.
Mr. Juarez cannot hereafter be seriously considered a chief of a government. The supreme authority in Mexico has no longer at this time, and for those who are the least impartial, any other real representative than the sovereign called by events to the head of that country. Mr. Juarez, whatever may have been his former position, has, therefore, to-day, neither the title nor the character to issue letters of marque. Those with which he should attempt to supply American or other vessels, being henceforth without value, would expose these vessels and their crews to be treated purely and simply as pirates.
In instructing me to make this declaration to your excellency, the government of his Majesty has, nevertheless, no other intention than that of enabling that of the United States to give this notice again, in due season, to those of its citizens who may have entertained, or who are ready to entertain, propositions of Juarez or those of his agents.
Accept, sir, the assurances of my high consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.