Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero
Sir: I have received your communication of the 4th instant.
It would be unprofitable for this government to discuss with you the objects, purposes, and plans of that portion of the citizens of the United States who are engaged in the attempt to subvert the Constitution and effect a dissolution of the Union, even although it should be believed that beyond those designs, so injurious to our own country, they contemplate also aggressions against Mexico. At the same time I am free to say that it is an occasion of sincere satisfaction to learn that the government of Mexico is apprised of its own exposure to danger from the success of the revolution, and is resolved to avert it.
It should suffice for me to say that any designs of the insurgents here against your country cannot be carried into effect if their designs, aimed at the government of the United States, shall be effectually prevented. This government needs no additional incentive to perform its duty. It is taking all the care necessary to repress the revolution, and it has no doubt of its success.
The President receives with much pleasure the overtures of the government of Mexico for negotiating a new and beneficial treaty with the United States, and under other circumstances it would have given him pleasure to have considered them at large. But, as you are aware, Mr. Corwin has been appointed envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to represent this government at Mexico He has very liberal instructions and ample power to negotiate a treaty which shall be equal and just and even liberal towards Mexico. Indeed, it is the desire of this government to establish such relations with Mexico, and with other American republics, as will strengthen the power of each, and enable them all to maintain a just and wholesome independence of the influences which come from the other hemisphere. You will be satisfied from this brief statement that Mr. Corwin will be able to give full consideration to the generous wishes of the government of Mexico. It is probable that he has already entered into the discussion of the question which the negotiation involves. He will immediately receive from this government instructions to meet with favor the enlightened views of the government of Mexico as you have communicated them to this department. Under these circumstances it would be inexpedient for us to engage in labors of the same kind and directed to the same end.
I shall, however, with great pleasure direct that this correspondence, together with your previous communication of the 30th April, 1861, in relation to the Indians of Yucatan, be forwarded to Mr. Corwin, and call his attention to the interesting subjects you have so fully and so ably discussed.
I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you, sir, the assurances of my high consideration.
Señor Matias Komero, &c., &c., &c., Washington, D. C.