Mr. Seward to Mr. Motley
Sir: Mr. Bigelow informs me, by a despatch of the 15th of February, that he learned from an unofficial source that “Gregorio Barandiran, the diplomatic representative of the Archduke Maximilian, formerly secretary of legation under Senor Robles at Washington, is now in Paris for money to fit out 10,000 Austrians, who, he says, are ready to embark from Trieste for Mexico. The Mexican commissioner informed him that there was no money in his hands. I am not sure of learning the result of the minister’s suit here, as the money, if furnished, must come through indirect and concealed channels.”
You are instructed to inquire concerning the facts, and if they justify the report, to bring it to the knowledge of the Austrian government seasonably, and say that the United States cannot regard with unconcern a proceeding which would seem to bring Austria into an alliance with the invaders of Mexico, to subvert the domestic republic, and build up foreign imperial institutions.
It is hoped Austria will give us frank explanations.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
J. Lothrop Motley, Esq., &c., &c., Vienna.