[Translation.]
Señor Romero to Mr. Seward
Mexican Legation to the United
States of America, Washington,
September 24, 1866
Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to enclose you
No. 26, volume 2, of the
official paper of the government of the Mexican republic, dated the 24th
of August last, and to call your attention to the correspondence therein
between General Viezca, governor and military commander of the State of
Coahuila, and General Mejia, minister of war and marine of the republic,
in regard to the exchange of the French prisoners captured by the
Mexican forces at Santa Isabel.
[Page 258]
I also enclose No. 34 of the official bulletin of the headquarters of the
eastern line, published at Tlacotalpam, on the 6th instant, containing
another correspondence about the capitulation of the city of Tlacotalpam
to the national forces, and the exchange of prisoners effected by
General Garcia, second in command on that line.
You will see in the first correspondence that, although the Mexican
government consents to a mutual exchange of prisoners, it wishes to
establish as a general rule, to be strictly observed by the enemy, that
all exchanges made hereafter must be in accordance with the laws of war
among civilized nations. You will perceive that this just proposal is
rejected by General Douay in his letter to General Viezca, from
Saltillo, on the 12th of July last. He says he must consult General
Bazaine on the subject before he could come to any definite
determination. The reason why the invaders refuse to comply in all cases
with the laws of humanity and war, is because they wish to continue
their arbitrary conduct on this line. Whenever the national forces take
prisoners from them of any importance they propose a regular change,
according to the custom of civilized belligerents; otherwise, they
sacrifice Mexican prisoners barbarously by court-martials, that judge
them by strange rules, to the disgrace of the whole world, as is well
known to the government of the United States.
On the contrary, the Mexican army, notwithstanding their indisputable
right to reprisals, after witnessing the murder of thousands of their
people, generals and distinguished patriots among them, in the most
horrid manner, by the invaders, still keep French prisoners for
exchange, unless they release them unconditionally, and always treat
them with a lenity and consideration of which many proofs are extant,
and this has been acknowledged by the French generals, as you will see
in the communication of General Douay to General Viezca, of the 14th of
June last, also published in the enclosed paper.
This furnishes another proof of the inconsistency of the French, who,
after announcing that they had no regular enemy to contend with in
Mexico with which they could treat on war terms, enter into negotiations
with the national forces, and try to effect treaties that can only be
concluded between belligerents.
The correspondence found in the official bulletin of Tlacotalpam shows
that not only the French prisoners, but even those of the misled
Mexicans who are captured fighting for intervention, are treated
humanely by officers of the army that is defending the independence of
the republic.
I have seen proper to expatiate upon these particulars, because I think
them important to furnish the United States government an idea of the
conduct observed by the invaders of my country.
I willingly embrace the opportunity to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the
assurances of my most distinguished consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.
No. 1.
[From the official paper of the
constitutional government of the Mexican republic,
Chihuahua, August 24,
1866.]
Department of State, Office of War and Marine–Section
first.
The president of the republic has learned from your communication of
the 8th instant that General Douay expressed a desire to enter into
arrangements, through Simon Blanco, to exchange the French prisoners
captured at Santa Isabel.
The treatment of our men, when taken prisoners, would be a sufficient
excuse for us to treat yours in a similar manner. Our humanity and
benevolence to your prisoners, exchanging them when requested, is
recompensed by the infamous assassination of General Arteaga,
Salazar, and many others, on your part, at Morelia and other
places.
[Page 259]
It seems to me to be the rule of those who fight to consolidate the
monarchy to try to exterminate those who oppose them and foreign
intervention; but such barbarous acts have not been initiated by us,
not even in reprisals.
In consideration of this the president has determined not to exchange
the French prisoners in his hands unless the French general will
promise to treat our prisoners with the same consideration, without
regard to the dress of our soldiers, who are often poorly clad, and
not in uniform. The patriotism of our people is so great they fight
in any dress, and should have the greater merit for it and not
condemned.
Independence and liberty!
Paso, May 31, 1866.
MEJIA.
General Andres Viezca, Governor and Military Commander of the State
of Coahuila de Zaragoza, (wherever he is to be
found.)
No. 2.
Government and military commandancy of the state of Coahuila de
Zaragoza.
You will perceive by the enclosed letters of a correspondence between
this department and General Douay the terms he proposes for an
exchange of prisoners taken in the battle of Santa Isabel. You will
make them known to the president of the republic, and send me his
opinion about the business, or you may send them directly to the
general-in-chief of the army corps of the north, who transferred the
prisoners to the State of New Leon because he apprehended an
expedition by the enemy in that district.
Independence and liberty!
Monclova, June 17, 1866.
A. S. VIEZCA.
Eduardo Muzquiz, Secretary to the Minister of War, (wherever he is to
be found.)
No. 3.
[Untitled]
General: Dr. Simon Blanco, of this city,
addressed me a letter on the 1st of May last, asking if the French
prisoners taken at Santa Isabel could be exchanged; he also sent me
two hundred dollars, which I sent to the chief of the staff, in your
name, to be delivered to Lieutenant Montier. I enclose you a receipt
for the $200 sent to Montier.
About the exchange of prisoners, I have to inform you that I have
submitted the proposals to the general government, that will decide
upon them.
I do not reply to Mr. Blanco, because I have resolved to have no
communication with men who have denied their country, and deserted
it in the day of its misfortune. So I address you as a worthy enemy,
deserving mv private esteem and consideration.
A. S. VIEZCA.
General Douay, Saltille.
Monclova, June 17, 1866.
A true copy:
EDUARDO MUZQUIZ, Secretary of the State
Government.
No. .
EXPEDITIONARY CORPS OF MEXICO, FIRST DIVISION OF INFANTRY,
HEADQUARTERS—NUMBER 1257.
General: I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter of the 8th instant from Monclova. Accept
my thanks for forwarding the two hundred dollars intended for
Montier and his captive companions. I hope you will not consider me
importunate if I ask you to remit two hundred dollars more, in
exchange on Monclova, to the same destination.
I do not wonder, general, that you have not the authority to effect
the exchange of our prisoners, tor even I am not allowed that power;
but my great desire to free my prisoners induces me to write you
this letter, knowing you will try to effect an exchange.
[Page 260]
I enclose a list of the names of thirty-one Mexican officers confined
in Puebla, and one hundred and four Mexicans, six of them officers,
taken from Cortinas, now in Vera Cruz. I think the marshal would
consent to exchange these prisoners for the French taken at Santa
Isabel on the 1st of March, and at Parral on the 13th of August
last, and for some Mexican officers lately captured in Chihuahua by
Terrazas. I do not know if Montier and his companions in captivity
are allowed to communicate with their friends; if they are not, I
beg you to permit them to do so. I see no impropriety in it, if the
letters are first sent to you unsealed.
You see, general, I do not hesitate to appeal to your feelings of
humanity and courtesy in effecting the proposed exchange of
prisoners.
Accept my thanks in advance, with the assurances of my high
consideration.
F. DOUAY, General of Division,
Commanding 1st Infantry Division,
Expeditionary Corps.
General Viezca, Monclova.
Monclova, June 17, 1866.
A complete copy:
EDUARDO MUZQUIZ, Secretary of the State
Government.
No. 5.
List of Mexican prisoners taken at Oaxaca by the
French, and now confined in Puebla.
Lieutenant colonels: Mariano Jiminez, José Alvarez, Remedios Perez,
Vicente Lozano., Apolonio Duval, José Maria Omaña, Ignacio
Castañeda.
Battalion and squadron commanders; Jesus Sosa, José Maria Ramirez,
Maximo Velasco, Joaquin Vallesteros, Julian Jaramillio, José M.
Pallacios, Ambrosio Alonso.
Captains: Luis Cataneo, Jesus Recaido, José Vera, Emilio Legaspe,
Carlos Berruecos.
Lieutenants: Francisco Figueroa, Francisco Bueno, José Olivera,
Emilio Delicado, Miguel Gonzales, Ramon Contreras, Jesus
Herrera.
Under lieutenants: Manuel Sabuiró, Manue Pineda, Juan Alvarez, Amado
Cataneo.
Besides the above, there are six officers captured by Mejia recently
in the vicinity of Matamoras, and one hundred and four soldiers, now
prisoners of war in Vera Cruz, by order of the government. All these
will be exchanged for seventy-eight men, one officer taken at Santa
Isabel, and fourteen at Parral in August last, with a few Mexican
officers taken in Chihuahua by Luis Terrazas.
Monclova, June 17, 1866.
A true copy:
EDUARDO MUZQUIZ, Secretary.
No. 6.
Department of State, Office of War and Marine–Section
first.
I answered your communication in reference to
the exchange of prisoners captured at Santa Isabel, dated the 8th of
May, on the 31st of that month, enclosing the copy of a letter from
Simon Blanco, and one from the commander of the first infantry
division of the expeditionary army; and in my answer I gave you the
terms of exchange. Your note of the 17th of June last reached me
to-day. It is in relation to the same subject, and contains copies
of your letter to General Douay, and his answer, containing formal
proposals for exchange of prisoners. In view of what has been said,
the President of the republic intrusts the exchange of the French
prisoners of the expeditionary corps, taken at Santa Isabel, to your
care, giving for them the chiefs, officers, and soldiers mentioned
by General Douay in his communication of the 14th of June last.
This communication is copied for the information of the
general-in-chief of the army corps of the north.
Independence and liberty!
Chihuahua, July 6, 1866.
MEJIA.
The Governor and Military Commander
of the State of Coahuila, (wherever he
may be.)
[Page 261]
No. 7.
Mexican Republic, government and military commandancy of the state
of Coahuila de Zaragoza.
Your note of the 6th instant informs me that the President has
authorized me to exchange the French prisoners of Parral and Santa
Isabel for the chiefs, officers, and soldiers mentioned by General
Douay in his letter of the 14th of June last.
On the 8th instant I addressed a note, (No. 1,) to him, of which I
enclose a certified copy, containing terms of exchange, sent me on
the 31st May from the department. I also enclose General Douay’s
answer to me, marked No. 2. By it you will see that nothing can be
done till he hears from General Bazaine.
All of which I have the honor to communicate for the information of
the President of the republic.
Independence and liberty!
Parras, July 24, 1866.
A. S. VIEZCA.
The Minister of War and Marine, Chihuahua,
No. 8.
Mexican Republic, government and military commandancy of the state
of Coahuila de Zaragoza.
General: I have the honor to enclose you a
certified copy of the resolution which the supreme government of the
republic that I serve has been pleased to adopt in regard to the
negotiations you took the trouble to initiate for the exchange of
the prisoners of Parral and Santa Isabel.
I hope you will find the conditions announced in the resolution as
just, reasonable, and founded on the principles of the laws of war,
particularly as you refer in your last note to humanity towards the
conquered, in which sentiment I am pleased to say we both agree. I
should be sorry to hear of the perpetration of acts by the enemy
that might force the republican troops to the extreme of reprisals,
so contrary to the good principles of civilization and the rights of
humanity.
I remain, general, your attentive servant,
No. 9.
Government and military commandancy of the state, Parras, July 24,
1866.
EXPEDITIONARY CORPS OF MEXICO, FIRST
DIVISION OF INFANTRY HEADQUARTERS, NUMBER 1476—EXCHANGE OF
PRISONERS.
General: I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of your letter of the 8th of July, containing the copy
of an official document relative to the proposed exchange of French
prisoners taken at Santa Isabel and Parral. The great desire I had
to carry out this humane negotiation, of advantage to the whole
world, makes me lament that the said letter on exchange of prisoners
contains conditions which render it impossible for me to accept, or
even discuss it. All I can do is to refer it to the marshal
commander-in-chief.
I will not close this letter without thanking you for the interest
you have taken in this matter, and begging you to accept the
assurances of my high consideration.
DOUAY, General Com’dg First Division of
Infantry of Mexican Expeditionary
Corps.
General A. Viezca, Parral.
No. 10.
Department of State, Office of War and Marine–Section
first.
The President of the republic is informed by your despatch of the
24th July last, enclosing Nos. 1 and 2 of the last correspondence
between you and General Douay, in regard to the exchange of the
prisoners that were taken from the invading army in the action at
Santa Isabel,
[Page 262]
that the
business is still pending, as General Douay is awaiting the decision
of General Bazaine.
You were directly authorized to attend to this business, because the
commander-in-chief of the army of the north, who was informed of it,
was so far off. The principles upon which the authorization of the
exchange was based are those observed by civilized nations, and
which the government of the republic has tried to follow in all its
acts, in contrast to abuses committed by the enemy.
Independence and liberty!
Chihuahua, August 21, 1866.
MEJIA.
General A. S. Viezca, Governor and Military Commander of the State of Coahuila de
Zaragoza, at Saltillo.
No. 11.
Mexican Republic.
Colonel Camacho, commanding the imperialist troops in front, has sent
me at 8 o’clock this morning the following communication:
“Mexican Empire, Tlacotalpam,
“August 18, 1866.
“On surrendering this city to you, according to my agreement with the
general second in command of the eastern line, I have also the honor
to turn over to you privates Donaciano Cruz, Lucas Villanca,
Casimiro Rodriguez, and Eufrurio Canada, made prisoners to the
command of said general on the 10th instant, and Juan Manuel,
captured on the 25th May last. I request you to send me, in
exchange, to Alvarado an equal number of my soldiers made prisoners
in the fight of the 10th of this month. Relying on your generosity
and honorable antecedents, I leave in your power privates M. Garcia,
J. Valderama, F. Espinosa, A. Perez, F. Flores, N. Arellano, B.
Hernandez, and L. Barrera, of my command, who are very sick and
cannot be removed. I hope you will let me know when they are able to
join me, that I may send for them.
“Having known you, colonel, a long time since,, it is gratifying to
me to deal with you on this occasion, and improve it to tender you
my most distinguished consideration and esteem.
“MARIANO CAMACHO, Colonel.”
I have answered as follows:
“Mexican Republic: I am in receipt of your
polite communication of to-day, relative to the surrender of this
place according to the agreements concluded between you and the
general second in command of the eastern line. I thank you for the
good treatment received by our soldiers made prisoners in the fight
of the 10th instant. I will send you to Alvarado an equal number of
prisoners of your command, in compliance with your wishes.
“I duly appreciate your confidence in leaving under my care the sick
of your command; they shall be treated as brothers, and may God
crown my efforts to restore them to health.
“I also am gratified to deal with you on this occasion, and seize it
to tender you my distinguished consideration.
“LUIS MIERZ TERAN, Colonel.”
It is 37 minutes after 8 a. m., and I receive a message from Colonel
Camacho to the effect that the place is evacuated by his troops. I
proceed to occupy it, and issue there this communication.
Independence and liberty!
Tlacotalpam, August 18,
1866.
LUIS MIERZ TERAN.
The Citizen General, Second in Command of the Eastern Line.
