[Translation.]
Señor Romero to Mr. Seward
Mexican Legation in the United
States of America, Washington, October 10,
1866.
Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to transmit to
you, for the information of the government of the United States, various
documents intercepted from the agents of the usurper Maximilian, all of
them dated in Brussels the 17th of September, and signed by Felix Eloin,
the so-called state counsellor in commission, which are as follows:
1. A letter addressed to the usurper, informing him that the French
government disapproves of the appointment of the French Generals Osmont
and Friant as ministers, and seems disposed to get rid of Maximilian;
and advising him to appeal to the popular vote when the French forces
are withdrawn from Mexico.
2. A telegram addressed to the same, to be forwarded immediately from New
York, containing a synopsis of the letter.
3. A letter addressed to Don Juan Devincenties, so-called director of
civil affairs in the private office of the usurper, in regard to his
private interests.
4. A communication to Don N. Rosas, entitled consular agent of the empire
of Mexico in New York, requesting him to send the mentioned letters to
their address.
I think these documents of great importance, as they plainly show the
state of relations between the French agent in Mexico and his chief, the
Emperor Napoleon, and the plans of the former, in case the French army,
or a portion of it, is withdrawn from Mexico.
M. Felix Eloin is a Belgian, who enjoyed the confidence of the late King
Leopold, who bequeathed him to his son-in-law, Maximilian, when the
latter left, seeking for adventures in Mexico, as a person of discretion
whom he could trust, and whose advice might be of service. He has been
looked upon in Mexico for some time as Maximilian’s director. Not long
ago he was sent to Europe to operate for the usurper, who is conscious
that his stay in Mexico depends solely upon foreign support. The letter
was written after his interview with Maximilian’s wife at Miramar, and
it is certain that its contents express the ideas of Doño Carlotta
Leopoldina and those of her husband, rather than the writer’s private
opinions.
[Page 299]
Taking this into consideration, I do not think it unreasonable to believe
that M. Felix Eloin gives in his letter the desires, sentiments, and
plans of his master, particularly when we reflect that he is one of
those courtiers who tell their sovereigns only what will please them and
what conforms to their wishes and aims.
From these premises I deduce the following facts:
1. The relations between the Emperor Napoleon and his agent Maximilian
are not as cordial as the latter would like, because, it seems, the
former is beginning to see the absurdity and impossibility of
undertaking to establish an Austro-French monarchy in Mexico, and seems
to be disposed to give up the idea, and this is not at all pleasing to
the latter.
2. That Maximilian intends to remain in Mexico, even if the French army
is withdrawn from the republic, and submit the question of his rule to
the popular vote. This proves at the same time that even his friends and
servants have little confidence in the validity of the titles with which
he now pretends to govern, since they find it necessary to confirm them
by an appeal to popular suffrage, when the people shall be free from the
duress of foreign intervention, as he says in his own words.
3. That the usurper Maximilian, not satisfied with the calamities that
his ambition has brought on Mexico, seeks to harm his own country by
putting himself up as a rival of his brother, the Emperor of Austria.
The allusions made to him on this subject by M. Felix Eloin would be
taken as an insult by any other than Maximilian, and it is certain they
would not have been made if the author was not certain they would be
well received.
4. That even Maximilian’s servants are despairing of his cause in Mexico,
and only on account of his personal difficulties with the Emperor
Napoleon, and to stand well in public opinion in Europe, and be
qualified for a candidate to the throne of Austria, or any other in
prospect, he is desired to take what is called a respectable departure,
so as not to damage his reputation, and in a different way from that
proposed by the Emperor Napoleon.
5. That even in the eyes of the own servants of Maximilian, the French
agent in Mexico, French policy has been darkened by
odious acts productive of fatal
consequences, for which it must be responsible sooner or
later.
In conclusion, what must we think of the good faith of the Emperor of the
French, even towards those who serve him best, when we see him making
promises of future aid, and suffering his Mexican agent to make
ministers of his own soldiers, and tries to place the entire revenues of
the country at his disposal, and just as this is done he disapproves the
conduct of the French generals who accept portfolios from Maximilian,
which was only doing openly what had been done secretly ever since the
beginning of the intervention by every member of the French army, with
the full consent and authority of the government?
Such are the considerations that have occurred to me in view of the
documents which I now send you. Their authenticity and the importance of
the subject are sufficient reasons, in my opinion, for submitting them
to the serious consideration of the government of the United States.
Thinking you might look upon these documents from a different point of
view than that which I have taken, and believing them to be of use to
the government of the United States in the direction of its future
policy in relation to the affairs of Mexico, I have concluded to send
them to you in the original, just as I received them.
I am pleased to have this occasion of renewing to you, Mr. Secretary, the
assurances of my most distinguished consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., & c., & c.
[Page 300]
No. 1.
[Translation.]
Brussels,
17th seventh month, 1866.
Sire: The article from the Moniteur
Français, disavowing the entrance on the administration of war and
of finance by the two French generals, Osmont and Friant, proves
that henceforth, and without a blush, the mask is cast aside. The
mission of General Castelnau, aide-de-camp, and having the
confidence of the Emperor, although secret, cannot have other
object, in my opinion, than to seek to bring on a solution as soon
as possible. To seek to explain its conduct, which history will pass
upon, the French government would like that an abdication might
precede the return of the army, and that thus it would be possible
for it to act alone, to reorganize a new
state of things, capable of assuring its interests and those of its
countrymen. I have an internal conviction that your majesty would
not give this satisfaction to a policy which must in the end, sooner
or later, be answerable for the odium of its acts and the fatal
consequences which will be the result. The speech of Seward, the
toast to Romero, the attitude of the President, result of the
cowardice of the French cabinet, are grave facts, destined to
increase the difficulties and discourage the boldest. However, I
have the deep conviction that to abandon the game before the return
of the French army would be interpreted as an act of weakness, and
the emperor holding his authority from a popular vote, it would be
to the people of Mexico, relieved from the
pressure of a foreign intervention, that he should take a
new appeal. It is for him to demand the material and financial
support indispensable to subsistence and growth.
If such appeal is not listened to, then his majesty, having
accomplished his noble mission to its close, will return to Europe
with all the prestige which accompanied him on his departure, and in
the midst of important events, which will not fail to arise, will
play the part which in all respects pertains to him.
Leaving Miramar on the 4th of this month, with the purpose of
embarking at St. Nazaire, after having received the orders of her
majesty the empress, I was constrained again to adjourn my departure
It needed that high influence to change a determination which my
devotion counselled as the fulfilment, of a duty.
I have been keenly disappointed in learning that my numerous
despatches of the months of June and July had not reached your
majesty in due season, put under cover to Bombelles, and accompanied
by long letters written to that devoted friend, to be communicated
to your majesty. I was far from anticipating his departure from
Mexico. They have now lost all the interest which they derived from
events so unforeseen, which then so rapidly succeeded each other. I
regret above all this vexatious incident, if it should for a moment
have awakened doubts in your majesty’s mind of my unceasing desire
faithfully to fulfil my duty.
By crossing through Austria I was able to ascertain the general
discontent which reigns throughout. Nothing is yet done. The Emperor
is discouraged; the people are fretful, and
openly call for his abdication; sympathies with your majesty are
spreading evidently through all the territory of the empire. In
Venetia a whole party calls for you, its former governor. But when a
government disposes of elections under the rule of universal
suffrage it is easy to foresee the result.
The cholera rages through Europe with extreme violence, and
everywhere makes numerous victims.
In accordance with the latest orders from your majesty, I have
despatched by this courier a telegram in cipher to Rosas to advise
your majesty of the arrival of General Castelnau, and of the
disavowal given to Osmont and Friant.
I have learned through G——that the doubtful attitude taken at Paris
by 2146 was becoming every day more public. For some time he heaps
consideration and money on young Salvador, who doesn’t himself
understand at all why this change is. I think it necessary to recall
the young man to my side, while expecting the end of his
holidays.
The state of the Emperor Napoleon’s health engages seriously all
Europe. His departure for Biarritz seems indefinitely postponed.
Assurance is made that severe diabetes now complicates the
inflammation of the bladder, which causes his suffering. As for her
majesty, the empress Carlotta, in the midst of the flowers which
make a garden of enchantment of Miramar, she shines in the full
brilliancy of perfect health.
I have the honor to be, sire, your majesty’s very humble, very
devoted, and very faithful servant and subject,
[Untitled]
Sire: The article of the French Moniteur,
denying that the two French generals, Osmont and Friant, have
permission to assume the departments of war and finance, proves that
from this time the mask is shamelessly thrown aside. The mission of
General Castelnau, aide-decamp and confidential servant of the
Emperor, although secret, can have no other aim, in my judgment,
than to provoke a solution as soon as possible. With a view to
explain its conduct, of which history must be the judge, the French
government wishes that an abdication should precede the return of
the army, and that thus it may be able to proceed alone to
[Page 301]
reorganize a new state of affairs, capable of securing its own
interests and those of its subjects. I have a firm conviction that
your majesty will not give this satisfaction to a policy which must
sooner or later answer for the odious character of its acts, and for
the fatal consequences which must follow them. The speech of Seward,
the toast to Romero,* the attitude of the
President, results of the cowardice of the French cabinet, are grave
facts, destined to increase the difficulties and to discourage the
bravest. Nevertheless, I have a firm belief that the abandonment of
the cause before the return of the French army would be interpreted
as an act of weakness, and as the emperor holds his authority by a
popular vote, it is to the Mexican people, freed from the pressure
of a foreign intervention, that he should make a new appeal. It is
from it that he must demand the material and financial support
indispensable to the existence and increased greatness of the
empire.
If this appeal should not be heard, then your majesty, having
accomplished your noble mission to the very end, will return to
Europe with all the prestige which accompanied you in your
departure, and, in the midst of the important circumstances which
cannot fail to arise, you will be able to play the role which by all
considerations belongs to you.
Setting out for Miramar the 4th of this month, with the intention of
embarking at St. Nazaire, after having received the orders of her
majesty the empress, I was compelled to defer my departure again. It
needed this high influence to change a determination which my
devotion urged upon me as the accomplishment of a duty.
I was greatly disappointed upon learning that my numerous despatches
of the months of June and July did not reach your majesty at the
proper time, sent under cover to Bombellas, and accompanied by long
letters written to that devoted friend, to be communicated to your
majesty. I was far from foreseeing his departure from Mexico. They
have lost to-day all the interest which they borrowed from the
unexpected events which then followed so rapidly. I especially
regret this unlucky incident if it has for one instant awakened in
the mind of your majesty a doubt of my incessant desire to
faithfully perform my duty.
In crossing Austria I was able to observe the general discontent
which reigns there. Nothing is yet done. The Emperor is discouraged,
the people impatient, and publicly demand his abdication. The
sympathies for your majesty ostensibly extend all over the empire.
In Venetia a whole party is anxious to proclaim its former governor.
But when a government arranges the elections under the rule of
universal suffrage it is easy to foresee the result.
The cholera rages all over Europe with extreme violence, and
everywhere finds numerous victims.
In accordance with the last orders of your majesty, I send by this
mail a telegram in cipher to Rosas, in order to warn your majesty of
the arrival of General Castelnau, and of the disavowal given to
Osmont and Friant.
I have learned by G——that the doubtful attitude taken at Paris by
2146 becomes each day more public. For some time past he has loaded
with favors and money young Salvador, who himself understands
nothing of this change. I think it is necessary to take the young
man back near me until the end of his vacation.
The state of the health of the Emperor N——seriously disturbs all
Europe. His departure for Biarritz seems indefinitely postponed. It
is said that a severe diabetes now complicates the inflammation of
the bladder from which he is suffering. As for her majesty the
empress Carlotta, in the midst of her flowers, which make Miramar an
enchanting garden, she shines in all the lustre of perfect
health.
I have the honor to be, sire, your majesty’s most humble, most
devoted, and most faithful servant and subject,
F. ELOIN.
Brussels,
September 17, 1866.
No. 2.
[Untitled]
1029, 1462, 1729, 1333, 1903; Osmont, Friant, 598, 163, 1395;
Castelnau 589, 2920, 223, 1060, 1846, 1170; Lavalett 1635, 220, 176:
De Moustier 1064, 1443, 942, 1225, 171, 1361, 192, 2146, 658, 371,
1965, 1608, 943, 1270, 590, 146, 1896, 103, 223, 2170, 1029, 715,
1296, 1997, 1785, 1205.
His Majesty the EMPEROR, Mexico.
No. 3.
[Untitled]
Brussels,
September 17, 1866.
My Dear DEVINCENTIES: I have received through Blain, with great
pleasure, the details you send me about my private interests. I
thank you for them very sincerely. I am glad to know that my horses
do not consume my savings. If you can rent my house for $140 I
[Page 302]
shall be delighted,
provided it leaves me the right to occupy some rooms in it at my
return, which has been delayed only to follow the Empress’s
instructions. As for my part, I am very uneasy here. I long to
return there and put myself under the orders of my sovereign, to
take my small part in the difficulties which must soon break out.
Continue, my dear friend, being devoted to our Emperor, and be sure
that if, for the time being, he loses sight of you, he is not able
to forget the devoted services you have rendered him. If you can
give me details of the situation, I trust in your good friendship
you will do it. Remember me kindly to Lambley and Sierra, and
believe in my affectionate sentiments.
No. 4.
[Translation.]
Mr. Consul: According to his Majesty’s
order I beg you, as soon as possible, to place the emperor
Maximilian in possession of the telegram in cipher, hereto annexed.
The orders of his Majesty are to despatch it telegraphically by way
of New Orleans, Florida, and Havana, and thence by Vera Cruz,
following the telegraph, to Mexico. As for the despatches herewith,
please also to have them reach Vera Cruz by the readiest means.
Receive, Mr. Consular Agent, my cordial salutations.
F. ELOIN, Counsellor of State on
Service.
Mr. Rosas, Consular
Agent of the Empire of Mexico at New York.
