Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward
No. 5.]
United States Steamer Susquehanna,
Isla Verde, off Vera
Cruz,
December 1, 1866.
Sir: I had just finished my despatch No. 3 to
you, of this date, when a boat came off to our consul, Mr. Lane, who is
still on board, bringing the enclosed proclamation published this
morning in Vera Cruz, which I have only time to send you without
translation by this mail.
From its tenor it appears that Maximilian has decided to remain in the
country.
A note from the officer of the consulate to Mr. Lane states that
Maximilian left Orizaba, it is supposed for the city of Mexico, last
night.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Translation.]
Long live the empire!—Long live the emperor!
Vera Cruzans: One of the most grateful
events for good Mexicans has just occurred to the nation. His
majesty the emperor, who has made so many sacrifices for the welfare
and happiness of our dear country, has given the best proof of the
interest he takes in it.
When overwhelmed by the natural feelings which were still contending
and still are so in his mind in consequence of the ill-health of his
august and noble spouse, our beloved sovereign, he thought for a
moment that he ought temporarily to abandon the country, to devote
himself to fulfilling the sacred duty of offering to his worthy
consort the care she so much needs in the delicate condition in
which she is, the emperor sacrifices himself for us, postpones his
duties as a man to those which his honor points out to him to be
controlling, and, in these critical moments, that the country may
pass safely through, he solemnly declares that he will continue at
the helm, and will contest without intermission until the last drop
of his blood be shed in defence of the nation.
Vera Cruzans! Let us rejoice; let us give thanks to Providence for
having saved the integrity of our territory, and with full
outpouring of our hearts let us hail the day of the resurrection of
our nationality on the eve of its disappearing.
Vera
Cruz, December 1,
1866.
