Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward
In pursuance of the telegrams of yesterday, I now formally resign my position as envoy, &c., &c., of the United States to the republic of Mexico.
I should do injustice to my own feelings not to avail myself of the occasion to say that my appointment and confirmation excited my grateful sensibilities, and that the compliment was more highly appreciated because, when the nomination was made, you knew I did not desire it.
It is gratifying to me also to know that during the entire career of this moving and somewhat anomalous legation, your instructions were always strictly obeyed and that all my official acts have been approved, and some of them highly commended by the Department of State.
And permit me to add, that it is not fully understood why, upon such a record, the government recently declined to furnish me the slightest facility for going under its own glorious flag directly to the shores of the struggling sister republic, and has required me to furnish my own conveyance to Havana, now sorely afflicted by a scourging epidemic, and thence proceed on my mission to Vera Cruz, a point of doubtful access, under the protection of the ensign of England or France, both enemies of republicanism, and responsible to some extent for the misfortunes of Mexico, and neither friend of the United States during our late terrible straggle for national existence. The primary object of this requirement would seem to be the safety of a fallen emperor whose unhallowed ambition led him to bid defiance to a principle long cherished in the hearts of the American people.
If the government to which my whole soul is attatched is content with its [Page 420] record, I must be with mine. If you, its highest officers, are willing to receive a resignation forced on me by want of transportation, I am far more happy in returning the commission, of which I have been proud, then when I received it.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
The President and Secretary of State, Washington D. C.