Mr. Plumb to Mr. Seward
Sir: By the mail at hand to-day from Matamoros, I have a letter under date of 13th instant from our consul at that place, Mr. Marshall, in which he writes as follows:
The news from the interior is very meagre; so far there has been nothing done with the prisoners; the court-martial is postponed until the liberals gain possession of the entire country. This is done in order to prevent retaliation, as would be the consequence, should any of the imperial officers suffer. President Juarez, I am inclined to think, would like to grant the expressed wish of the United States; but the army demand the execution of the leaders, and in case of refusal, boldly threaten to revolt. To prevent this will in all probability cost the life of Maximilian, Mejia and Miramon.
The seige of the city of Mexico is prolonged by the inside parties, through sheer desperation. They feel that death is certain, and they would prefer it in battle. I understand through reliable sources that in Vera Cruz hostilities have ceased, owing to the news of the fall of Queretaro. Upon confirmation of the news, the inside parties agree to surrender.
A rumor is afloat that Santa Anna is at Vera Cruz to assist the church party with two millions of dollars. Sensible men do not give the rumor credence.
Tampico is in statu quo.
The letters received by the Mexican consul and others here by this arrival do not afford anything to add to the very sound view presented as above by Mr. Marshall.
I am, sir, with the highest respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H.Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.