Mr. Plumb to Mr. Seward
Sir; By the mail at hand to-day from Matamoros, I have received a copy of the official paper of San Luis Potosi of the 19th ultimo, which contains the telegrams and orders relating to the trial and execution of the Archduke Maximilian, and the efforts made to save his life, and which are of exceeding importance and interest. I would translate the same, but it is not possible to do so in time for this mail, and I would respectfully suggest that they be read to you by the translator of the department, as they throw much light upon the different steps that have been taken and the motives that have actuated the Mexican government. For that purpose I beg to enclose the paper herewith.
I have also a letter from Mr. Marshall at Matamoros, dated the 27th ultimo, in which he says:
I have just sent you despatch by telegram announcing the untimely death of the Archduke Maximilian.
This event has cast a gloom over all the foreign residents of the city.
His self-sacrificing determination to share the fate of his followers challenged the admiration even of his enemies.
There were no demonstrations of joy exhibited at the news, which, like a shudder, passed from lip to lip.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.