Mr. Otterbourg to Mr. F. W. Seward

No. 5.]

Sir: The French minister, accompanied by the members of his legation and the Italian charge d’affaires, left this capital yesterday with the intention of returning to Europe via the United States.

A party composed of about two hundred destitute French families and single men preceded their departure a few days previously.

The little progress made in the organization of the several departments of the administration has given grounds to general discontent, and the press is already [Page 446] clamoring against, as they are pleased to call it, the procrastination of President Juarez.

The financial condition of the country is more than ordinarily embarrassed, and it is to be feared that the government will encounter difficulties in sustaining its credit should it be limited to the resources and contributions recurred to by Mexican ministers under the provisions of law.

Enclosure No. 1 is a copy of a note from the charge d’affaires of Italy, asking the protection of the United States for Italian subjects resident in Mexico.

Enclosure No. 2 is a copy of the reply thereto, stating to what extent my good offices would be exerted in their behalf.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MARCUS OTTERBOURG.

Hon. F. W. Seward, Assistant Secretary of State Washington, D. C.

[Translation.]

Mr. Curtopassi to Mr. Otterbourg

Mr. Minister: Recent events in Mexico having caused a rupture of relations between this country and Italy, forcing me to leave for Europe in a few days, I now ask you to offer your protection to the subjects of his Majesty the King, my august sovereign, living here, and commend them to your benevolence.

I hope you will comply with my request, to which I am encouraged by the friendly relations existing between the United States and Italy.

According to verbal agreement, I have the honor to send yon a sealed package containing the archives of the legation, begging you will keep them in your office till the government of the King can dispose of them.

Thanking you in advance for all that you may do for my countrymen, I take the occasion to renew to you the assurance of my distinguished consideration.

H. CURTOPASSI, Italian Chargé.

His Excellency Marcus Otterbourg, Envoy Extraordinary, &c., &c., &c., of the United States of America.

Mr. Otterbourg to Mr. Curtopassi

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note dated July 31, in which you express a desire, in consequence of your intended departure from the country, that I take under my protection subjects of his Majesty the King of Italy, resident in Mexico.

Your request shall be communicated to the government at Washington; but, while awaiting the corresponding instructions, I will with pleasure extend to Italian subjects the aid and countenance which would, under equal circumstances, be given to American citizens.

The trunk upon which is placed your official seal containing archives of the Italian legation, and which you have been pleased to intrust to the safeguard of this office, as appears upon its records, will, on duly authorized demand, be delivered to the agents of his Majesty the King of Italy.

With assurances of high consideration,

MARCUS OTTERBOURG, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the U. S. of America.

Hon. H. Curtopassi, Chargé d’ Affaires of Italy, Mexico.