Mr. Seward to Mr.
Plumb
No. 7.]
Department of State,
Washington,
September 19, 1867.
Sir: I transmit a copy of correspondence
between this department and Mr. Delfosse, the minister of Belgium, on
the subject of Belgians in Mexico. You will exercise your best
discretion in extending to them your good offices, so far as they may be
necessary for their protection, and in the case of Mr. Eloin, for the
purpose of obtaining leave for him to quit that country.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Edward L. Plumb, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
[Translation.]
Mr. Delfosse to Mr. Seward
Belgian Legation to the United
States,
Washington,
September 14, 1867.
Mr. Secretary of State: Among a number of
persons arrested after the capture of Mexico is a Belgian, Mr.
Eloin, formerly a secretary of the emperor Maximilian.
Mr. Hooricks, chargé ad interim with the
affairs of the Belgian legation, has recently left Mexico, and has
informed the King’s government that he had confided the interests of
our countrymen to Mr. Otterbourg, representing the United States,
who told him that he would willingly take care of them.
The government of the King would feel deeply indebted to you, Mr.
Secretary of State, if you would have the kindness to lend it your
good offices on this occasion, and to be so kind as to recommend to
the representative of the United States in Mexico to use all his
influence to prevent Mr. Eloin from being treated with harshness,
and to obtain authority for him to leave Mexico. The agent of the
federal government will, better than another, be in position to
judge, according to circumstances, the proper moment to take these
steps, the form to give to them, and, in a word, to appreciate what
may best contribute to assure success.
The minister for foreign affairs, on giving me instructions, in
virtue of which I have the honor to address you this communication,
expresses his confidence that you will not refuse, Mr. Secretary of
State, to acquiesce in this request Mr. Rogier adds, that he will be
personally very grateful to you for what you will have the kindness
to do for Mr. Eloin, and for dissipating the apprehensions of his
numerous friends.
Please accept, Mr. Secretary of State, the assurances of my highest
consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward,&c., &c., &c.
Mr. Seward to Mr. Delfosse
Department of State,
Washington,
September 19, 1867.
Sir: I have had the honor to receive your
note of the 14th instant. In compliance with your request,
instructions have been given to the charge d’affaires of the United
States in Mexico to lend his good offices to the subjects of
Belgium, in that republic, to the same extent and under the same
restrictions as are now applied there in the cases of citizens of
the United States.
In regard to the delicate case of Mr. Eloin, I have already sent
forward a communication making known the interest which Mr. Rogier
has expressed to this government. Your note in this respect seems to
be judiciously conceived. It seems to me that in no other way could
I so well lend the good offices of this government in that respect,
as by sending forward to Mr. Plumb a copy of your note, and
commending it at the same time to his discreet attention.
I am, sir, with high consideration, your obedient servant,
Mr. Maurice Delfosse,
&c., &c., &c.
