[Translation.]
Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward
Mexican Legation in the United States
of America,
Washington,
December 14, 1866.
Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to remit,
for your information and that of the government of the United
States, a copy of a letter I have received from Vera Cruz from a
trustworthy person, in which are given some interesting details
about the arrival of the Susquehanna at that port and the course
which the so-called imperial prefect Don D. Bureau took respecting
the aids which said steamer needed, and the communication sent to
the consul of the United States.
I send also a copy of the printed proclamation published on the 1st
instant by the so-called prefect of Vera Cruz, in which he announces
the resolution taken by Maximilian not to leave the country, but
rather to return from Orizaba to the city of Mexico, to assume anew
and indefinitely the pretended authority he has exercised, which
indicates an absolute change of position so far, at least, as it had
been presented.
I avail of the occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the
assurances of my most distinguished consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward,
&c., &c., &c.
[Enclosure No. 1.—Translation.]
Vera Cruz,
December 1,
1866.
* * * * * * * * *
The day before yesterday the American steamer Susquehanna
anchored in this port. It blew from the north, and up till
yesterday she communicated with the shore.
The prefecture forbid the captain of the port from sending her
pratique; but as the command is with the French military
authority, the order of the prefect was a nullity, as that
authority sent pratique to the Susquehanna to improve her
anchorage, which was bad. The pratique brought on return a
communication to the American consul, which was taken to the
prefecture, but they dared not open it; many shifts were
resorted to, perhaps for the purpose of finding out what it
contained; after keeping it an hour it was sent to the consul,
who, I think, will not rest quiet after the delay suffered by
his communication.
[Enclosure No. 2.—Translation.]
Long live the Empire! Long live the Emperor!
Vera Cruzans: One of the most grateful
events for good Mexicans has just occurred to the nation.
His Majesty the emperor, who has made so many sacrifices for the
welfare and happiness of our dear country, has given the last
proof of the interest he takes in it. When overwhelmed by the
natural feelings which were still contending, and still are so
in his mind, in consequence of the ill health of his august and
noble spouse, our beloved sovereign, he thought for a moment
that he ought temporarily to abandon the country to devote
himself to fulfilling the sacred duty of offering to his worthy
consort the cares she so much needs in the delicate condition in
which she is. The emperor sacrifices himself for ust postpones his duties as a man to those
which his honor points out to him to be controlling, and in
these critical moments, that the country may pass safely
through, he solemnly declares that he will continue at the helm,
and will contest without remission, until the last drop of his
blood be shed in defence of the nation.
Vera Cruzans, let us rejoice, let us give thanks to Providence
for having saved the integrity of our territory, and with full
outpouring of our hearts, let us hail the day of the
resurrection of our nationality, on the eve of disappearing.
Vera
Cruz,
December 1,
1866.
