Office of the Historian
[Unofficial.]

Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward

Washington City, D. C., January 31, 1867.

My Dear Sir: Since the interview I Lad with you this morning, referring to the rumored execution of Mr. Carman, United States consul at Mazatlan, and the subsequent bombardment of that city by a United States gunboat, I have again examined carefully the telegraphic despatches from New Orleans of January 28th, and from San Francisco of January 29th, instant, which I enclose in slips herewith.

From these it will appear that, under the most favorable circumstances, no advices could be obtained from Mazatlan and reach the city of Mexico prior to the 15th of January, allowing the extremely short time of six days to come from Mazatlan to the city of Mexico; while direct dates received at San Francisco from Mazatlan of January 18th contradict the rumor. I cannot, therefore, give credit to the story, and believe it to be a fabrication, like the reported shooting of General Escobedo a short time ago.

Should I receive anything more definite relating to the subject I will hasten to communicate it to you. Meanwhile, hoping that no such unfortunate affair has occurred, I renew to you my sincere regards.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

M. ROMERO.

Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.

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New Orleans, January 28.

Vera Cruz correspondence of the 23d says: A bulletin appeared in the French newspaper offices in the city of Mexico a few days ago stating that Mr. Carman, the American vice-consul at Mazatlan, became involved in a difficulty with a Mr. Broman, when the Mexican authorities interfered.

Mr. Carman shut himself up in his house, but was attacked, and during the fight killed two Mexicans. He was then imprisoned and summarily executed.

Norville, commanding the United States gunboat off the town, demanded the punishment of the Mexican officers who had taken part in the execution of Carman, and on the refusal of the authorities he bombarded the town for eight hours.

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San Francisco, January 29.

The report of the execution of Consul Carman by the French authorities at Mazatlan, and the bombardment of the place by a United States gunboat, is news here. Direct dates to January 18 say everything has been quiet since the city was evacuated by the French last November.