Although the proposal was not accepted, and has little interest now,
I think proper to give information of it to the government of the
United States for reasons above given.
Hon. William H. Seward,
&c., &c., &c.
[Translation.]
Señor Iglesias to General Herron
Matamoros,
April 29, 1864.
Sir: Although I have no instructions
from the President, and am not authorized by him to enter into
arrangements in regard to the affair treated of in this letter,
I have thought proper to put in writing the terms upon which it
might be settled, in my opinion, taking as a basis the
discussion that occurred in our conversations.
As the right of the Mexican government to prohibit, when it
pleases, the importation of any goods whatever into its
territory is clear and explicit, it would be no violation of
neutrality, which it wishes to preserve, to prohibit the
introduction of foreign cotton as soon as the specified term of
30 days shall have expired, which is given to afford time for
the decree to reach the knowledge of those concerned.
But, laying aside the discussion of a right I have termed clear
and explicit, it is evident the exercise of it would be
condemned by those interested on one side, while it would
deprive the Mexican treasury, on the other, of one of the most
profitable entries it enjoys at this critical period.
Nothing is more reasonable, then, than a mutual compensation, and
certainly it will not seem extravagant to ask a million of
dollars and 20,000 muskets in an affair of this importance. This
indemnity for the loss of a considerable revenue is of small
import to the treasury of the United States, and is a
circumstance that should be taken into consideration.
[Page 531]
The advantages the United States would derive from such an
arrangement are important and too evident to need demonstration.
A decree issued by the Mexican government would entirely stop
the trade in cotton, while all the forces sent to guard the
frontier could not do it along the vast course of the Rio
Grande. Supposing it feasible to guard an extent of border which
you, general, reckon at 400 miles, it would be much better to
spare the troops that great labor and employ them in some more
profitable duty. And it would be well to consider the great
saving to the federal treasury by the proposed arrangement.
The great interest that you and Generals McClernand and Hamilton
have taken in this cotton business induces me to hope my
suggestion may be adopted, as it will bring about the desired
results without the legal inconveniences presented by the
project of seizure and confiscation.
The Mexican government certainly desires to increase the friendly
relations that bind it to the United States, because the two
nations must live in friendship; and whatever tends to that
noble end ought to be constantly encouraged; and this is one
more advantage in the projected combination.
I beg you, general, to communicate it to your government, and I
will do-the same towards mine, so that, in case of approval, the
plan may be executed with the customary formality.
I am pleased to have this occasion to say, with much respect, I
am your most attentive and obedient servant,
Major General F. J. Herron.
