Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward

Mr. Romero presents his compliments to Mr. Seward, and has the honor of sending to him, unofficially and confidentially, a copy of extracts of a letter dated Paris, May 28th, 1867, addressed to Mr. Romero, to which he referred in the conversation he had with Mr. Seward this afternoon at the Department of State.

[Translation.]

There is here a crowd of rabid Mexicans; one Blancarte was telling me last evening the atrocities committed by the French, what they have gathered together, and beyond all Bazaine. There is good reason for the belief that the traitors are at work to get the United States to draw from Juarez guarantees for the safety of their lives and property. In this sense it is said that Almonte is laboring in London, availing himself of the influence of the English and American ministers in Paris that he may realize such thought. Almonte has written to several noted persons from the United States, and obtained from them letters of recommendation from as many personages as he could. Haro went suddenly to London. It is probable that he may there join Almonte for the purpose intimated. The said priest thinks that the protection of the United States is his only rock of salvation. As for me, I have for some time thought this project was meditated, and the propositions made in the Congress of the United States prove that they have promoted it.

[Page 560]

Memorandum.

Mr. Seward said that he had asked an interview with Mr. Romero for the purpose of saying what follows :

Mexican public journals of both the republican and the intervention parties seem to dwell with great pleasure upon any incident or circumstance that can be perverted into a proof that the government of the United States seeks, or is willing to obtain, some undue advantage in Mexico, or some undue influence over the administration there. These expressions do not surprise Mr. Seward, although they are entirely without reason or color of reason. They are an inevitable form of partisan warfare in Mexico.

Mr. Seward is desirous that the administration of President Juarez should know that, besides the Emperor of Austria, the Emperor of France and the Queen of England have severally, and in a confidential manner, appealed to the United States to use any legitimate good offices within their power to avert the execution of the Prince Maximilian. The United States have already expressed themselves on that subject with frankness and profound respect to the government of President Juarez. To reiterate its opinions and wishes in a formal manner, in compliance with the wishes expressed by the sovereigns of France and Great Britain, would, perhaps, embarrass the government of President Juarez, and might tend to defeat the humane purposes entertained. At the same time Mr. Seward, assuming that the question may still remain an open one, is desirous that President Juarez should be informed of the interest in the person of the Prince Maximilian thus expressed by the last-named European powers.

Mr. Seward also thinks it proper to say that he apprehends no possible contingency in which any European power will attempt either invasion or intervention hereafter in Mexico, or in any other republican nation on the American continent. For this reason he does not think that Mexico has to apprehend any attempt at retaliation by European powers as a consequence of whatsoever extreme decision the Mexican government may make; but at the same time Mr. Seward also thinks that a universal sentiment, favorable, conciliatory, and friendly, towards the republic of Mexico and the other American republics would be likely to follow from such an exercise of clemency and magnanimity as the United States have thought proper to recommend.

Mr. Seward requests Mr. Romero, if compatible with his convictions of duty, to make these sentiments known in a private and confidential manner to the republic of Mexico.

Mrs. Juarez to Mr. Seward

My Dear Mr. Seward: Mr. Romero duly informed me of the kind offer you had the goodness of making to him on the 10th instant, expressing your disposition to have a United States steamer at my disposal to carry me and my family to Mexico. I would prefer to take the ordinary way for passengers, with a view to avoid giving you any trouble, were it possible to do so. But the present circumstances are such that I do not think I could conveniently go to Vera Cruz, which is the shortest and most pleasant way, should I not avail myself of your very kind offer.

I beg you will allow me to express my sincere thanks for your delicate attention in [Page 561] facilitating my return home, and to inform you that I will be ready to sail, either from New York or New Orleans, whenever it may be convenient to have the steamer ready. All the time I shall need will only be the necessary days to reach with my family the place from which we should start.

While renewing to you my thanks for this favor, I remain, my dear Mr. Seward, most truly yours,

MAGARITA MUZA DE JUAREZ.

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