Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward
Mexican Legation,
Washington,
June 15, 1867.
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.
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Memorandum.
Department of State,
Washington,
June 15, 1867.
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
Mexican Legation,
Washington,
June 17, 1867.
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
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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,
Hon. William H. Seward,
&c., &c., &c.