Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Fortieth Congress
Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward
Mr. Secretary: Accepting your suggestion, at our interview this morning, that I had better transmit you a copy of the communication I showed you of General Martin Cepeda Peraza, governor of the State of Yucatan, dated in Merida the 21st of June last, in relation to the arrest in the port of Sisal of Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, I have the honor to remit you a copy of that communication and of various documents relating to it, which are given in the accompanying index.
I think proper to call your attention to the following facts, clearly made known, by the said documents :
1. That Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna went to Mexico for the purpose of promoting an insurrection, which, by proclaiming him chief of the country,, would occasion a new civil war in that republic.
2. For that reason the Mexican authorities had not only the right to arrest [Page 578] him, but it was their duty to do it, in order to prevent the disturbances he sought to excite.
3. That Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna disembarked at Sisal, by invitation of the captain of the port, without resorting to violence of any kind.
4. That, as soon as he landed, General Cepeda gave orders to have him arrested as a conspirator against order and public peace and sent to Campeche, to the disposal of the President of the republic, and he remains there yet.
I have already informed your department that when Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna set out for Vera Cruz he said it was with the sanction and support of the United States government, and that he had plenty of men and abundant resources from this country destined to support his pretensions; and now I must inform you that it seems true, from the annexed documents in the testimony of Commander Roe, of the United States steamer Tacony, and in the testimony of Mr. Santa Anna himself, (No. 7.)
I am pleased to have this opportunity to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.
List of documents sent by the Mexican legation to the Department of State of the United States, with the note of the 4th of July, 1867, in relation to the arrest of Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, at Sisal.
No. 1, June 21, .1867 ; the governor of Yucatan to Mr. Romero.
No. 2, June 12, 1867; the same to the governor of Campeche.
No. 3, June ]5, 1867 ; the governor of Campeche to the governor of Yucatan.
No. 4, June 15, 1867; Mr. Santa Anna to General Peraza.
No. 5, June 15, 1867 ; Mr. Santa Anna to the citizens of Yucatan.
No. 6, June 8, 1867.
No. 7, June 8, 1867.
No. 8, June 8, 1867; Mr. Vidaly Rivas to Don Antonio Taboada, commander of the imperial garrison in Vera Cruz.
No. 9, June 11, 1867 ; the same to a chief in Vera Cruz.
No. 10, June 12; Mr. Santa Anna to General Peraza.
[Translation.
No. 1.—Mexican republic—government and military commandancy of the free and sovereign state of yucatan.
On this day I communicate to the citizen minister of relations of the republic what is there copied:
“On the 11th of the present month, the American merchant steamer Virginia, Captain John Deaken, anchored at Sisal, with the object, as it seemed, of taking in cargo and preceding to Havana; but the fact of ex-General Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna being aboard attracted the attention of the authorities of the port and caused some alarm, as was natural.
“This man’s precedents, and his late stay in the United States, could only tend to stir up discord among Mexicans; his former constant passion, shown at various times in his existence to provoke disturbances, seize on the command and use it to his profit, were recollections too alarming not to arouse suspicion, and his sudden appearance on the coast of Yucatan was calculated to cause fear.
“Suspicion became fact when Lieutenant Colonel Don Hilario Mendez, who came a passenger in the Virginia, presented himself to the captain of the port of Sisal, and gave him a package from Santa Anna. The package contained documents of such a nature as to leave no doubt about his designs in coming to Vera Cruz in the Virginia, and then going to Sisal; they were evidently to disturb the condition of things in the republic and create embarrassment for the President in his attempt to obtain a prompt and complete triumph of the liberal principle. In consideration of such proof, the captain of the port of Sisal thought proper to station several of the small boats of the squadron anchored in the bay [Page 579] around the Virginia, merely to watch operations and without hostile intentions. He then went on board, accompanied by citizen Manuel Mendiola as interpreter, and invited Santa Anna to come ashore. Captain Deaken Objected, and threatened to steam away with all on board, notwithstanding the general said the Americans had mistreated him at Vera Cruz, and he was treated no better on the Virginia. The invitation was repeated and the general went ashore voluntarily. Learning what had happened, and aware of the meaning of Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s arrival in Sisal, I ordered him to be arrested, taken to the neighboring state of Campeche, placed at the disposal of the President of the republic and recommended to the governor, citizen Pablo Garcia I did this because that place had more conveniences and greater security, and I was too busy with the siege of the capital to attend to anything else. After this, it is somewhat singular that Captain Deaken put to sea without doing any business at Sisal, for which he said he had come, or making any protest before the vice-consul of his nation, or any other authority
“It is not strange that Captain Deaken did not protest against Santa Anna’s arrest, because it was done peaceably, without violence, while he was on shore, nor was it in the legitimate sense of the word an extradition; but it is strange he proposed to take no cargo, when he said he had come purposely for it. In my opinion, this shows, either that the Virginia was chartered by Santa Anna, and he agreed that the steamer should leave; or that Captain Deaken left of his own accord, as he could not deny the purpose of the ex-dictator of Mexico, and renounced the right of demanding respect to a neutral and friendly flag,
“The certificate signed by Captain Deaken and the officers of the Virginia in favor of Santa Anna, on account of what happened between him and the English and American commodores in the waters of Vera Cruz, is an explanation of his strange conduct in Sisal.
“I enclose, citizen minister, a series of documents, numbered from 1 to 7 inclusive, which I hope you will communicate to the citizen President of the republic, so he may decide what is to be done with the prisoner, who remains in the fort of Campeche, at your disposal.
“I embrace this opportunity, citizen minister, to repeat to you the assurances of my attentive consideration and respect.”
And I have the honor to transmit this to you, for your information, that you may know what happened to ex-General Santa Anna in Sisal, and may be able to give, in case of necessity, the proper explanations to the cabinet in Washington.
In conclusion, I protest to you the assurances of my high regard.
E. Ancona, Secretary.
Citizen Matias Romero, Minister of the Mexican Republic in Washington.
No. 2.—Mexican republic.—government and military commandancy of the free and sovereign state of yucatan.
At this moment, 7 o’clock in the evening, I have just received an official communication from the military commander of Sisal, informing me that ex-General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his father-in-law, L. G. Vidal y Rivas, had been captured on board the American steamer Virginia. I have official documents in my possession, of which I will send you copies, proving in an undoubted manner that Santa Anna, after his many crimes, attempted a political movement against the legitimate government of the republic.; and as the present condition of this state does not offer a secure place of imprisonment for those two individuals, I send them to you in charge of Commander Luis I. Gomez, who receives them in the war canoes Hidalgo and Republicana, that you may confine them in your fortress till the supreme government of the nation disposes of them. I report the event to the government that it may act in the case as may seem most expedient. I hope your patriotism will induce you to lend this service to the nation with zeal and pleasure.
Citizen Governor and Military Commander of the State of Campeche.
No 3.—Mexican republic.—government and military commandancy of the state of campeche.
The persons of ex-General Santa Anna and his secretary, L. G. de V. dal y Rivas, were captured in the port of Sisal, on board the American steamer Virginia, and as there is no [Page 580] safe prison for them in this state, they were delivered yesterday to citizen Luis I. Gomez, commanding the canoe Hidalgo, who brought them here and placed them in safe custody till the supreme government of the republic shall decide what is to be done with them, as he states in his despatch of the 12th instant.
Francisco Carvajal, Secretary.
The Governor and Military Commander of the State of Yucatan, in Merida.
No. 4.—Mexican republic—government office of the free and sovereign state of yucatan.
[Document No. 1.]
My Worthy Compatriot and Old Friend: Taking advantage of Lieutenant Colonel Hilario Mendez’s visit to your city, I have the pleasure to address you, after so long a time, to remind you I have not forgotten you and esteem you as much as ever.
Mr. Mendez knows what happened to me in front of Vera Cruz, and he will tell you all about it. I send you the sworn declaration of the captain of the steamer Virginia, and other persons present, in reference to the outrage perpetrated upon my person, on the evening of the 7th of this present month. I also enclose a copy of the conversation that took place between me and the commander of the American war steamer Tacony, on board that vessel, so that you may have the interesting documents printed for circulation here, while I have them printed and circulated in Havana and the United States. I hope you will join me in, my indignation against Commander Roe for his insults and indignities to me under his cannons; for, after all, you are a good Mexican, and cannot remain indifferent to the insults and outrages that insolent foreigners heap upon us, taking advantage of our continued internal dissensions.
If I do not get back to Vera Cruz soon, in a war steamer or merchant vessel, I shall remain some time in Havana, and whether I am in that city or Vera Cruz, I shall be at your service.
Your grateful and affectionate friend and servant, who wishes you everlasting happiness,
General Martin Pareza.
Postscript.—I also enclose a copy of the address I thought proper to make to the Yucatans, when I was in front of Sisal, lest the copies I sent you at the time may not have reached you. If you are pleased with it, be so kind; as to have it published and circulated. Adieu.
No. 5.—Mexican republic.—office of the state goverment of the free and sovereign state of yucatan.
[Document No. 2.]
Antonio Lopez de Santa, Anna, general of division of the national armies, well-merited of his country, &c., &c., to his fellow-citizens.
Yucatecos ! Finding myself so near you, on my way to my native land, I anxiously greet you with profound emotion, grieved to behold the immense contrast between our situations then and our conditions at the present time.
You will remember that in the years 1824 and 1825 I had the honor to hold the highest civil and military office in this peninsula, and to receive friendly demonstrations from you that will never be forgotten.
One year ago I went to the United States, with the patriotic intentions of seeking aid for our brothers struggling so gallantly against an invading force that has succeeded in getting a foothold on our lovely land in a most inexplicable manner. This is not the time to explain my trials and unexpected difficulties in the efforts to succeed in my noble and patriotic enterprise. Now the French have disappeared from the scene there is a new perspective, and other troubles and conflicts are coming on the stage to try us Mexicans.
I will remember you when I get to Vera Cruz. I will address our nation from that point. In the mean time I hope you will receive my friendly suggestions in the benevolence of former days. Put off the hostile attitude of brother against brother. We are all Mexicans, and it is better for us to agree. Let not evil passions overcome us. My mission among you, [Page 581] my brothers, is one of peace and friendship. At the last moment I come to mediate among the discordant members of the family. Fellow-countrymen, I pray you help my inspirations with your patriotic efforts; my aims are truly Mexican. Let us practice self-denial; let us make some small sacrifices, and I am sure we will succeed in restoring our cherished country to its former position of honor and glory, and give it new days of prosperity and progress.
No. 6.—Mexican republic—office of the goverment of the free and sovereign state of yucatan.
[Document No. 3.]
Sworn declaration of the captain of the steamer Virginia, of the United States of the north, and of persons present, and witnesses of the outrage perpetrated upon the person of his excellency General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, who was on board the Virginia, anchored in the roads of Vera Cruz, near the castle of San Juan de Uloa, and alongside the Mexican war steamer Tabasco.
On Friday, the 7th instant, at half-past three in the afternoon, a boat from the English war steamer Jason suddenly came alongside the steamer Virginia. The Jason was moored near Sacrificios island; its commander was Mr. Murray Aynsly, and its crew consisted of thirteen seamen and two officers. The commander of the United States war steamer was Mr. F. A. Roe.
Commander Roe asked Captain Deaken, of the Virginia, for Santa Anna. The captain replied: “Here is General Santa Anna,” who was seated on the quarter-deck. Mr. Roe asked if there was an interpreter present, when the purser of the vessel, Mr. Edward E. Austin, immediately came up. Commander Roe then said to General Santa Anna, through the interpreter, that he was invited on board the vessel anchored at Sacrificios.
The general was surprised at this invitation from an uncouth stranger whom he had never before seen, and asked him why he wanted him to go on board of his vessel. Roe rudely replied: “If yon won’t go voluntarily, we will take you by force.” The general politely replied he did not see what right Mr. Roe had to use violence towards him, as he was not in his jurisdiction, and was preparing to land on his native shore, where his countrymen were expecting him.
A dispute ensued, and Roe was so angry the English commander, Aynsley, advised him to be more moderate in his language to the general.
General Santa Anna had offered the gentlemen seats when they came aboard, but as they continued to stand, he took a seat and asked an explanation of their singular conduct. Commander Roe replied, in a haughty tone, that he had no explanations to make; it was an order, and if not voluntarily obeyed, he would be taken by force. It was no time for compliments, and he wanted none. In fact, two sailors then advanced towards the general in a menacing manner. Some of his retinue interfered, and told the general what the men intended to do. With the energy and dignity peculiar to him, the general protested against these acts of violence and tyranny in his own country, in a Mexican port, in view of his flag, and in presence of Mexican authorities. As the Jason’s men were still in a threatening attitude, the commander of the Nostite, one of the general’s aids, came up and said in a low tone: “I think it most prudent, general, for you to take my arm and get into the boat, rather than let those men put their hands upon you.” The general did not object, and got; into the British boat, accompanied by his interpreter, Edward Gottlieb, and his body-servant, and was taken on board the war steamer Tacony, at Sacrificios.
Before leaving, General Santa Anna charged one of his aids to inform his secretary, Colonel de Vidal y Ruiz, who was then in the city of Vera Cruz, of all that had happened. As soon as he heard of it, he went to see the commissary, Don Domingo Bureau, and told him of all that bad happened, depicting in a vivid manner the great disrespect shown to the authorities in sight of the town, and in presence of Mexican officials. The commissary said he could no nothing, lest the two steamers might bombard the city. Mr. Vidal y Rivas then went to see Mr. Saulnier, the United States consul, to make a formal protest before him against the outrage. But the consul only replied that what had taken place had been done without his knowledge, and, moreover, he had just been assured that General Santa Anna would be released the next day.
The captain of the Virginia was ordered to weigh anchor and quit Vera Cruz the next day, after coming to Sacrificios to take the general on board. This was done at noon the next day, and at one we left Sacrificios, followed by the United States steamer Tacony. The whole country around Vera Cruz, as well as the city garrison, and the forts, were profoundly indignant at this event, considering it an insult to the dignity of the place, and a grave offence against a person so popular as Santa Anna is there, and just at a time when it was [Page 582] rumored that the authorities were preparing to receive him as a distinguished leader of independence, respected without distinction of parties, and which reception was prevented by seizing him, and carrying him away from the country. It was for that very purpose that General Santa Anna was waiting on board the Virginia till public acts should proclaim the republic, and thus the good old government of the nation be restored, and peace established without shedding a drop of blood. The authorities had frequently been on board to visit him, and satisfaction and confidence were depicted in the countenances of everybody.
Each one of the persons who sign this is responsible with his name for what he witnessed.
No. 7.—Mexican republic.—government office of the free and sovereign state of yucatan.
[Document No. 4.]
Dialogue between Commander F. A. Roe, of the steamer of war Tacony, and General Santa Anna, on board said steamer, through the interpreter, Edward Gottlieb.
Commander Roe. General, here you have my room, where you will be comfortable, and can ask for what you want.
General Santa Anna. Thank you, commander; but I wish to know, first, why you took me forcibly from the Virginia, and prevented me from going ashore, as I intended. Without being at war, why have you taken me prisoner 1
Commander. No, general, you are not a prisoner. I wished to spare the shedding of blood in Vera Cruz, when enough has been shed in the country already.
General. But by what authority and right do you thus proceed against my person, when I am a Mexican returning to my country after a long absence, with the intention of serving it, as I have always done, and now as a mediator for the restoration of peace ?
Commander. It has been said in the city that the general was sent by my government— referring to a conversation of the general with the American consul, in presence of the English consul—and it is my duty to prove the contrary, having an understanding with General Benavides.
General. It is not true that I said I was sent, for the government at Washington could not employ me, nor would I obey the commands of a government not my own. I heard that the American consul prevaricated for the purpose of preventing me from landing, and I thought proper to satisfy him, and dispose him to a neutrality he ought to observe; for that purpose I said to him, substantially, that my mission was one of entire peace, and that his President was not ignorant of my journey, nor of my intentions.
Commander. Well, but your presence prevented the surrender of the city to General Benavides, who was besieging it, after Commissioner Bureau had agreed to it.
General. And what is it to you whether the city is held by this or that Mexican, when you have no right to interfere in Mexican affairs ? I doubt if your government will approve of your conduct; and, besides, what is the reason of your insult to my person, this evening ? As long as I am compelled to remain in this ship I will consider myself a prisoner.
Commander. I have acted as I thought proper, (said the commander, angrily;) I have no more explanations to make, (and he got up.)
General. Will you use force against me ? I have no rifled cannons, and consequently you have me completely in your power.
Commander. Good-night, general; you have my room to rest in, and you can call for what you want, (and taking off his cap, he bowed politely.)
General Santa Anna spent most of the night in a chair, and took nothing that was offered him. At ten o’clock next day an officer told him that he could now get on board the Virginia, that had come to Sacrificios for him; but he could not go to Vera Cruz, however much he might wish it; he might go to Sisal, to Havana, or to the United States, and of course the vessel could go to any of those places.
The general again angrily protested against the violence used toward him, and declared he would inform the government at Washington of the outrage to him, and would demand satisfaction, and publish an account of the disgraceful acts; and he then went on board the Virginia, that had brought him to this city.
On board the steamer Virginia, this 8th day June, 1867.
The interpreter of his excellency General Santa Anna,
No. 8.—Mexican republic—government office of the free and sovereign state of yucatan.
[Document No. 5.]
Very Dear Sir and Esteemed FrIend: The passengers that embarked in this vessel have expressed to us the general dissatisfaction of the inhabitants of that place; and I myself, on quitting the wharf, was grieved to see tears shed by old soldiers, annoyed at the flagrant disrespect, feloniously executed The garrison, as well as the inhabitants of that city, must be in despair from anxious expectation and uncertainty, easy to understand when we have witnessed their spontaneous sensations of enthusiasm and sympathy.
On the other hand, while I consider your decided intention, and that of the other Friends we have in your city, and on reflecting that the affairs of Mexico can have no other favorable solution, and no other guarantee than that which we propose to give by means of our leader, with the influence of his name and his gift of command, I am persuaded to write to you, to ask you to tell us frankly, without the loss of a moment, if the situation can be commanded till our return; and if that can be done, whether we may expect better success in the realization of our undertaking. I think it indispensable, very necessary, to remind them that you do not permit them to be delivered up to their enemies, bearing in mind that they do not know how to pardon nor to keep their promises, and that you will surely be sacrificed as soon as you are disarmed. The safest way, in fact the only way, is that pointed out to you by the general. His intention is to return to your port without delay, in a war steamer or merchant steamer. Let this notice serve as a guide to you in the management of affairs.
Why were we not assisted by you in the night of the 8th and 9th, as we expected to have been I As Mr. Bureau recommended us to do everything through you, we did so; but our good desires were also frustrated that time. I hope you will write to me by the bearer of this, who will give you further particulars of our affairs. We shall have reason to rejoice that we have done much more than was expected of us by any one. And it is because we see the dark prospects in the future, and are trying to anticipate and prevent coming ills.
It is with pleasure that I sign myself your devoted friend and servant, who wishes you all happiness,
Give my respects to all my friends, not forgetting General Perez Gomez, General Herran, &c, &c.
The general, who cannot write, from a slight indisposition caused by a bilious attack, sends his regards to all, and to you in particular. Adieu.
His Excellency General Antonio Toboada.
No. 9.—Mexican republic—government office of the free and sovereign state of yucatan.
[Document No. 6.]
Very Dear and Much Esteemed Sir: The favorable reception you were pleased to accord us in the execution of our labors, and the deference with which you thought proper to grant me your confidence, induce me to write to you, if only to express my gratitude and to beg you to favor me with an answer, keeping us informed of the tenor of events and letting us know if we can yet do anything in favor of our unfortunate country.
This letter will go by the Spanish mail steamer that touches at this port, and I must say to you that our intention is to proceed to Havana to see what kind of aid, direct or moral, the captain general will furnish us. General Manzano is an old friend of mine, and ought to comprehend the urgency of the case. I hope you will avail yourself of that medium to communicate with me, to avoid miscarriage of letters. Excuse the card I enclose to you; it is one I made use of in the United States; I send it because I have no other at hand.
The chief intent of this is to ask you to deliver the enclosed and receive the answer; to request you to explore the ground and to tell us frankly what you think of affairs, and how the situation appears to you; to investigate the minds and even the dispositions of those who are capable of aiding us. If they are ready, if they can do any good, we will soon return to the front of your city; but if the case is contrary, if appearances are against us, I beg you to speak without circumlocution or subterfuge. All must have known that our arrival at your city was not only opportune and efficacious, but necessary and even indispensable. Would to God there was some other person capable of saving the situation! I would willingly aid him by every means in my power; but, unfortunately, I do not discover that person.
[Page 584]I may obtain permission for the general to remain in Cuba for a month; if not, he will be obliged to go back to Saint Thomas. At all events, you must understand there that we are ready to save Vera Cruz, and raise the siege by gaining Benavides over to our party, and thus prevent much bloodshed in the city, and then go to the aid of the brave men who are struggling for their lives in the capital. Alas for Vera Cruz! Woe to Mexico, if unfortunately we are not understood!
Our present fears are, that a vessel we are expecting from the United States to your city, not finding us there, may fall into the hands of some United States agents, and suffer all the indignities that nation is heaping upon us. We are taking all the precautions here, and are cruising about, but as we have had two stormy nights, we may have passed each other without discovery. In such an event, if the vessel has arrived, and the troops wish to land, put the Irish battalion in the castle, and the riflemen in the city, till our return, when we can march them into the country to shun the endemic and pernicious maladies peculiar to our coast. In that expedition we would not only lose the cost, which is over $200,000, but the opportunity of aid, without reckoning the difficulties that we have had to overcome in organizing it. I must tell you, for your information, that I sent a trusty person ashore the day we left with letters for you, but he did not find you in your house. Two other persons went to consult their friends and arrange for our return. We complied with our offer.
On the night of the 8th and 9th we were more than two hours behind the castle, from midnight till after two, with the lights and signals agreed on, upon the Galleguilla shoals. The noise made by blowing off steam and our movements must have been heard at the castle; the sea was calm and the weather cloudy. Why did you not come to the place agreed on? We did everything we could. After two o’clock we put to sea.
Do me the favor not to let this go out of your hands, though I have not put your name to it for fear of risking the loss of your situation. I have the honor to subscribe myself your devoted and obedient servant, who wishes you much happiness,
The above communication bore the following address: “Mr. Charles Raman, her Catholic Majesty’s consul in Vera Cruz.”
No. 10.—Mexican republic—government office of the free and sovereign state of yucatan.
[Document No. 7.]
My Esteemed Countryman and Friend: I wrote to you yesterday from the Virginia by Lieutenant Colonel Mendez, and I presume my letter is now in your hands, with the documents it contained. I was awaiting your answer, when Colonel Medina, the military commander of this port, presented himself to me on board, and informed me that you invited me to land. I immediately began to get ready to accept your invitation, and commenced by shaving myself. The captain of the vessel informed me, I could not land, as his orders from the commander of the American war steamer were, that I might land on, neutral ground, but could have no pretext to set foot on Mexican territory. This caused an altercation between Colonel Medina and the captain of the Virginia, in which threats passed, &c. Finally the captain yielded, and I was allowed to disembark, not without protests, however.
Now I am at your disposal; but I hope I shall soon see you, as this commander has promised me I could. I wish my good intentions may give a happy result; and I do not think Mr. Salazar Ilaregui will be so timid as to reject my generous mediation for the complete re-establishment of peace in this State; but if he persists in an obstinate resistance, an old veteran places himself under your orders, to be sent wherever you think he can be of the greatest service to the nation. In the mean time, I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you and embracing you; till then, I wish you excellent health, and sign myself your affectionate and faithful friend and servant,
General Matias Peraza, Merida.