Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Fortieth Congress

[Translation.]

Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward

Mexican Legation in the United States of America, Washington, July 15, 1867.

My Dear Sir: Referring to the conversation which I had with you this morning at the Department of State, I enclose you a copy of a letter which I have received from a friend of mine, dated the day before yesterday, dated at New York, in which some details are given touching the fillibuster movements which are being prepared with the view of invading Mexico.

I am, sir, your very obedient servant,

M. ROMERO.

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

[Untitled]

New York, July 13, 1867.

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the rumors which have been afloat since the execution of Maximilian that some parties inimical to the Mexican government are endeavoing to get up an expedition to commit a raid on Mexico are but too true.

I have endeavored for several days to ascertain the truth of these rumors, and the names and standing of the parties connected with the movement, and their probable plan of operations, and, after careful inquiry, I find that quite a number of persons, and some of them men of a fair standing in society, are connected with this proposed movement, and are doing their utmost, by means of the public press and private meetings, to create an excitement, and enlist the sympathies of ambitious and rash young men in favor of their enterprise. The leading spirits of this movement are mostly persons lately engaged in or sympathizing with the rebellion against our government, and some of them have been connected heretofore with similar filibustering expeditions against Cuba and Nicaragua. These persons pretend to be in the confidence of our government, and claim that said government is not adverse to such an undertaking, provided it can be carried out in such a way as not to openly infringe on the neutrality laws of this country.

These schemers, therefore, propose to go to Mexico under the disguise of emigrants, to carry with them their arms and necessary stores; to make a descent upon some place on the coast of Mexico, (not yet determined,) where they expect to be joined by Mexicans disaffected towards the government.

That the object of these filibusters is only plunder, and that our government does not approve of any such act, is of course clear, and it is equally certain that a movement of this kind can only meet with disastrous defeat, yet there is doubt that unless this movement is checked at once, trouble and expense may ensue to the Mexican government, which at the present moment requires quietude to reorganize its own internal affairs.

I would therefore respectfully suggest the propriety of informing our government of this proposed scheme, so that proper steps maybe taken to prevent its consummation. I urge this more especially as the leaders of this movement pretend to be acting under the auspices and with the support of our government, and that of France and Austria, from which latter powers they claim to have the promise of $5,000,000 towards defraying the expenses of the expedition. They also expect to raise $1,000,000 in this city by subscription.

The expedition is to start from different places, particularly New York, Baltimore, Mobile, and New Orleans. I do not think it advisable at present, for prudential reasons, to mention the names of the parties connected with this movement, but shall do so whenever you desire it.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant.

Senor M. Romero, Mexican Minister, &c.