Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward
Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to inform you that I received to-day your note of the 29th August, stating that Baron Gerolt, the Prussian minister, had shown you a telegram from Prince Salm-Salm, heir of the house of that name in Prussia, requesting you to use your influence to save the life of his brother, the Prince of Salm-Salm, a partisan of Maximilian, who was captured with him in Queretaro. You add that the prince was an ardent and effective volunteer in defence of the Union during the late civil war in the United States, by which he gained the sympathy and friendship of this government. You conclude by saying that, for that reason as well as in deference to the Prussian government, you recommend Prince Salm-Salm’s case to the humane and liberal consideration of the government of Mexico. I sent the verbal communication you made me on the 29th August last, the same you now make in writing, to the Mexican government on that day, and now I transmit a copy and translation of your note on the subject which I am answering.
I have learned since then, in an unofficial way, that the court-martial which tried Prince Salm-Salm condemned him to capital punishment, but that the President of the republic, as another proof of his magnanimity and humane sentiments, commuted the sentence to a few years’ imprisonment, as he did that of several other persons who were condemned to death.
I am pleased at this occasion to renew the assurance of my distinguished consideration.
Hon. WillIam H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.