Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward.
Sir: The Mexican complication, so far forth as France’s interference is concerned, will, if left alone, soon wear itself out.
The cause of the Archduke Maximilian has literally no support among the French, and but for national pride the expedition itself would be almost universally condemned. Instead of the Emperor availing himself of the services of General Almonte in Mexico, it is getting to be believed that Almonte has availed himself of the services of the Emperor. He has persuaded his Majesty to believe that his presence and influence there would [Page 351] at once revolutionize the country. The whole expedition now resolves itself, as the Mexican consul here believes, into a question whether Almonte can or cannot, with the aid of French influence, be placed, by election, at the head of the government. On this subject, I beg to communicate a fact which may or may not be new to you, but which will, at all events, much complicate the above question.
General Santa Anna, who, notwithstanding his character, has, I am told, more support and followers in Mexico than Almonte, has gone, or is about to go, from St. Thomas to Vera Cruz with a view to present himself as a candidate for the presidency, or dictatorship, against Almonte. The latter, aided by French influence, may succeed in the election which is to be gotten up, but it is very evident that Santa Anna’s presence will give trouble to Almonte, and may much embarrass the plans of all parties. The above information comes from one General Wall, who himself is upon the point of leaving (if he has not already left) for Mexico, to take part in current events, on which side I know not. He was himself an old aide-de-camp of Santa Anna’s, and Santa Anna wrote to him that his purpose was as above stated.
As yet, I have learned nothing as to the action of the Count Señor Don Felipe Nere del Barrie, the minister of Guatemala accredited to Spain. He did not go directly to Madrid, but left Paris for Rome, where he now is or lately was.
I am, sir, your very obedient servant,
His Excellency William H. Seward,Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.