Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c.,
&., &c.
The Emperor to General Forey.
Palace of
Fontainebleau,
June 12.
General: The news of the capture of Puebla
reached me the day before yesterday, via New
York. This event has filled us with joy.
I am aware how much foresight and energy have been required of the
chiefs and the soldiers to attain that important result. Testify in
my name to the army my entire satisfaction; tell it how highly I
appreciate its perseverance and its courage in so distant an
expedition, in which it had to struggle against the climate, against
the difficulties of the country, and against an enemy so much the
more obstinate that it was deceived as to my intentions. I bitterly
deplore the probable loss of so many brave men, but I have the
consolatory feeling that their death has not been useless, either to
the interests or honor of France or to civilization. Our object, you
well know, is not to impose a government on the Mexicans against
their will, or to make our successes contribute to the triumph of
any party whatever. I desire that Mexico should revive to a new
life, and that, being soon regenerated by a government founded on
the national will, on principles of order and of progress, and in
respect for the law of nations, it shall admit by friendly relations
that it is indebted to France for its repose and its prosperity.
I wait for the official reports to give to the army and to its chief
their well-merited rewards; but at present, general, accept my warm
and sincere congratulations.
