Office of the Historian

Mr. Seward to Mr. Dayton

No. 557.]
Department of State, Washington, May 23, 1864.

Sir: I enclose a copy of a despatch of the 27th ultimo, and of its accompaniments, addressed to this department by Mr. Chase, consul general of the United [Page 89] States at Tampico, from which it appears that that officer has been treated very rudely by the French military commandant there, and even threatened with imprisonment. You will make a proper representation upon the subject to the minister for foreign affairs of France, and will state to him that due reparation will be expected by this government. As the correspondence speaks for itself, no inquiry as to the facts of the case would seem to be necessary.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD,

William L. Dayton Esq., &c., &c., &c.

Mr. Chase to Mr. F. W. Seward

No. 18.]
Consulate General of the United States, Tampico, April 27, 1864.

Sir: I have the honor to enclose herewith copy of a note (No. 1) addressed to me by the French superior commandant of this place on the 25th instant; also a copy of my reply thereto, (No. 3,) which was written and sent to that officer thirty minutes after the receipt of his first note, (marked No. 1,) although it was received at twilight.

My clerk went to and returned from the office of the commandant three times, without finding him, for the purpose of putting him in possession of the above-mentioned reply.

At the hour of 9.30 p. m. I received the second note, (No. 2,) menacing me with imprisonment, and, without knowing its contents, I sent him the reply, (No. 3,) after which I was not molested.

The opportune arrival of the United States steamer Kanawha, Captain Taylor, off this bar on the following morning had the effect to soften the temper of this imperious superior commandant; still, I consider it my duty to submit this case to your decision, indulging the hope that redress for this outrage will be speedily demanded by my government.

I am, with great respect, sir, your most obedient servant,

FRANKLIN CHASE.

F. W. Seward, Esq., Assistant Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

No. 1.
[Translation.]

Commandant Givertoss to Mr. Chase

Tampico, April 25, 1864.

The commander-in-chief of Tampico begs the consul of the United States to be pleased to give him the names and christian names of the individuals who have this day entered this city, and who have not reported themselves at our office. He will be pleased to guarantee, under his responsibility, the good conduct of these persons. In case he should not do so, the superior commandant will have them arrested as vagabonds. We require an immediate reply.

The superior commandant,

V. DE GIVERTOSS.

The Consul of the United States.

[Page 90]
No. 2.
[Translation.]

Commandant Givertoss to Mr. Chase

Tampico, April 25, 1864.

It seemed to me that I had asked of the consul of the United States what were the names of the Americans who had this day entered our city. Let him be pleased to answer immediately for the good conduct of those individuals, otherwise I shall find myself under the painful necessity of making him personally responsible therefor, and to make him my prisoner. Reply immediately.

The superior commandant,

V. DE GIVERTOSS.

The United States Consul.

No. 3.

Mr. Chase to Commandant Givertoss

Consulate General of the United States, Tampico, April 25, 1864.

Sir: In reply to your note of the present date, I have the honor to state to you that the only persons I am aware of who have arrived in this city are those that came in on yesterday, viz: Charles E. Johnson, William Garret, and Lewis Davison, seamen, and five passengers—the names of the latter I have not as yet ascertained—all of whom are from the American schooner E. D. McClenahan, G. R. Edgett, master, which vessel was lately wrecked near Soto la Marina on her passage from New Orleans for this port.

These persons are doubtless peaceable; but if I should hear of anything to the contrary, they will not receive any countenance or protection from this consulate.

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

FRANKLIN CHASE.

The Superior Commandant of this place, &c., &c., &c.