Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress
Señor Romero to Mr. Seward
Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, the documents expressed in the accompanying index, some of which have lately come from Mexico, giving the state of affairs in that republic. I think proper to call your attention to the documents numbered 2, 4, and 6, where you will find that the French agents in Mexico continue organizing their companies of so-called Mexican chasseurs, with the soldiers and officers of the French army.
In documents marked 1 and 3 you will see that when the so-called government, created by the intervention, has occasion to select subaltern agents for any purpose whatever, it takes Frenchmen, as you may readily suppose; and yet the French government calls the state of things it has created in Mexico the national government.
It appears also from a circular of the French general, Friant, intendant-general of the expeditionary army, and appointed minister of finance for a short time by the usurper, that the sub-intendants of the French army were authorized by him to act as sub-intendants, inspectors, or controllers for the so-called empire.
I accept this occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., & c., & c.
Index of documents sent by the Mexican legation in Washington to the Department of State of the United States with the note of this date, on the present state of affairs in Mexico.
| No. | Date. | Contents. |
| 1866. | ||
| 1 | July 18 | Circular No. 190 of the minister of finance of the so-called empire, appointing various Frenchmen to direct the assessment of houses and lands for a direct tax. |
| 2 | July 8 | Order of the day issued by the French general, Neigre, on the 29th of June last, incorporating the Belgian legion in Mexico with the ninth battalion of the so-called Mexican chasseurs. |
| 3 | Aug. 2 | Circular of the French general, Friant, authorizing the sub-intendants of the French army to act as sub-intendants, inspectors, and controllers for the so-called empire. |
| 4 | Sept. 6 | An official relation, from the war department of the so-called empire, of the military despatches issued from the 25th of August to the 5th of September, from which it appears that only French officers have been appointed to command the corps of Mexican chasseurs. |
| 5 | Sept. 10 | Correspondence from the city of Mexico, with general notices of the situation. |
| 6 | Sept. 10 | Correspondence from Vera Cruz, mentioning the enlistment of the greater part of the eighty-first of the French line into the corps of Mexican chasseurs. |
| 7 | Sept. 16 | Speech of Maximilian at the anniversary meeting of the independence of Mexico, declaring he will not quit his post. |
| 8 | Sept. 27 | Decree of Maximilian, ordering the confiscation of the property of the patriots who are fighting for the independence of Mexico. |
| 9 | Sept. 30 | Letter from Vera Cruz, mentioning the return to Orizaba of the eighty-first of the line of the French army, that had gone to Vera Cruz to embark on the steamer Tampico. |
No. 1.
[Circular 190.]
His majesty the emperor has been pleased to suspend for the time being the appointment of director general of direct taxes, and in the mean time appoints that official as assessor of city and country property for the purpose of direct taxation, which he orders to be done throughout the empire, under the direction of the treasury inspectors, and according to the territorial division expressed below:
Mr. Le Maistre will direct the work in the department of the valley of Mexico, Tula, Toluca, Tulancingo, Iturbide, Queretaro. Jalisco, Autlan, Colima, Mazatlan, Matamoras, New Leon, and Coahuila.
A credit of $15,000 is opened to defray the expenses of the assessment in these departments.
Mr. Delabaume will direct the work in the departments of Puebla, Tlaxcala, and Vera Cruz. For this expense a credit of $1,500 is opened.
Mr. Thebault will direct in the department of Guanajuato; and a credit of $2,000 is opened for the expenses.
Mr. Derenty will direct in the departments of Aguas Calientes, Zacatecas, and Fresnilla, at the expense of $2,500.
Mr. Sauvalle will direct in the departments of Durango and San Luis Potosi, at an expense of $1,500. These inspectors shall nominate controllers to act under their orders in the departments where they are appointed, who get their commissions from the treasury department, and receive a salary specified in their commissions.
The open credits will be paid to the orders of the chief inspectors, who are required to give an account of the sums they receive. This I make known to you for your information and consequent action, so that you may give the necessary aid to the persons appointed as it may be required.
It was circulated among the civil prefects of the departments and imperial commissaries of the territorial divisions.
No. 2.
[Untitled]
A serious spell of sickness prevented me from writing to you by the last steamers, but you have lost nothing by waiting, for I have some important news to communicate. In the first place you must know that the Belgian legion, after a mutiny at Monterey, was disbanded and incorporated with the ninth battalion of Mexican hunters. This news, which caused a great sensation in Mexico—particularly in the Belgian colony—was followed by a report of the arrest of Colonel Vandersmissen, which turned out false.
As to the act of insubordination committed by our countrymen, many causes were given for it. The pretext was a delay of some weeks in pay, but dissatisfaction had prevailed for some time. The Belgians complain that none of the promises made them on their departure from Belgium have been kept. Some say the bounty money has never been paid them. The Tacambaro prisoners claim their back pay during the time of their captivity.
There was, in reality, no outbreak, but seditious words were uttered in the presence of the commander by angry men, ill paid, badly clothed, and, perhaps, excited by drink.
The order issued by General Neigre the next day, the 29th of June, fixes the future position of this Belgian corps:
“His majesty the emperor Maximilian has decided that the Belgian contingent as now organized shall be disbanded.
“A battalion of cazadores shall be formed of the elements that compose it, and shall be called battalion No. 9 of the empress’s hunters. Soldiers that enlisted for six years will be compelled to remain in the service of the emperor of Mexico till the expiration of their term of service; and also those officers who were only soldiers at the time of their arrival, and not officers in the Belgian army. Those of them who wish to quit Mexico will be discharged, but will not be sent back nor indemnified by the Mexican government.
“The Mexican government will retain the officers in the same grade they had in the Belgian contingent as Mexican officers. Officers of the Belgian army who obtained a two years’ leave from their government to serve in Mexico will be consulted personally to know if they wish a continuance of leave in order to serve in Mexico.
“Those wishing to remain will be put into the battalion of hunters; those who desire to return to Belgium will be sent to Mexico. As there will be no colonel in this new organization, Mr. Vandersmissen cannot belong to it; he must, therefore, present himself in Mexico and receive orders from his majesty the emperor.
“Marshal Bazaine orders General Douay to disband the body immediately and to proceed to its reorganization anew.
No. 3.
Treasury division.
The following was published in Zacatecas:
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE—MILITARY SUB-INTENDANCY—TREASURY INSPECTOR OF THE STATE OF GUANAJUATO.
Leon, August 2, 1866.
To the Citizen Prefect:
The military intendant, Mr. Friant, appointed minister of finance, charges me to send you the following despatch, which was received by telegraph:
“The minister of finance gives full power to sub-intendants or officers to perform the duties of sub-intendants, inspectors, and controllers in all the offices of finance, each in his respective department. The prefects will accredit these officers to the chief of the bureau.
“FRIANT, Minister of Finance.”
Accept, Mr. Prefect, the assurances of my high consideration.
No. 4.
Official military despatches, War Department.—Despatches sent from this department between the 27th of August and the 5th instant.
APPOINTMENTS.
Luis Rovichon, sergeant of the French army, as assistant depositary for the first battalion of the line.
Sergeant Adrian Page, sub-instructor for the same corps.
Carlos Victor François, sergeant of the French army, as assistant treasurer for the twelfth of the line.
Carlos A. Coffer, of the same grade in the French army, as sub-instructor for the same corps.
Carlos A. Maunier, same rank, as assistant depositary for the same battalion.
Isidoro E. Breset, same rank in the French army, as assistant treasurer for the sixth battalion of the line.
Luis E. Trorey, of the same grade in the French army, as sub-instructor for the same corps.
For the first battalion of hunters—promotions.—Commander F. A. L. Desandré to be lieutenant colonel; Captain Miguel V. Bellin to be battalion commander.
Second battalion.—Commander L. A. D. Chabrol to be lieutenant colonel, and Captain Gustave Badon to be battalion commander.
Third battalion.—Commander Carlos Leon Guillemain to be lieutenant colonel, and Captain Luis J. Lanes to be battalion commander.
Fourth battalion.—Commander Juan F. Herbé to be lieutenant colonel, and Captain Julio Bonet battalion commander.
Fifth battalion.—Commander Emile Layn to be lieutenant colonel, and Captain Juan S. Lanause commandant.
Sixth battalion.—Commander Leon Didier to be lieutenant colonel, and Captain Simon Sorlieu commandant.
Seventh battalion.—Commander P. L. Maurant to be lieutenant colonel, and Captain B. A. Poviel commandant.
Eighth battalion.—Commander Zacharias M. Festal to be lieutenant colonel; Sergeant Juan P. Forche sub-lieutenant of the battalion of the line: Sergeant Juan F. Jenni sublieutenant in the same corps; Francis Finelli and Pablo Fisian sub-lieutenants in the fourth battalion of hunters; and Captain Manuel Aviles, of the aids, to be captain of infantry.
No. 5.
[Untitled]
Up to the present time Napoleon has not given any orders, either direct or indirect, countermanding the order for the evacuation of this country by his expeditionary corps.
Every idle rumor from Paris is construed into a favorable circumstance by the insignificantly small party of imperial Mexicans. Men like Señor Don José Maria de Landa, who were directly instrumental in securing Napoleon’s intervention in Mexican affairs, are very deeply interested in all the phases of Mexican politics. Such men fear—and they have publicly expressed their fears—that the return of the liberal or republican government will be the signal for the confiscation of their estates, and exiling them to some inhospitable portion of sterile Yucatan, where now so many patriotic liberals are banished to by the monarchical power temporarily residing at, and presiding over, the “halls of the Montezumas.” A very large majority of the wealthy Mexicans who have been identified with the imperial farce during the last four years are realizing their property, preparatory to going abroad, and viewing the settlement that must shortly take place here from a secure and hospitable standpoint. Many have already gone.
No great emigration of the Mochos may be counted upon, for the adherents of the empire are very few, and have been growing less and less during the last twelve months.
There are not a dozen families of the capital that are avowed imperialists, and we allege, after much careful observation, that there are not twenty wealthy men of Mexico who would gather round Maximilian in an hour of trouble.
So destructive has been the policy pursued by the emperor while here that it is asserted there is not a merchant nor even a French dealer in the country (and there are thousands of French merchants and miners) who does not desire him to abdicate and evacuate the country.
National bankruptcy—Commerce is paralyzed. The so-called government is a bankrupt usurpation, hourly threatened with overwhelming numbers of outraged patriots, who, though poorly clad, still more poorly armed, without pay or hope of reward, are gathering [Page 306] round their chieftain’s standard, to overwhelm and crush, with one powerful blow, the enemies of their country’s liberties and sacred rights.
Executions—The imperialists have hung and executed by bullet and garrote without trial; they have branded the liberals as brigands, outlawed them, confiscated their homes and desecrated their land, and no wonder that the friends of the monarchy are fearful, and dread the change of government that cannot, at the furthest, be postponed until January, 1867.
The tone of the imperial press is very mournful. Not a day passes without rumors of the pronouncing against the empire of influential leaders, the evacuation of cities, and the gathering of the liberals.
No. 6.
[Untitled]
To-day those who study the changes in the situation with great care exhibited a very considerable degree of uneasiness in consequence of some strange reports which were received from the interior. To-day it was generally said that the eighty-first French regiment of the line was en route for Vera Cruz to embark at once for Europe, but on investigation it was found that only one battalion of said regiment was coming down, and that the remaining portion (from 1,500 to 2,000 men) were ready to take up the flag of the empire (dropping the flag of France) as soon as the battalion particularly specified above left Mexico. We know it to be a fact that France’s money is being expended in large amounts, in every direction, to increase the strength of the imperial army. And we also know that, notwithstanding the several moves already made, there is nothing to show that it is the sincere intention of France to leave the country.
In to-day’s issue of La Revista, of this city, we find the following:
The last news from Europe relative to Mexican affairs contradicts some of the reports received by the Sonora. * * * The French government permits the enlistment in France of volunteers, and will give to the imperial government of Mexico arms and munitions of war. The return of the expeditionary corps, nevertheless, will take place as has been stated.
Those who have studied the very latest developments are asking: “What difference will it make to the United States government whether Maximilian is supported by French regiments, directly known as such, or French regiments in disguise under the colors of the empire?”
No. 7.
[Untitled]
Mexicans: Now for the third time, as chief of the nation, I celebrate with you with pleasure and enthusiasm our great and glorious family festival. In these days of patriotic remembrances it is always a necessity on my part to address frank and faithful words to my patriotic fellow-citizens, and to participate with them in the general rejoicings. Fifty-six years have passed since was heard the first cry of our nation’s new birth. It is a half century during which Mexico has been struggling for her independence and pacific consolidation. The time seems long, undoubtedly, for patriotism is justly impatient, but in the history of a people just coming into life it is simply the period of a severe apprenticeship, which every nation must undergo if it wishes to be one day great and powerful. Without blood and without affliction there are no great human triumphs, no political developments, no durable progress. The lesson which this first period of our free history addresses to us is that, of ultimate sacrifices,, of cordial, generous, and frank union, and, more than all, immutable faith in our success. Let all loyal patriots support with energy, each in his sphere, the great work of regeneration. Then my labors will not be sterile; and I will be able to follow, conscientiously, the difficult path on which I have entered. Let them have confidence and good will, in order that we may one day reap the fruits, so desired, of peace and prosperity. I am still firm in the position which the votes of the nation have made me occupy, notwithstanding all the difficulties, and without failing in my duties; for it is not in adverse moments that a true Hapsburg abandons his post. The majority of the nation elected me to defend its most sacred rights against the enemies of order, property, and true independence, The Almighty should, therefore, protect us, it being a sacred truth that “the voice of the people is the voice of God.” This was shown in a miraculous manner at the time of our first national rising; it will be shown in the present regeneration. The great heroes of our country look upon our efforts. Let us follow their immortal examples without vacillation, without distrust; and to us will then belong the enviable task of consolidating and crowning the work of independence, which they began with their precious blood.
Mexicans! long live our independence and the memory of its glorious martyrs!
No. 8.
[Untitled]
MAXIMILIAN, EMPEROR OF MEXICO.
With the advice of our ministerial council, we have determined to decree and have decreed as follows:
Article 1. All property belonging to persons now residing out of the country, or in places held by the disaffected, who oppose the imperial government adopted by the people of Mexico, shall be administered in each district by a special committee composed of the municipal alcalde, the collector of revenue, and a proprietor named by the prefect.
Article 2. The sale of this property is forbidden while the owners remain in the ranks of the enemies to order and the empire.
Article 3. The revenue from this property shall form a special and separate fund for the exclusive benefit of the families that have suffered by the war which the disaffected are waging against the empire.
Article 4. The accounts of this fund shall be kept in the treasury department.
Article 5. At the end of each month the amount received shall be distributed among the families whose wants are considered just and well founded. The distribution shall be determined by the council of ministers.
Article 6. Our ministers of government and finance are charged with the execution of. this decree in the part that concerns them.
Done in Mexico on the 27th of September, 1866.
MAXIMILIAN.
By the emperor:
TEOFILO MARIN, Minister of Government.
By the emperor:
No. 9.
[Untitled]
The eighty-first regiment French infantry arrived at Vera Cruz on the 26th of this month, ready to embark on board the steamer Tampico, the first of the transports which is to bring the army back to France. The others are the Rhone, the Calvados, the Gironde and l’Avegron, now on the eve of sailing from Havre to Vera Cruz. During the short stay of the eighty-first at Vera Cruz telegraphic despatch from General Bazaine came, ordering the regiment to fall back upon Orizaba, where it has actually gone.
As an explanation for this retrograde movement it is stated that Marshal Bazaine had received a telegram from Europe by the Atlantic cable via New Orleans and the steamer Sonora, by which he had been advised that General de Castelnau was on his way to Vera Cruz, and that the wishes of the French government were to suspend the embarcation of the French troops until he had arrived. This, of course, has given rise to several comments, which, resting on no foundation, are not worth reproducing here.
The Pajaro Verde of August 1 says of the eighty-first regiment, stationed at the city of Mexico: “A French officer assures us that, in fulfilment of orders, this corps will leave for France in November; but as all who wish can remain in the service of Mexico, it is said that of nearly all the battalions only the colonel and the musicians will embark at Vera, Cruz for their mother country. We do not hold ourselves responsible for this statement.”