Mr. Plumb to Mr. Seward
Sir: Mr. Diaz, the Mexican consul at this place, arrived here yesterday by the steamer from Brazos, on his return from San Luis Potosi, which place he left on the 5th instant.
He informs me that diligences now run regularly twice a week from Matamoros through to San Luis Potosi, making the trip in seven days, and that the roads are considered quite safe. He states that up to the date of his departure from San Luis, and of the still later news of the 11th instant which reached Matamoros before he left there, no recent engagement of importance had occurred between the national forces and those now adhering to Maximilian in Queretaro; and that the campaign of the latter, if his object was to strike the liberals in detail, has failed, for the liberal forces have now effected their concentration, and, to the number of over 20,000 men, are stationed within supporting distance before that city. The situation, in Mr. Diaz’s opinion, affords almost the certainty of an early and effective triumph of the national arms.
This opinion is so strongly participated in, he states, by the government of President Juarez, that they have made no preparations for any lengthened stay at San Luis, even leaving their wagons still unpacked, and are confident of being able to continue the journey toward the capital very soon.
At the same time it is not his impression that the government will move from San Luis until the city of Mexico is actually in the possession of the national forces.
From this information from Mr. Diaz, it appears that access to the residence of the government of President Juarez is perfectly open and practicable by way of Matamoras, as is also the case by way of Tampico; which latter place continues in the quiet possession of the liberals, not of the imperialists, as falsely telegraphed on the 22d instant from Galveston.
On the other hand, in considering ways of access to Mexico, it is possible Vera Cruz may be occupied by the liberal forces now before it at a very early day.
The foreign and commercial portion of the population there, I am informed, are very anxious for this termination of what has now become only a useless resistance, prolonged to the detriment of the commerce of that port.
I have considered it my duty to communicate the above, although I constantly [Page 388] feel that whatever can be written from here must be almost useless, as the information received by the department from various sources in Mexico is so much more direct and complete.
I am, sir, with the highest respect, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.