Mr. Seward to Mr. Otterbourg
Sir: Your despatch of the 17th of April,No. 25, has been received. You inform me that many citizens of the Hanseatic towns have made earnest appeals for protection, which you have declined to concede. You have also given me a copy of a circular instruction which was issued by Mr. Corwin, United States minister at Mexico, upon the subject of protection to citizens of those states, on the 11th of June, 1862.
We have now to take into consideration the present revolutionary situation of Mexico, and also the change which has occurred in the political condition of the Hanseatic towns. Those towns are now understood to be politically connected with and under the protection of the kingdom of Prussia, or at least constituents in the new North German confederacy, of which Prussia is ,the leading state. It is understood that Prussia, with the consent of those towns, now represents them in their intercourse with foreign nations. Prussia, if I remember rightly, has recognized the so-called empire of Mexico, while the United States have persistently adhered to their recognition of the republic of Mexico. Under these circumstances no sufficient grounds exist for an assumption by the United States to extend protection or care over the citizens of the Hanseatic towns in Mexico.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Marcus Otterbourg, Esq., United States Consul, Mexico.