Office of the Historian

Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward

No. 30.]
New Orleans, May 21, 1867.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit a copy of a letter I have received from Mr. Saulnier, our consul at Vera Cruz, which gives information of the state of affairs there. There are many conflicting reports here as to the situation and prospects of the contending armies at Queretaro and the city of Mexico; but I have no reliable information later than that brought by the special messenger, Mr. White.

Information I have derived from various sources impresses me with the belief that some disaffections have recently sprung up in the liberal armies which may prove disastrous. It is alleged, on authority regarded as good, that Greneral Alvarez, commanding the liberalists in the south of Mexico, being much displeased with the execution of the prisoners at Puebla by Diaz, does not cordially co-operate with him in his movements.

I am also advised, from sources I consider worthy of credence, that Gomez, Canales, and Cortinas, each of whom is followed by a considerable number of partisans in the State of Tamaulipas, are about to pronounce against Juarez, and concentrate their forces to get control of the custom-houses at Tampico and Matamoros, and thus draw from and weaken the liberal army that is besieging Queretaro.

From these indications it would seem probable that the struggle in Mexico is to be prolonged, and that there is no good reason to believe that peace and order will soon be restored to that unfortunate people. While the imperialists seem to be united, the chiefs who are professedly on the side of the liberals do not cordially co-operate with each other.

I do not arrogate to myself sufficient knowledge of the real situation of affairs to enable me to advise what course would be best the United States should adopt [Page 408] in regard to the important subject of tranquillizing Mexico. With due deference to your more extended information and better judgment, I venture to make this suggestion:

Could not our government urge President Juarez to make a proposition to this effect, viz: That if Maximilian and his forces will give up the contest, and abandon the idea of establishing an empire in Mexico, a general amnesty shall be granted, on the condition that he and his foreign troops, and such of his native chiefs as are regarded dangerous, shall quit the country? It is reasonable to suppose that if such a proposition were formally and earnestly submitted by our government, it would be adopted by President Juarez, the further effusion of blood stayed, and the cause of the republic and of humanity subserved.

It is probable that Maximilian feels bound by a sense of honor to share the fate of his follows, native as well as foreign, and that he will continue the struggle to the bitter end rather than capitulate on terms that would sacrifice their lives, and bring dishonor on himself.

The basis of adjustment suggested would secure practically all that the liberals ought to fight for—the restoration of the authority of the republic—and it would be an unjust imputation on the humane character of President Juarez to suppose that he would reject it, and prolong a bloody war with its accompanying atrocities for the sole purpose of revenge.

I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

LEWIS D. CAMPBELL.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

Mr. Saulnier to Mr. Campbell

Consulate of the United States of America, Vera Cruz, March 3, 1867.

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the situation of affairs here is in the precise condition as when the siege commenced. The imperial occupants of this city are perfectly satisfied with the position, holding the custom-house and receiving the entire revenue of the city.

The liberal force outside have not the material necessary to breach the walls, or the fighting men of sufficient stamina to take it by assault.

Some $250,000 in the form of orders on this custom-house, given by the imperial authorities at the city of Mexico to the inhabitants of that city, on account of moneys exacted from them by General Marquez, have been received in this city. On presentation to the collector of this custom-house, he cooley tells the holders of them that they are good, but his orders are not to receive them in payment of duties or pay them at present.

The French consul recives a similar answer in relation to the sum of $50,000, payable monthly by this custom-house, as per convention made in the city of Mexico in February last.

With much respect, your obedient servant,

E. H. SAULNIER. United States Cousul.

Hon. Lewis D. Campbell, Minister to Mexico.