The Marquis de Montholon to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have received the despatch you did me the honor to write to me on the 12th instant, by which you inform me that the commander of the rebel troops at Brownsville (Texas) must have clandestinely sent to the authorities at Matamoras a certain quantity of artillery and material of war, notwithstanding the capitulations signed by his superior, one of the clauses of which implied the surrender to the federal authorities of the insurgent forces and of all public property.
I immediately brought the fact to the knowledge of the government of the Emperor, and believe it to be my duty at the same time to communicate it to Marshal Bazaine, commander-in-chief of the French forces in Mexico, so that he may inform himself without delay of the fact which gave cause to the reclamation your excellency has addressed to me.
Accept, sir, the assurances of my very high consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.