Mr. Seward to the Marquis de Montholon
Sir: It is not without a somewhat serious concern for the public peace that I bring to your notice the substance of information which this government has [Page 438] just now received, concerning the condition of affairs on the border which separates the United States from Mexico. This information is to the effect that all the public property belonging to the late insurgents in Texas, which could be removed, was subsequently to their surrender, but before the United States forces could occupy the country, transferred to the Mexican side of the Rio Grande; that the steamer Lucy Given, which was surrendered to the United States at Matagorda, was afterwards carried off, and, according to the latest intelligence, was anchored at Bagdad, in the Rio Grande, and that eight hundred and twenty bales of cotton, belonging to the insurgents, stored at Rio Grande City, were also carried across the river into Mexico.
I will thank you to call the attention of the military authorities of France in Mexico to this subject, in order that the property referred to may be restored, and that with a view to tranquillity on that frontier, no similar proceeding may be encouraged or authorized.
I avail myself of this opportunity to renew the assurance of my high consideration.
The Marquis de Montholon, &c., &c., &c.