[Translation.]
Mr. Romero to Mr. Hunter
Mexican Legation in the United
States of America, Washington,
April 20, 1865.
Mr. Secretary ad interim: I have the honor
to transmit to you, with this note, by instructions of my
government, and for the information of that of the United States, a
copy of a communication addressed on the 2d of December last by
General Slaughter, who commands the insurgent forces in the western
district of Texas, to Don Tomas Mejia, the commander of the forces
of the intervention in Matamoras, in relation to the Mexican steamer
Orizaba, captured by the insurgents under the plea that she was
manned by citizens of the United States.
From this communication we may infer what are the relations that have
existed between the insurgents of both republics, and what are the
sympathies which those of the United States entertain for those of
Mexico.
This same communication was republished in the Gazette of Monterey of
the 18th December, referred to, preceded by an article, of which I
also transmit a
[Page 503]
copy, in
which the sentiments of sympathy expressed by General Slaughter are
reciprocated, the interventionists of Monterey considering
themselves satisfied with the explanations of the said general, and
even praising his action in capturing the steamer Orizaba. The
circumstance of the publication of such an article in the official
paper of the so-called authorities of the intervention in New Leon
is very significant.
These documents are an additional proof of the identity of political
interests which exists between the insurgents of this country and
the partisans of the French cause in Mexico, thus making manifest
that which, exists between the United States and the Mexican
nation.
In confirmation of these impressions, I deem it proper to enclose the
annexed slip from the Tribune, of New York, of the 13th instant,
which contains a letter written at the city of Mexico on the 29th of
March last, and in which important details upon the events which are
occurring in that country, and especially in that part occupied by
the French, in alluding to the course of these latter towards the
citizens of the United States.
I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you, sir, the assurances
of my very distinguished consideration.
Hon. William Hunter, &c., &c., &c.
[Translation.—Enclosure No. 1.]
THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY AND THE
EMPIRE.
Monterey,
December 18,
1864.
We insert in continuation a communication from General J. E.
Slaughter, who is now in command of the confederate troops in
the western district of Texas, which he addresses to General Don
Tomas Mejia, in reference to the capture of the steamer Orizaba,
which vessel was seized in the waters of said confederacy.
The Monitor of the Frontier, which has first published said
communication, says that the Orizaba was sailing under the flag
of Mexico, and that, therefore, the seizure of the vessel is
illegal. It is known, however, that the Orizaba belongs to
citizens of the United States; that her cargo, as General
Slaughter assures us, also belongs to them, and that the crew of
the vessel is composed of Yankees.
Will it be permitted to the Yankees under the shadow of the
Mexican flag to interfere with the operations of the war, and to
mock with impunity the rights of a nation like the young
confederated republic to which we are united by the double tie
of commercial relations and mutual interests?
However much the contrary may be alleged, we believe that the
interested parties will necessarily be compelled to have
recourse to the admiralty court of the confederacy, which is the
only competent one to decide whether or not there is room for
the restitution of the Orizaba.
[Enclosure No. 2.—Translation.]
Headquarters of the Division
of Texas, Brownsville,
December 2,
1864.
General: I have the honor to
acknowledge the receipt of your communication dated November 30,
ultimo, in reference to the capture of the steamer Orizaba and
the detention of her officers and crew by the authorities of the
Confederate States.
I understand that the Orizaba was built by citizens of the United
States, and that she belongs to these; that her cargo also
belongs to them; that, besides, her crew is of the same
nationality.
These reasons compelled me to take the steamer, but the case will
be adjudged by the court of admiralty, and if these points can
be proven, it will be clear that her license to sail under the
Mexican flag is a violation of the laws of that country, and
consequently null.
The decrees issued by the courts of admiralty are a general rule
respected by all nations.
Both the interested parties may recur to and have the right to
prove by witnesses, either of themselves or by an attorney,
before the court of admiralty, their respective assertions.
The captain and the owners have abused the Mexican flag to cover
property which belongs to our enemies, and in such a case they
will have to prefer a complaint to the court referred to, and
not to the imperial government at Mexico.
[Page 504]
I have replied to your note with all the frankness of a soldier
and friend, and at the same time permit me, general, to assure
you that the confederate government and authorities will use all
their efforts to continue and perpetuate the most friendly
relations with the imperial government, and whensoever my
government shall promise it a thing, it will know how to comply
with it, giving thus to it a loyal proof of true friendship.
Be assured, general, that any vessel which sails under the
Mexican flag, and may be found in our waters, will be treated
with every consideration.
Permit me, general, to repeat to you the assurances of my esteem
and regard, and to subscribe myself, respectfully, your obedient
servant,
J. E. SLAUGHTER, Brigadier General
Commanding Western District of Texas.
Señor Don Tomas Mejia, General Commanding in
Coahuila, New Leon, &c.
A true copy:
JUAN VALDEZ.
[Enclosure No. 3.—From the
New York Daily Tribune, April 13,
1865.]
Later from Mexico.—Delightful
complication existing among the different foreign elements
composing the mexican government.—Mexico holds the trump
card.—Freedom of the Mexican press.—Late riot at puebla
between the french and austrians.—Insults and indignities
offered to americans.— Departure of the army on the northern
campaign.—Great rejoicing of the french over the late
reported rebel successes.—earthquake on the night of march
27.—Ascent of the volcano of popocatapetl by two Americans —
From our special correspondent.
The discords in the royal “happy family” continue to grow more
and more interesting. Composed as it is of French, Belgians, and
Austrians, each striving for the ascendency, and neither being
able to place any confidence in the other, the position of
affairs can easily be imagined. At present, Elvin, the chief of
cabinet and confidant of the Empress Carlotta, seems to have the
firmest hold, and is the Emperor’s private counsellor. He was
sent by the father of Calotte to see that her interests were not
neglected, and plays his cards well. No communication can reach
the Emperor except through his hands, which gives him decided
advantages over other members of the cabinet. All these strifes
and bickerings in the imperial cabinet, in the end, amount to
nothing, as the decisions have all to be submitted to the
approval of Marshal Bazaine, who in a moment undoes the work of
days, and, as the head of affairs in Mexico, dashes in pieces
the fabrications of the imperial council. No appointments can be
made, no decrees issued, no sentences approved—in fact nothing
done without being first submitted to this representative of
Louis Napoleon, who, in turn, is now ruled by a notorious
Mexican prostitute, through whom important business is
transacted, appointments procured, rights to property
established, &c., she, of course, requiring a quid pro quo for her services; so that,
in the end, Mexico is decidedly ahead, this second Cleopatra, by
her charms, ruling the destinies of the nation.
Several of the editors of newspapers in this city, having
indulged in rather severe criticism in regard to the trial and
summary execution of General Romero, who was shot in this city
on the 18th instant, (but eight hours intervening between the
close of the trial and his execution,) they were by order of
General Bazaine called together on the 23d, and informed that
the military order issued in 1863, declaring martial law
throughout Mexico, had never been revoked; that the military
power reigned supreme, and was above and beyond the criticism of
the press, and from the decision of this tribunal there was no
appeal; that any criticism will be considered a military offence
for which the parties will be arested and tried by
court-martial. After this rebuke to all, several editors present
were marched off under guard to await a hearing for past
offences.
Bitter feelings exist between the French and Austrians now in
Mexico. The memory of the battle-fields of Majenta and Solferino
are too fresh in their minds to admit of other than unfriendly
feelings, and the result is constant strife. Many of the French
soldiers wear badges of honor awarded by their government for
services on these hard-fought and victorious fields. A few days
since some Austrians were passing by the quarters of some French
zouaves, and one of them wearing an Austrian badge, for
distinguished services at Solferino, was insulted by the zouave,
and asked why he wore a Solferino badge. Without replying, the
Austrian reached out his hand and tore the badge from the zouave
and threw it on the ground. A general fight ensued, and each
party receiving re-enforcements, it was feared it would lead to
serious difficulty.
The late riot in Puebla is attributable to the same cause,
notwithstanding the newspaper
[Page 505]
stones to the contrary. The French guards
having charge of some Mexican prisoners, were maltreating them
by beating them with their swords. The friends of the prisoners
remonstrated against such treatment of unarmed men, and were
sustained by the Austrians. Gaining courage, they made an attack
upon the French, in which they were aided by the Austrians, and
for part of two days the riot continued, in which fire-arms were
used freely and a considerable number of lives lost. Business
was entirely suspended, and the prefect of Puebla telegraphed to
the capital for assistance.
The general feeling among the French officials is animosity to
all Americans, and knowing that they have the advantage of
numbers and influence, they take every opportunity to show
disrespect to them. Realizing “that every dog has his day,” and
that our day is not far distant, we show our contempt for their
cowardly sneer by passing them by in silence. No justice can be
had in Mexico for an American; so discretion is the better part
of valor.
The late news received here, by way of Matamoras, of the defeat
of Grant at Richmond, and the loss of eighty pieces of
artillery, with a corresponding slaughter of federal troops, was
received with great joy by the entire French concern in Mexico,
from Maximilian down. The recent arrival of the steamer,
however, has dispelled their happy illusion, and “Uncle Sam”
again looms up before them as great a terror as the “ragman” is
to the juveniles. The old adage “weary lies the head that wears
a crown,” was never more fully realized in the history of any
monarch than in the case of the present emperor of Mexico.
Seated on the apex of a volcano at home, ready at any moment to
burst forth and destroy him, and with a constant fear of
American interference, and a consequent withdrawal of his French
supporters, leaving him at the mercy of a people whose rights he
has outraged by intruding himself upon them, the poor Maximilian
begins to feel that he has been made the tool of France, and
wishes for his old home, preferring to meet the demands of
bailiffs for unpaid tailors’ and grocers’ bills to those that
will be made of him by the Mexican people.
The army is leaving the capital on the great northern campaign
against Juarez, and the reported re-enforcements he has received
from California. Of the truth of this we know nothing, as but
few American newspapers are allowed to reach here. Of the number
of Americans that have joined Juarez, we have all kinds of
reports, ranging from eighteen individuals to an army of ten
thousand—the former being generally believed to be nearest the
truth.
On the night of the 27th an earthquake occurred. The shock took
place at 8 3/4 o’clock, and was of very short duration, and not
very severe, though sufficiently so to be generally felt. The
whole valley of Mexico is doubtless resting upon a bed of
volcanic matter, which will some day burst forth and destroy
this modern Sodom, the frequent
earthquakes that occur being only warnings of the fate that will
one day be hers.
The ascent of the great volcano of Popocatapetl, the highest
point of land on the North American continent, has recently been
made by two Americans—one a Californian, the other from
Cumberland county, Pennsylvania; a full account of which is
being prepared for the press.
