William L. Dayton, Esq., &c.
[Extract.]
Mr. Kimmey to Mr. Seward
United States Consulate,
Monterey, Mexico,
March 4,
1864.
Sir: The difficulty between the general
government and Governor Vidaurri is daily becoming more
complicated. A decree from President Juarez, separating the
States of Nuevo Leon and Coahuila, was given at Saltillo on the
26th ultimo. The following is a translation of the first
article: “The State of Coahuila will immediately reassume its
character as one of the free and sovereign States of the United
Mexican States, separating itself from Nuevo Leon, in which it
was incorporated.” The separation of the two States gives
President Juarez control of the Custen Heuse or Piedras Negras.
Governor Vidaurri refuses to recognize the authority of the
President, and has declared his intention of driving him from
Nuevo Leon and Coahuila, and for that purpose is raising all the
forces he is able to arm.
Another decree from the President deposes Governor Vidaurri, and
declares this State in open hostility to the government of
Mexico. Communication between this place and Saltillo is almost
entirely cut off; no provisions of any kind are allowed to come
this way. No mails pass either way, and it is only by foreigners
coming in that we are able to learn of the movements of the
government troops.
The President has now, in addition to the troops he left here, a
force of about two thousand men from Durango, commanded by
Governor Petona in person, which, with the volunteers from
Saltillo and other points in the State of Coahuila, swells his
numbers to not less than five thousand men.
Governor Vidaurri has about twelve hundred men, but, with the
artillery he has belonging to the government, he will be able to
protect himself in the citadel against a large force.
An order was issued here on the 1st instant to the troops to
prepare themselves to march in two days for Saltillo. The time
was, to-day, further postponed until the 7th instant.
A man just in from Saltillo represents the troops of President
Juarez preparing to march on this place. An advance of five
hundred men were twenty miles this side of Saltillo.
A despatch from General Bazaine, of the French forces, to
Governor Vidaurri, was received a few days since. The following
is its substance:
“In one hand peace is offered; in the other war. If you accept
the former, you must adhere to the intervention, frankly
recognizing the government which is established in Mexico. If,
on the contrary, you decide for the latter, you must expect to
suffer all the calamities incident to war.”
The governor made, in substance, the following answer:
“I have not the power to choose between the two extremes which
you propose, but will submit this vital question to the people,
as I have always done on grave subjects, and their determination
transmit to you as soon as obtained.”
No advance of the French army has been made since my last
communication; but, on the contrary, the report of their retreat
to San Luis Potosi is quite generally believed.
The reoccupation of the Guadalajaia by General Urega, and the
taking by him of four thousand French and Reactienania
prisoners, has given new heart to the Mexicans of the liberal
party.
The French army in San Luis Potosi is levying contributions on
the citizens for its support, and, instead of bringing peace, as
they offer in every instance in advance, they bring misery on
the people wherever their army goes.
* * * * * * * * * *
Your obedient servant,
M. M. KIMMEY, United States
Consul.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D
C.
