[Translation.]

Count Wydenbruck to Mr. Seward.

Several Austrian subjects established at Matamoras, in Mexican territory, have suffered losses more or less considerable from a body of soldiery, led by officers, all belonging to the United States army, who, on the nights of 4th and 5th of February last, crossed the Rio Grande, unexpectedly attacked the town of Bagdad, and plundered the inhabitants.

These facts are of too well-established notoriety to make it necessary to supply fresh evidence.

In consequence of these events the undersigned, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of his Majesty the Emperor of Austria, has received from the above-mentioned Austrian subjects twenty-four different claims for indemnity, to be urged on the government of the United States for the losses occasioned to them, as above mentioned, by federal soldiers.

The claims amount to the sum total of $88,695 37.

The undersigned, convinced of the legitimacy of these claims, and not doubting that the government of the United States will acknowledge their justice and equity, and do what is proper about them, has the honor to submit them here with in a synoptic brief to the honorable Secretary of State of the United States, praying him to request in this affair a decision favorable to the parties injured.

The undersigned seizes this occasion to reiterate to the Hon. W. H. Seward the assurance of his very high consideration.

WYDENBRUCK.

Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.