Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward
No. 6.]
Brazos Santiago,
December 13, 1866.
Sir: I have the honor to advise you, that, not
deeming it proper to enter the harbor of Vera Cruz, we left our
anchorage off Green island (Isla Verde) on the evening of the 2d
instant, and proceeded to Tampico, arriving at the bar off that port on
the 4th.
Meeting there the United States gunboat Paul Jones, Captain Fitzhugh
commanding, we learned that the port was in possession of the liberals,
and under orders from Commodore Alden that vessel conveyed Lieutenant
General Sherman and myself and our respective suites across the bar and
up to Tampico.
On reaching the town the boats of the officers of the port came off, and
we were received and escorted on shore to the American consulate with
much attention.
During the evening we received visits from the principal civil and
military authorities of the place, which were duly returned by us on the
following morning.
Ascertaining that the information received at Vera Cruz, that the forces
of the national government were in possession of the city of San Luis
Potosi, was incorrect, and that President Juarez was probably still at
Chihuahua, we were forced to the conclusion that a speedy communication
with him from that point could not be effected.
It was, therefore, deemed best to forward to the minister of foreign
affairs, Señor Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, a communication, copy of which
is enclosed herewith, marked No. 1, advising him of our arrival in the
country and desire speedily to reach the seat of government of President
Juarez; which communication was placed in the hands of General Gomez,
the chief military officer of the place, who agreed to forward the same
by special courier.
We left Tampico on the afternoon of the 5th instant, and anchored off the
bar of this port on the 7th.
Here we learned of the presence of General Sheridan in Brownsville, and
had an interview with him on his return from that place in the evening.
From General Sheridan we learned that the national forces, under General
Escobedo, were in full and complete possession of Matamoros.
On the 8th we proceeded to Brownsville. On the 9th we crossed to
Matamoros and had a full and cordial interview with General Escobedo,
commanding the national army of the north, and representing the
government of the republic on the frontier. From him we learned that
President Juarez would probably be in Monterey by the 20th instant.
Acting upon this information, I at once determined to proceed to that
point. This determination I communicated to Mr. Lerdo de Tejada by a
special courier despatched by General Escobedo that night.
A copy of my communication is herewith attached, marked No. 2.
On reaching Brownsville, on the evening of the 8th, I received a polite
note from General Escobedo, expressing his satisfaction at the arrival
of the mission on this frontier. Copy of this note and translation,
marked No. 3, are annexed hereto. Copy of my reply, also annexed, is
marked No. 4.
Having spent only a few hours in Tampico, and the same time in
Matamoros,
[Page 335]
it would not be
proper for me at this time to attempt to give any detailed information
as to the general situation of affairs in the interior of the country;
but all the information I have received, both at Tampico and from
General Escobedo, appears to be highly favorable to the cause of the
republic.
The spirit of the national forces is undoubtedly excellent, but their
progress is necessarily slow from the great disadvantages under which
they labor from want of means.
On the 12th instant we returned to this point, Brazos Santiago.
Here I take leave of Commodore Alden of the Susquehanna, of whose uniform
kindness and courtesy to myself and suite I desire to make special
mention, and whose promptitude and unceasing vigilance as a naval
officer cannot be too highly acknowledged.
Lieutenant General Sherman does not deem it necessary to accompany me to
Monterey, and leaves here in the Susquehanna.
To-morrow it is my purpose to return to Matamoros, and thence to proceed
without delay to Monterey.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
Mr. Campbell to Señor Lerdo de Tejada
Tampico,
December 5, 1866.
Sir: I have the honor to advise yon,
informally, of my arrival at this point, in the character of envoy
extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary from the United States to
the Republic of Mexico, of which his Excellency Don Benito Juarez is
President.
Lieutenant General Sherman, of the United States army, accompanies me
in my mission.
We arrived here on the 4th instant, in the United States steam
frigate Susquehanna, Commodore Alden, commanding. On our way here we
anchored from noon of the 29th ultimo to the afternoon of the 2d
instant at Green island, off the port of Vera Cruz. Finding that
port in possession of the enemies of the Mexican republic, we did
not enter the harbor, and observing no prospect of a change in
affairs there we came to this port, which we find occupied by the
forces of the constitutional government.
For reason which will be obvious to you, I regard it as of importance
both to the government of President Juarez and of the United States
that I should speedily effect an official communication with
him.
The Congress of the United States is now in session, but, under our
Constitution, will adjourn on the 4th of March next, and it is not
probable that it will meet again until next December. Therefore, as
the condition of affairs in Mexico, and the continued occupation of
its territory by the French, may, in the judgment of the President,
require congressional rather than executive action, it seems to me that I
should present my letters of credence without unnecessary delay.
For these reasons, I address you this informal note by courier.
As now advised, I presume that the movements of your government are
in this direction; and it has been suggested that President Juarez
might, perhaps, establish the seat of government temporarily at this
place.
This would greatly facilitate me in communicating official
intelligence to my government as to the condition of affairs and the
desires of President Juarez.
If, however, the President has no intention of coming here, I desire
to be advised as early as possible as to the point in the interior
at which, and the time when, I may probably have an opportunity of
presenting my credentials.
I shall await information from you on these points at this place, or
at Brownsville, Texas, in company with Lieutenant General Sherman
and Commodore Alden, and we will detain the Susquehanna and the
United States gunboat Paul Jones until I hear from you.
I am, sir, with great respect, most truly your obedient servant,
His Excellency Don Sebastian Lerdo de
Tejada,
Minister of Foreign Relations of the Republic
of Mexico.
P. S.—You will please send your reply to me to the care of
Franklin Chase, esq., United States consul at this port, and a
duplicate copy of the same to me, care “Commanding Officer
United States Forces, Brownsville, Texas.”
L. D. C.
[Page 336]
Mr. Campbell to Señor Lerdo de Tejada
Brownsville, Texas,
December 9, 1866.
Sir: I enclose herewith a copy of a
communication, duplicate copies of which I placed in the hands of
General Gomez at Tampico, on the 5th instant. He promised to forward
them to you by courier. I left Tampico in company with Lieutenant
General Sherman on the 5th instant and arrived here yesterday.
To-day we have had an interview with General Escobeda in Matamoros,
and I have concluded to proceed to Monterey, for the purpose of
writing to President Juarez at that point.
General Sherman will leave me here and proceed in the United States
steam frigate Susquehanna to New Orleans, to confer with our
government at Washington by telegraph.
For many reasons, not proper to be mentioned herein, I regard it as
important to the cause of the republic that I should communicate
with President Juarez at Monterey speedily, and I shall go there
with the expectation of enjoying that honor at an early day.
I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,
His Excellency Don Sebastian Lerdo de
Tejada,
Minister of Foreign Relations of the Republic
of Mexico.
[Translation.]
General Escobedo to Mr. Campbell
Matamoros,
December 8, 1866.
The undersigned, general-in-chief of the army of the north, and
representative of the government of Mexico on this frontier, has
been informed by General Francisco Paz of the arrival of your
excellency at Brownsville.
Although the information has been extra-official, I have desired
to make known to your excellency my satisfaction at your arrival
at that city, believing, as I do, that your presence will
greatly tend to draw closer the cordial relations which exist
between Mexico and the United States.
It is also a pleasure to the undersigned to place himself at the
disposition of your excellency, and to assure you of his
attentive consideration.
With great respect, your excellency’s most obedient servant,
His Excellency Hon. Lewis D.
Campbell,
Minister of the U. S. near the Government
of Mexico, Brownsville.
Mr. Campbell to General Escobedo
Brownsville,
December 8, 1866.
General: I have the pleasure of
acknowledging the receipt of your esteemed favor of this date, and
beg to express to you my acknowledgments for your polite
attention.
In company with Lieutenant General Sherman, I shall have the pleasure
of waiting upon you in person at your headquarters in Matamoros at
ten o’clock to-morrow.
It is the earnest desire of the government of the United States that
the republic of Mexico, of which Don Benito Juarez is the recognized
President, should speedily be acknowledged by all the nations of the
earth as a stable and permanent nationality.
The purpose of our mission is not to dictate or to interfere with the
free will of the people of Mexico in regard to the form of
government which they shall adopt. Yet the people of the United
States cannot long tolerate the armed intervention of European
nations for the subversion of republican institutions in your
country.
I am, general, with the highest respect, your most attentive and
obedient servant,
General Don Mariano Escobedo,
General-in-chief of the Army of the North, and
Representative of the Government of the Republic of Mexico
on this frontier, Matamoros.
[Page 337]
[Telegram.]
Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward
New Orleans,
December 24, 1866.
Left Matamoros 19th; Juarez still at Chihuahua November 24th; Ortega
gone on to Mexico; Canales and Cortinas, with their followers,
reported to have pronounced for Ortega. It is my deliberate judgment
that I cannot soon communicate with Juarez, and that my presence on
the border does more harm than good. I learn by telegraph that my
daughter is very ill: will you permit me to return home, or report
in person at Washington?
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
