Barron, Forbes & Co to Citizen, January 7, 1868

[Translation.]

Sir: Our desire to act in accord with the parties interested in the English convention has led us to delay our reply to the communication which you were pleased to address to us under date of the 28th ultimo, informing us that the citizen President has not thought it convenient to accede to the desires of the meeting, but has directed that the determination with regard to the delivery into the general treasury of the nation of the funds belonging to the said convention shall be carried into effect.

In view of this reiterated disposition, and the desires of the majority of the parties; interested in the convention being already known, it is our duty to proceed at once to the delivery referred to; but before effecting it we beg you to be pleased to inform us, if in giving us the corresponding receipt for our security we can count upon its being expressed in it, that we make the delivery under Compulsion of the supreme government, and protesting in the name of the parties interested in said convention against an act which they regard as prejudicial to their rights.

We do not doubt that the citizen President, comprehending the object we have in asking this explanation, will exonerate us from any intention of raising embarrassment, or of passing the limits of a just defense.

We do ourselves the honor of reiterating to you the assurance of our respect and consideration.