BAZAINE, Marshal of France to Riva Palagio, November 16, 1865

[Translation.]

General: I have received your letter seat by Captain Minon. I am pleased with the humane feelings you express, and by which you are actuated on this occasion. Desirous of aiding you in this good resolution, I will do all I can to bring about a proper agreement. For this purpose I have the honor to inform you that I have given orders for the exchange of prisoners, to take place at the village of Aculcho, on the 2d of December, from 8 to 10 in the morning. In this exchange I place al your disposal—

1. General Canto and all the officers taken prisoners with him by Colonel Potier;

2. All the officers taken prisoners at Tacanbaro by Colonel Vandersmissen;

3. All the officers taken prisoners at Amatlan by Colonel Mendez;

4. All the soldiers in prison at Morelia;

5. And, at your request, Generals Tapia and Ramirez, captured at Apaca, and confined in Puebla.

All the prisoners in Morelia will be delivered to you on the 2d of December.

I give my word of honor to release General Tapia and General Ramirez at Puebla, and give them a safe-conduct, to go where they please, as soon as I am informed that the exchange has taken place.

I have appointed Captain Bocarmé, of the Belgian regiment, to preside at the exchange of the prisoners. He will be escorted to the village of Aculcho by Captain Salgado, with a company of fifty or sixty infantry and a company of Mexican cavalry.

I wish to convince you, general, of my good will on this occasion, and I cannot conclude without thanking you for the kind intentions and benevolent sentiments you have always shown towards your prisoners.

Accept the assurance of my very distinguished consideration.