“BAZAINE,” “ The Marshal in Chief to “General Mejia, “ Commander of the Third Corps, San Luis Potosi. ”, December 19, 1866

“Expeditionary Corps of Mexico.–Headquarters department of the staff, No 1351– Third Cabinet.–Relative to the French military in the service of the Mexican army.

“Dear General: A telegraphic despatch of the 13th instant, which I have just received from Paris, informs me that it is the intention of the French government to cause not only the foreign legion, but likewise all the military of French nationality to return to France, who, having been authorized to enlist in the service of the Mexican government, actually form a part of the corps of the Mexican army; nevertheless, those who with a knowledge of the foregoing may desire to continue in the service of Mexico are authorized to do so, and to remain therein in their actual position.

“In compliance with this order of my government, I give immediate instructions to the battalions of chasseurs and the companies of gendarmes, in order that the French military, be their grade what it may, may adopt the course which suits them, and in order that those who desire to follow the French flag may do so without delay on addressing themselves to the French garrisons. I notify, at the same time, his excellency the minister of war of Mexico, of the means which I take respecting this measure. But independently of the corps of chasseurs and gendarmes, which contain the majority of the French engaged in the Mexican service, there exist moreover in the Mexican army French subalterns employed as officers, and a certain number of soldiers, likewise French, who accompany the former as orderlies.

“It is equally necessary that these two classes of military, of whose actual position to some extent I am ignorant, be advised of the intentions of the French government, and be enabled to join the expeditionary corps if they desire it.

“I request you to contribute to this object by prescribing to the commanders of the corps under your orders, to communicate to all the French of whatever grade the accompanying circular, designed to acquaint them with the state of matters which I have just set forth; and exact the determination which they shall adopt.

“I implore you furthermore, to give your orders to the effect that each chief shall remit me a list of all the French who serve in his corps, noting after each name whether the individual decides to serve or not in the Mexican army. Those who determine to follow the French flag will take the shortest road to Queretaro, and will continue to advise me of their being on the way.

“All these measures are indispensable on account of the report which I have to make to my government.

“Dear general, I hope with due appreciation of the urgent and indispensable nature of these measures, you will contribute to their execution in the most prompt and efficacious manner.

“Accept, dear general, the assurances of my high consideration.