C. Matias Romero to William H. Seward, & c ., & c ., & c, October 12, 1866

Señor Romero to Mr. Seward

Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, the documents expressed in the accompanying index, some of which have lately come from Mexico, giving the state of affairs in that republic. I think proper to call your attention to the documents numbered 2, 4, and 6, where you will find that the French agents in Mexico continue organizing their companies of so-called Mexican chasseurs, with the soldiers and officers of the French army.

In documents marked 1 and 3 you will see that when the so-called government, created by the intervention, has occasion to select subaltern agents for any purpose whatever, it takes Frenchmen, as you may readily suppose; and yet the French government calls the state of things it has created in Mexico the national government.

It appears also from a circular of the French general, Friant, intendant-general of the expeditionary army, and appointed minister of finance for a short time by the usurper, that the sub-intendants of the French army were authorized by him to act as sub-intendants, inspectors, or controllers for the so-called empire.

I accept this occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.