Campbell to Don Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, December 5, 1866

Mr. Campbell to Señor Lerdo de Tejada

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,