Campbell to William H. Seward, December 13, 1866

Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward

Sir: I have the honor to advise you, that, not deeming it proper to enter the harbor of Vera Cruz, we left our anchorage off Green island (Isla Verde) on the evening of the 2d instant, and proceeded to Tampico, arriving at the bar off that port on the 4th.

Meeting there the United States gunboat Paul Jones, Captain Fitzhugh commanding, we learned that the port was in possession of the liberals, and under orders from Commodore Alden that vessel conveyed Lieutenant General Sherman and myself and our respective suites across the bar and up to Tampico.

On reaching the town the boats of the officers of the port came off, and we were received and escorted on shore to the American consulate with much attention.

During the evening we received visits from the principal civil and military authorities of the place, which were duly returned by us on the following morning.

Ascertaining that the information received at Vera Cruz, that the forces of the national government were in possession of the city of San Luis Potosi, was incorrect, and that President Juarez was probably still at Chihuahua, we were forced to the conclusion that a speedy communication with him from that point could not be effected.

It was, therefore, deemed best to forward to the minister of foreign affairs, Señor Sebastian Lerdo de Tejada, a communication, copy of which is enclosed herewith, marked No. 1, advising him of our arrival in the country and desire speedily to reach the seat of government of President Juarez; which communication was placed in the hands of General Gomez, the chief military officer of the place, who agreed to forward the same by special courier.

We left Tampico on the afternoon of the 5th instant, and anchored off the bar of this port on the 7th.

Here we learned of the presence of General Sheridan in Brownsville, and had an interview with him on his return from that place in the evening. From General Sheridan we learned that the national forces, under General Escobedo, were in full and complete possession of Matamoros.

On the 8th we proceeded to Brownsville. On the 9th we crossed to Matamoros and had a full and cordial interview with General Escobedo, commanding the national army of the north, and representing the government of the republic on the frontier. From him we learned that President Juarez would probably be in Monterey by the 20th instant. Acting upon this information, I at once determined to proceed to that point. This determination I communicated to Mr. Lerdo de Tejada by a special courier despatched by General Escobedo that night.

A copy of my communication is herewith attached, marked No. 2.

On reaching Brownsville, on the evening of the 8th, I received a polite note from General Escobedo, expressing his satisfaction at the arrival of the mission on this frontier. Copy of this note and translation, marked No. 3, are annexed hereto. Copy of my reply, also annexed, is marked No. 4.

Having spent only a few hours in Tampico, and the same time in Matamoros,it would not be proper for me at this time to attempt to give any detailed information as to the general situation of affairs in the interior of the country; but all the information I have received, both at Tampico and from General Escobedo, appears to be highly favorable to the cause of the republic.

The spirit of the national forces is undoubtedly excellent, but their progress is necessarily slow from the great disadvantages under which they labor from want of means.

On the 12th instant we returned to this point, Brazos Santiago.

Here I take leave of Commodore Alden of the Susquehanna, of whose uniform kindness and courtesy to myself and suite I desire to make special mention, and whose promptitude and unceasing vigilance as a naval officer cannot be too highly acknowledged.

Lieutenant General Sherman does not deem it necessary to accompany me to Monterey, and leaves here in the Susquehanna.

To-morrow it is my purpose to return to Matamoros, and thence to proceed without delay to Monterey.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,