Campbell to William H. Seward, December 24, 1866

Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward

Sir: Referring to my despatch No. 6, of the 13th instant, from Brazos Santiago, I have now the honor to inform you that I left that place on the 16th instant, and reached Brownsville late the same evening.

The following morning I received a note from General Escobedo, advising me that he would be obliged to leave for the interior at once.

Copy and translation of the same is enclosed herewith, marked No. 1.

On the 18th I received, from a reliable source, information that President Juarez remained at Chihuahua as late as the 24th of November, with no indications of a departure from that point, and that it was doubtful whether he would leave, and if he left, whether he would go to Monterey.

On the same day, ascertaining that Ortega had crossed the Rio Grande from the United States into Mexico, and that probably Canales and Cortinas, with their forces, would unite against Escobedo, I deemed it improper to proceed in the direction of Monterey.

On the afternoon of the 19th, not having received any communication from the department since your instructions on setting out, I deemed it proper to come to this point as speedily as possible, with a view of communicating directly with the government by telegraph.

I advised General Berriozabal of this determination by a note, a copy of which is enclosed herewith, marked No. 2.

Leaving Brownsville on the 19th, I arrived here, by way of Galveston, in the night of the 22d.

When in the Gulf of Mexico I was overtaken by the United States gunboat Winooski, Captain Cooper commanding, bearing to me your despatch No. 4, of the 23d of November last.

Captain Cooper also handed to me a despatch from Mr. Lane, our consul at Vera Cruz, enclosing a communication from Mr. Otterbourg, our consul at the city of Mexico.

Copy of Mr. Lane’s despatch, which is of a late date, is herewith enclosed, marked No. 3.

In his communication to me, Mr. Otterbourg enclosed a sealed communication from Marshal Bazaine to Lieutenant General Sherman, which I have delivered to him here.

This sealed communication, without instructions from Washington, seemed to me to make it imperative on me to deliver it in person.

I consider my presence on the border of Mexico unimportant, if not harmful, until the residence of the republican government under Juarez shall have been definitely ascertained. I desire to avoid any complication of our government with the factions of the liberals, who seem now to be at war with each other; therefore I will go back to Mexico or return to Washington for further instructions, as the department may direct,

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