Casto Mendez to The President of the Republic Don Benito Juarez, Chihuahua, February 2, 1866

[Translation.—Extract.]

Most Distinguished and Respected Sir: I have before me your two very acceptable favors of the 27th of October and 9th of November last. * * *

Your determination in regard to General Diaz, who is now fighting in Oaxaca, shall be duly respected by me and my subalterns. That general is truly worthy of his former position by his effectiveness, his valor, his honesty, and his energy, particularly as his disappearance depended upon causes over which he had no control.

I shall take great pleasure in having the decrees sent me by Mr. Romero published tomorrow; they have my entire approval and that of the State. No person more worthy, or With greater hopes of the nation, could have been trusted with the supreme command than yourself, and at a time when a change might have caused a want of confidence, to say the least. The trial of Mr. Ortega is an act that gives power to the government from its principle of morality, as it impresses upon our society and its great men the necessity of attending to their duties, and teaches them the great impropriety of derelictions, which they often commit, thinking to be shielded by the elevation of their positions.

I am pleased to inform you that this State and Chiapas are quiet, and have maintained their independence. The people are struggling bravely in Oaxaca, and it is very probable that the republican banner will wave from the walls of the capital in a short time. Figuera, at the head of five hundred infantry and one hundred cavalry, joined a section of Chiapas troops on the 6th of January, advanced to Juchitan, where he collected a total of 1,300 men, and attacked Tehuantepec on the 17th. He carried the enemy’s intrenchments, but had to fall back from two well-armed forts, where the traitors had concentrated, that opened upon him. His loss was very slight. By express order from General Diaz he then marched to Sierra. * * *

I conclude with an affectionate greeting, wishing you peace and prosperity, and subscribing myself your obedient servant, &c., &c.,