DRAKE, Major and Assistant Adjutant General to Francis M. Drake, October 9, 1864

Colonel Day to Major Drake

Major: I have the honor to transmit the following report of affairs at this post:

Everything has been quiet since the date of my last report—the enemy not having been seen. I have received information from Mr. Pierce, consul at Matamoras, also from other sources, that the rebels are greatly disappointed at the turn which Mexican affairs have taken at Matamoras. They had expected that they would be able to purchase, or by some means obtain possession of a part of the artillery, which was at that place, from Cortinas. The surrender of Cortinas to Mejia, and his acknowledgment of the authority of Maximilian, of course, destroyed all such anticipations. I have understood that many tempting proposals were made by Eord to Cortinas, with a view to obtain part of the artillery, all of which were steadily refused.

On the 29th of September Mejia took possession of Matamoras, in the following terms: No French were to be allowed to enter the city, and all French troops were to leave Bagdad, and the surrender made to Mexican troops alone. These terms were carried out. The French troops at Bagdad have been withdrawn to their vessels, and the place occupied by Mexican forces. I am unable to determine whether this state of affairs is favorable to the interests of the United States or not. I have been informed by some Mexican refugees, lately from Matamoras, that a confederate flag was flying at that place, and that confederate officers are received with great cordiality on the part of Mejia. The instructions received by me through the department headquarters, with regard to Mexican refugees, have been carried out. The refugees appear to be very well pleased with the manner in which they have been treated, and many are enlisting in the United States service for the period of one year. All the officers, and most of the men, however, have a desire to return to their homes as peaceable citizens of Mexico, and I anticipate a request from Mejia that they be allowed to do so. If such a request be made, I shall allow them to return unarmed, on condition that we secure some remuneration for the subsistence furnished.

The health of the troops under my command is steadily improving, and I am confident that ere long all symptoms of scurvy will disappear.

The steamer Alliance arrived here last Monday morning the 3d instant. During the night of the same day she experienced a severe “norther,” and was blown on shore. She not being able to get off until this morning, accounts for the delay of my despatches.

Hoping that this will meet with your approval, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. M. DAT, Colonel, Commanding United States forces.

Major George B. Drake, Assistant Adjutant General, Department of the Gulf, Brazos Santiago, Texas.

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