Fitz H. Warren to William H. Seward, July 31, 1867

Mr. Warren to Mr. Seward

Sir: The intelligence of the murder of the Archduke Maximilian by the Mexican authorities, which was received here by last steamer, caused a deep and general sensation. Any remaining doubt of its authenticity was removed by the confirmatory accounts via Balize, and later, by overland mail from Chiapas.

Here, where military execution follows quelled revolution with a natural sequence, the act is contemplated with horror. The general, I might almost say the united, opinion is that this atrocity, connected as it is with the capture of Santa Anna from a United States vessel, will precipitate a crisis in the relations of the two governments.

The ministry here, while they regard with some forebodings the new complications, seem to accept an American intervention as inevitable.

I have thought it my duty to give you the tone of opinion here, leaving to you the estimate of its value.

Most respectfully, your obedient servant,