James F. Wilson to General Palacios, April 9, 1872

Mr. Wilson to General Palacios.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication dated yesterday—delivered, to me in the afternoon—inclosing a military proclamation issued by your declaring this city in a state of siege, and prescribing the rules and regulations to be observed by those residing in leaving, or entering, the city. The eighth article of these regulations appears to prohibit vessels of all classes and nationalities from approaching nearer than four leagues of this city without a special permit from the commandant of the city, &c. I have to inquire whether it is intended in this article to require all vessels navigating the Rio Grande to first procure this special permit on approaching within the prescribed distance, or is it only meant to apply to vessels actually destined to the city of Matamoras.

As the article seemingly admits of either interpretation, and is therefore liable to be misunderstood, I have to respectfully request you to inform me of the real intention of the article in question at your earliest convenience.

With the assurance of my high regard and esteem, I am, &c.,