LADISLAO LOPEZ NEGRETE, Secretary General of the Prefecture to Manuel Fernandez , Acting Military Commander, June 15, 1866

[Translation.]

CIVIL PREFECTURE OF DURANGO, SECTION 3, NO. 448.

Durango, June 15, 1866.

His majesty the emperor, and his excellency Marshal Bazaine, having determined to raise a battalion of foot cazadores, similar to those in the French army, the prefect charges you to open an office for the enlistment of volunteers within your district, in accordance with the regulations for recruiting volunteers of the 1st of November, paying twenty-five dollars to each volunteer, after conforming to articles 59 and 60 of the law referred to.

The infantry battalion of cazadores shall be commanded by an officer of the French battalion, and shall consist of French and Mexican officers and soldiers. The soldiers of this body shall be governed by the rules of the French army, paid regularly, and all their necessities supplied. Corporal punishment shall not be inflicted.

When not on duty they may go out of their quarters, and leave to visit their families may be given to those who conduct themselves properly.

When their term of service is out they are entitled to a certificate of discharge, and shall not be forced into military service again.

Mexican soldiers who give proofs of courage and intelligence shall be made officers, according to merit and time of service. Those in the rural guards giving evidence of merit may be transferred to the battalion of cazadores with their same rank.

When the battalion is first organized intelligent Mexicans may be made corporals and sergeants.

The recruiting flag shall be hoisted on the 1st of July over the headquarters in this capital, Pearle street, No. 12.

The above I communicate to you by order of the prefect, to be put in execution, and you are hereby ordered to have the same made public.