Lane to L. D. Campbell, United States, December 15, 1866

Mr. Lane to Mr. Campbell

Sir: Yesterday the American gunboat Winooski put in here expecting to find you. As they have important despatches for and instructions to find you somewhere, I have thought it best to send by them what correspondence I have received since your departure—among them a despatch from Mr. Otterbourg, enclosing message from General Bazaine. I hope I do not err in sending them.

The mail steamer from France arrived here on the 11th instant, bringing two hundred soldiers belonging to the foreign legion. The same day the steamer Florida arrived for the purpose of taking any French troops.

Maximilian left Orizaba on the 12th instant for the city, it is said, but will make a stop at Cholula. With the present feeling existing between him and Bazaine I do not believe he dares go to the city.

Bazaine had Marquez and Miramon arrested, but the latter escaped, and has not yet been recaptured.

It is said the priests have offered to raise Maximilian $15,000,000 and 36,000 troops, 12,000 each under the command of Marquez, Miramon, and Marin.

That the French are preparing to leave I cannot doubt, from present appearances; still, I may be mistaken.

When I got on shore from the Susquehanna I was met by the report that the prefect of this city, acting under orders from Maximilian, had commanded the Susquehanna to leave this port forthwith. I am sorry to say it was believed by many. When the news of her departure reached Orizaba the bells were rung and the rabble shouted. There were heard vivas for Maximilian—groans and cries of death to the Americans and the French.

On Sunday last the French took forcible possession of the custom-house, turning out all the appointees of Maximilian, from collector down, and filling their places with French.

I send you all the newspapers that have came to hand; also papers and proclamations of this country.

The Winooski was very kindly and courteously treated by Admiral Clam.

With kind remembrances to all your party, yourself included, I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,