Leffmann Y Guthiel, (h.) to Marcus Otterbourg, April 27, 1867

[Untitled]

We, the undersigned, citizens of the Hanseatic cities, Hamburg, Lubec, and Bremen, and residents in the city of Mexico, respectfully represent that we have on repeated occasions applied in vain for protection to our representative, the consul general of the Hanseatic cities. But he, from motives it would be unnecessary and ungracious here to dwell on, finds himself unable to make any move towards the protection of our interests and personal liberties against the exactions and violent measures resorted to by the Mexican authorities, for the purpose of extorting money to sustain a situation wherein we have as foreigners observed a strict neutrality. That in view of these facts our urgent and constant instances addressed to the said consul general, to the end that he should solicit formally through the consulate, of which you are in charge, the protection of the United States, generously proffered to us on proper application, have been as invariably disregarded or evaded. Therefore, no longer able to endure with patience the abuses and attempts hourly aimed against our liberties and property, we have resolved to leave aside all minor considerations, and in a body do request you, as agent of the only foreign government whose citizens are distinguished by any forbearance on the part of the authorities, to exert in defence of our dearest interests, as consul of the United States, that influence which has proved so efficacious in the protection of American citizens. And we trust that the perils by which we are encompassed in the actual critical period shall justify this, our application, made in a manner so little in accordance with the forms of the circular which authorizes your action in our behalf, as consul of the United States.

We are, however, emboldened in a deviation from these forms and requirements under the firm conviction that the government of the United States will approve the action of their consul in Mexico on extending to us, at this dangerous crisis, a measure of that protection which, under far different circumstances, it was accorded that we, as citizens of a friendly commercial power, were at liberty to claim.