Letter from General Juan N. Cortina., May 15, 1868
Letter from General Juan N. Cortina.
Messrs. Editors of the Diario Oficial:
Dear Sirs: In the number of yesterday there has been published in the paper you worthily edit the so-called manifesto to the nation, signed by Don Aureliano Rivera, disowning the supreme powers of the republic.
In this manifesto I have seen, with great surprise, that use is made of my name; and, although my conduct and my loyalty to the person of the actual President of the republic would be the most solemn protest against that unjustifiable abuse, I am under the necessity of requesting you to publish the most solemn denial that can be given to that gratuitous and evil-intentioned supposition.
I am now at the head of the brigade of Tamaulipas, which has been intrusted to me by the supreme government, and these forces will be one of its firmest supports against all anarchical or revolutionary movements, whoever may be their authors or whatever may be their tendencies.
Neither with Don Aureliano Rivera, nor with any other leader who attempts to disturb the legal order, am I connected, nor am I bound by compromises of any kind to combat the constitutional flag, the sole principle that I propose to sustain.
Far from my friends, I believe it necessary to make known to them this determination, in order that they may not be surprised by the reprehensible abuse of Don Aureliano Rivera in using my name as one of his partisans, in the stupid enterprise of overturning the order that the people have freely established.
Those who, like myself, have defended the independence and the constitution of 1857, have a right not to be judged by their countrymen as miserable leaders in personal contests without flag, like that just proclaimed by Don Aureliano Rivera, who has so badly corresponded to the considerations that have been extended to him by the kindness of the actual President of the republic.
In order that public opinion may not be led astray, and my friends and compatriots of Tamaulipas, and of the frontier in general, may rectify their judgment with respect to myself, I beg that you will be pleased to publish this communication, assuring you of the thanks of your friend and obedient servant,