Lewis D. Campbell to Franklin Chase, April 6, 1867

Mr. Campbell to Mr. Chase

Sir: Acting under instructions received to-day by telegraph from the Secretary of State, I desire to forward by the speediest available means an important despatch to his excellency President Juarez, by John White, esq., a special messenger, who will hand you this letter.

As I regard the route to San Luis Potosi via Tampico as the shortest and safest, the special messenger will leave this city on Monday morning, the 8th instant, for Galveston by railroad and steamer. Immediately on his arrival at Galveston he will sail for Tampico on the United States despatch steamer Black Bird. On his arrival at Tampico you will promptly aid him in the speedy discharge of his important duty. General Gomez, commanding the liberal forces, will doubtless furnish him transportation and an escort.

You will make an account of any expenses you may incur, and the same will be defrayed by the Department of State.

Your official communications of the 11th of February last, and of the 1st instant, with the enclosures, were, when received, immediately transmitted to the Secretary of State, who informs me he has communicated to you directly the views of the government on the important subjects to which they refer.

I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,