Lewis D. Campbell to The United States, December 13, 1866

[Telegram.]

Sir: Representations have just been made to us that nine cases of silver, said to contain $18,000, the property of an American citizen, regularly cleared from Tampico for this port, and wrecked near Bagdad, and there placed by the owner in the safe-keeping of the agent of King, Kennedy & Co., are sought to be taken possession of from the owner and his agents by the collector of Bagdad, supported by an armed force, claiming to act under authority. It is stated that forcible possession of the same would be taken last night, notwithstanding the protest of the owner and his agents.

You will please call the immediate attention of General Escobedo to this matter, that the proper orders may be given, if the facts are as above represented.

Respectfully, your obedient servants,