Lewis D. Campbell to William H. Seward, April 6, 1867

Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward

Sir: Receiving your telegram of this date at half past 1 o’clock p.m., I proceeded immediately to make arrangements to transmit to his excellency President Juarez an expression of the views of our govermment, as I understand them from your despatch, on the subject to which it refers.

Herewith enclosed you will find a communication I have hastily addressed to His excellency S. Lerdo de Tejada, minister of foreign affairs of the United Mexican States.

Major General Sheridan, on my application, has very promptly placed at my disposal, for this special service, the United States despatch steamer Black Bird, now at Galveston.

I send as special messenger John White, esq, (who served with distinction in the federal army,) whom General Sheridan has recommended to me as a man in whom the utmost confidence may be placed, and whose discretion, energy, endurance, integrity, and trustworthiness he has fully tested. I transmit herewith a copy of the instructions I have given him. He will leave this city for Galveston by railroad and steamer on Monday morning, the 8th, and probably arrive there on the morning of the 9th, at which time the Black Bird will be ready to proceed with him to Tampico, without an hour’s delay.

I also transmit a copy of my letter to the captain of the despatch steamer Black Bird, and a copy of my letter to Franklin Chase, esq., our consul general at Tampico.

From the tenor of your telegram I infer that promptness in transmitting the views of our government is deemed important. The means and the route I have chosen will unquestionably effect the object much sooner than any other I could possibly make available.

I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,