Lewis D. Campbell to William H. Seward, March 18, 1867

Mr. Campbell to Mr. Seward

Sir: I received to-day a communication from Franklin Chase, esq., our consul general at Tampico, dated 11th ultimo, enclosing a petition addressed “to the United States government,” by Generals Gomez and Cuesta, and G. Cortinas, collector of that port.

These papers (original) I enclose, marked No. 1 and No. 2. The latter (being addressed to our government) I deem it my particular duty to forward, verbose though it be, and in some respects rather unintelligible. Its authors claim to represent the republic of Mexico and to have authority from President Juarez to negotiate a loan, &c., which would seem to entitle it to some significance.

I have read these papers with a desire to glean from many words their purport, and to ascertain the purpose of the parties. They desire that the United States should make them a loan of five million dollars, and take as security a lien on the custom-house at Tampico, with Mr. Chase to manage the transaction. They also want “two gunboats,” a “battery of cannon,” “men and money,” &c., &c., &c.

My instructions give me no authority to encourage or countenance any proposition of intervention, and I therefore respectfully submit the papers to you.

I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,