Mariano Escobedo to Citizen Matias Romero, in Washington, May 27, 1866

French intervention in Mexico, as seen by their own partisans.

Very Dear Sir: Douay’s first expedition is at an end, with no damage but extensive robberies, called fines, in the places he occupied.

Houses were robbed in Rio Blanco, Galeana, and Iturbide, and a few innocent people shot by the bandit Dupin. Jeaningros retreated in double-quick, taking the shortest cuts, as soon as he heard of my approach. Yet we harassed him considerably, and many of his men deserted, for seventeen French and Belgians joined one of my officers.

The invading army is entirely demoralized, while I am pleased to see confidence and enthusiasm increased on our side. I have received some arms I bargained for, and hope soon to receive the rest, with plenty of ammunition; so that, with these and what you can send me, this army corps will soon be in a condition to attack the strongholds of the interior, with prospects of success.

My hard marches and occasional indisposition have hitherto prevented me from sending the important original letters which I now enclose. I think it would be well to print the most interesting of them, and put them in reach of the French people, who unanimously disapprove the intervention we are now opposing.

All the news we have from the interior is good. Public spirit is rising everywhere, and affection for the new empire is daily decreasing.

The clergy are disheartened because they do not find Maximilian to be the man they expected. The landed proprietors and merchants can do nothing, not even keep what they have; and, as they have no surety for peace, they want a change.

Finally, the traitors are disgusted with the frequent rebuffs of the French, and everything; tends to exasperate the people against intervention and the abortive empire of Maximilian.

We have great hopes of success, and if we only had money it would soon be certain, and our triumph would be complete.

I am pleased to sign myself your friend and servant,