Mariano Escobedo to Thomas Mejia, October 23, 1865

[Translation.]

MEXICAN REPUBLIC, DIVISION OF THE NORTH, GENERAL-IN-CHIEF.

General: Nearly four years of a bloody contest to repel the form of government which the French invasion is trying to establish are sufficient to convince you that it is not possible to give our country peace under the imperial government which has been established in some of our principal cities. We Mexicans who are fighting it are using our rights, because we want for our country true independence and sovereignty, and not the simulated one represented by the Austrian Archduke Maximilian. Using this sacred right, I am about militarily to occupy this place, (Matamoras.) But, considering that those who form its garrison are also Mexicans, I think it my duty to invite you to listen to the voice of your country calling upon you to cease your co-operation in its abasement and prostration by the rule of a foreign monarch.

I know that this proceeding is foreign to the usages established in this war, during which time no invitation of this nature has been extended on the part of the imperialists; but I fulfil my duty in order that the responsibility may fall upon others. God and history will judge the Mexicans who in this war have defended causes so opposite.

Do me the favor, general, to answer this communication within two hours, and accept the assurance of my consideration,