Matias Romero to William H. Seward, November 21, 1866

Mr. Romero to Mr. Seward

Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to transmit to you, for the information of the government of the United States, the documents in the annexed index, some of which, taken from the official paper of the Mexican government, show the adhesion of several States of the republic to the decree of the 8th of November, 1865, declaring the continuance of the presidential term till a new election can take place. I think proper to call jour attention, in a special manner, to letters addressed to me on that subject by Mr. Bias Bruzual and Mr. Domingo F. Sarmiento. One is, as you are aware, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of Venezuela to this country, and the other is a minister of the same rank from the Argentine Republic, and accredited to this government.

Their letters you will find among the annexed documents.

These distinguished South American statesmen, of acknowledged enlightenment, who cannot be suspected of mean interests—for they have nothing to hope or fear from Mexico, or any other desire than the success of the American cause at large—agree upon the convenience and necessity of extending the presidential term till a new election can take place.

I embrace this occasion to renew to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurance of my most distinguished consideration.