MAURAND, The Chief of Staff to To the Superior Political Prefect , Mazatlan, October 7, 1865

Mr. Prefect: Mr. Thannhauser addressed to you a claim on the subject of the mules belonging to one Haywood, and you told him to present himself before me.

The claimant did not present himself, but has written to the general to ask him to allow to pass out the mules in question. As I do not know the whereabouts of Mr. Thannhauser I cannot let him know the decision of the general.

I have therefore the honor to beg of you to cause him to be informed that the army having need for a great number of mules for a military operation, those which form the subject of this claim will be detained like others, and the proprietor will be paid as customary for the number of days during which they continue in the service of the army.

Receive, I pray you, Mr. Prefect, the expression of my entire devotion.