Mission of General de Castelnau to Mexico–Dissatisfaction with Marshal Bazaine, September 13, 1866

Mission of General de Castelnau to Mexico–Dissatisfaction with Marshal Bazaine.

General de Castelnau, one of the Emperor’s aides-de-camp, left Paris on Tuesday night suddenly, and was to sail yesterday by the post boat from St. Nazaire to Vera Cruz. It is said that he carries an autograph letter from the Emperor Napoleon to the emperor Maximilian, and I believe it will prove that he also takes with him the recall of Marshal Bazaine, whose conduct in command of the French army in Mexico has of late not given satisfaction. He is accused of various shortcomings, among others of having caused the fall of Matamoras by neglecting to send the re-enforcements repeatedly applied for by General Mejia. It is not that Mejia, but his brother, who has deserted to the Juarists. The loss of Tampico is another disaster discreditable to the commander-in-chief. The French portion of the garrison, only one hundred and seventy-five men, defended themselves so gallantly as to obtain terms of honorable capitulation, and marched out with arms, baggage, and drums beating. Their defence was favored by the arrival of three French men-of-war from Vera Cruz. Although of late people here have talked of the Mexican empire as nearly at its last gasp, in official circles this does not seem to be the tone, and hopes are cherished that it may yet survive and prosper. It is intended to have recourse to a thorough military organization of the country.

The native Mexican army is to be increased, it is said, to 50,000 men, and as it has been found from experience that nothing can be done with Mexican officers, who for the most part are incapable or undeserving of confidence, the army will be officered by Frenchmen. French officers are generally ready for anything that promises adventure and promotion, and applications to take service will not be wanting. Moreover, the functions of all the departments of the state will be confided to French military men; taxes, custom-house, administration of all kinds will be in their hands, and thus it is hoped to get the better of the corruption and sloth which have hitherto been the bane of the new empire. It remains to be seen how far all this is practicable and productive of good results. Most people will be surprised if either Maximilian or the French troops are in Mexico this time two years. Part of these troops are to be withdrawn next November, but the French government has reserved the right to keep 10,000 men there until November, 1868. Supposing Maximilian to remain on the throne, it is thought probable that a few thousand men will remain up to that time, but the French government would gladly, I suspect, withdraw them sooner did the consolidation of Maximilian’s power permit of its being done without danger to his throne.