O’HORAN, The Prefect to Marcus Otterbourg, June 15, 1867

General O’Horan to Mr. Otterbourg,

I received your honor’s note of to-day, and in reply I must explain that the consulate has been incorrectly informed as to this prefecturate being charged by his excellency General Marquez to effect the apprehension of certain individuals, and among them that of the American citizens D, José Anto. Mendizabal, D. Miguel Lizardi, and D. Carlos Widmann, since it only furnished his excellency General Marquez aforesaid with its police agents to point out the dwellings of the persons who were to be apprehended by the adjutants themselves of his excellency General Marquez.

As to the imprisonment of the citizens I can assure your honor that they shall be set at liberty to-day in virtue of the reasons which I have employed in their favor.

It is painful to me to make known to your honor that I have seen in your note to which I am replying, threats to which I have given no occasion, which I believe I do not merit, and which I deem unnecessary in claiming the liberty of American citizens—since the consulate has ever found, as it will always find in me the highest regard and firmest support alike with all American citizens. Nevertheless, I have the honor to assure your honor that this circumstance shall not alter my kind feelings towards the American flag and to the citizens of that republic.

I have the honor to protest to your honor the assurance of my respect.