Señor Don M. Romero to William H. Seward, August 9, 1866

Señor Romero to Mr. Seward

My Dear Sir: I have the honor to enclose you an extract from the New York World of yesterday, containing the letter on Mexico to which I alluded in my interview with you this morning.

Although the letter is dated in the city of Mexico, there is no doubt it was written in New York by agents of the usurper Maximilian, for the reason that it is dated the 20th of July, and the last Mexican dates received in New York only come up to the 10th of July, and because it contains facts that could not be known by a mere newspaper correspondent in Mexico, and only by persons who have the usurper’s confidence and possess his secrets. As a proof of this, is the mention of the return of the German priest, Fischer, to Mexico. It is not long since he was in this city, on his return from Rome, where he went in the usurper’s name, as you know, to conclude a concordat with the Pope.

I mention this to show that the writer of the letter is well acquainted with the usurper’s plans and secrets, and therefore some regard is to be had for what he says about the relations of the Emperor of the French with his Mexican agent, about the Emperor’s indisposal to withdraw his forces from that republic, and about the object of his wife’s visit to Europe.

As a general rule I do not attach more importance to newspaper articles than you do, particularly when no details are given: but the particular circumstances of this case induce me to call your attention to it this morning, for which reason I enclose the extract to you.

Your very respectful and obedient servant,