Señor Don Matias Romero to William H. Seward, July 24, 1866

Señor Romero to Mr. Seward

Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to send you, for the information of the government of the United States, the copy of a letter of the 5th instant from a reliable person in the city of Mexico; also three extracts from La Sociedad, a paper of that city, which were enclosed in the letter.

Attention is called in the letter to two circulars contained in the extracts issued by the so-called prefects of Durango and Queretaro, in regard to the enlistment of volunteers in two corps of chasseurs, which are organizing, with others of the same kind, by the ex-Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, to form an army to sustain his usurpation when the French flag is withdrawn from Mexico.

From the enclosed circulars it appears that the new army is to be composed of Mexicans and French, the latter in greater majority as soldiers, and especially officers. As a proof of this last assertion the first battalion of cazadores was formed of Mexicans, and nearly half of the eighty-first regiment of the line of the French army now in Mexico, and most all the officers were French. Out of 28 officers in those battalions only two are of Mexican descent, all the others being French, as the names will show. This is seen in the list published by the so-called minister of war of the usurper, on the 30th of June last, contained in one of the enclosed extracts. All of them came out of the invading army, and being promoted one grade, they now enter the army that is to support the usurper.

These particulars confirm the report I had the honor to communicate to you in my letter of the 21st, in regard to the late arrangements between the Emperor Napoleon and his agent in Mexico, to sustain him in the position where French bayonets have placed him when France has withdrawn her flag, but not her soldiers, from Mexico.

My desire that the United States be duly informed of the most important political events occurring in Mexico during the present crisis has induced me to give you the information contained in the present note.

I accept the opportunity of renewing to you, Mr. Secretary, the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.

[Translation.]

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I send a circular for the enlistment of volunteers, published in Durango. You will see by it that Maximilian is organizing a Mexican army, forming corps of cazadores de Mejico, by the time the French leave, which will be soon. These corps will be composed of three or five per cent. of Mexicans, and the rest foreigners—that is, French. The best evidence of this is, that the main body of the first battalion of cazadores is formed of one thousand men taken from the 81st regiment of the line of the French army. The object of this is to retain the French army and call it Mexican. You will see by the paper extracts I send that out of twenty-eight officers of the cazadores, there are only two Mexicans. The French sergeants have been promoted to subalterns, and the latter raised to captains. A few southern rebels have been taken into the ranks.

The French Colonel De Portier, known as the scourge in the city of Mexico, and as the assassin in Michoacan, will remain as general.

Bazaine has gone inland to make these arrangements; and though it is said he will go back to France in September with three-fourths of the French army, there is little appearance of it at present.

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[Translation.]

In regard to the organization of Mexican forces, and the formation of the second battalion of cazadores, the Esperanza of Queretaro says:

“By order of the civil prefect we insert the following circular, directed to the distric officials, to protect and encourage the enlistment of soldiers for that distinguished corps We have little to add to what is said in the circular about the prefect’s views according with those of the emperor of giving power and influence to the Mexican army. Every citizen, whatever his condition, should aid in this good work, and to show him how to do it, we call his particular attention to the circular.

“The prefect has done well to have a large quantity printed and published, and extensively distributed throughout the country.”

Here is the circular to which the Queretaro paper refers:

“CIVIL PREFECTURE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF QUERETARO.

“Circular.

“June 20, 1866.

“By order of his majesty’s government, the second battalion of cazadores de Mejico is organizing in this city, to form the new permanent army of Mexico, with others forming in different localities, conforming in every way to the French army.

“For this purpose a recruiting office is established in this city, at the San Francisco barracks, where all volunteers will be received every day, from half past eight to half past nine in the morning.

“The term of volunteer service is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 years.

“They will be well treated and attended to according to the regulations of the French army, supplied with clothing, shoes, food, bedding, &c., &c., and shall have the same pay as the zouaves.

“The enlisting volunteer must have these qualifications:

“1. Age between eighteen and thirty-five years.

“2. Health, good, and of ordinary size.

“3. Condition, single, or widower without children.

“4. Conduct orderly, and convicted of no infamous punishment.

“His majesty’s government hopes to restore the Mexican army to its former splendor, when the country was prosperous. Constituted in the proper manner, with the aid of the loyal sons of the nation, and those who adopt the noble profession of arms, it will become in a short time a great, moral, and brave army, a worthy rival of armies of the most civilized nations, because its constituent basis will be the French army, acknowledged over all the globe to be the best in organization, instruction, and discipline.

“His majesty’s government and its agents desire to elevate the Mexican soldier, to inspire him with a noble and just pride, to make him understand that he is no longer a war machine, but a citizen of the most honorable class in the country; while society will confess that he merits all its sympathy and care, as an integral portion of the power that constitutes the firmest support of social order.

“The officers, sergeants, and corporals of the second battalion of cazadores are selected from Mexicans and French. Mr. Deville Chabrol, its commander, is worthy of his position, and knows how to treat a soldier.

“I send you this circular by order of the civil prefect. You will have it distributed extensively among the citizens who can appreciate its importance, and encourage them by all lawful means to enlist.

“I enclose a blank certifiate to be given to those who wish to enlist, so they may appear at once before the administrative council at the San Francisco barracks, under the conditions expressed in paragraph five of this circular.

“The prefect relies upon your zeal and intelligence for the proper execution of this order.”

“J. ANTONIO SEPTIEN, “Acting Secretary General.

“The Sub-prefect of the District of ———,” &c.

The Esperanza continues:

“We take much pleasure in informing the public that the second battalion of cazadores is fast filling up with the best men in the country, both Mexicans and French, who are on excellent terms; and when others see how well those enlisted are treated, the ranks will soon be filled in spite of predictions to the contrary.

“Why cannot we Mexicans form an army worthy of the name, such as we had in former times, free from the demoralization of revolutionary corruption?”