Tomas Mejia to A. S. Viezca, August 21, 1866

Department of State, Office of War and Marine–Section first.

The President of the republic is informed by your despatch of the 24th July last, enclosing Nos. 1 and 2 of the last correspondence between you and General Douay, in regard to the exchange of the prisoners that were taken from the invading army in the action at Santa Isabel, that the business is still pending, as General Douay is awaiting the decision of General Bazaine.

You were directly authorized to attend to this business, because the commander-in-chief of the army of the north, who was informed of it, was so far off. The principles upon which the authorization of the exchange was based are those observed by civilized nations, and which the government of the republic has tried to follow in all its acts, in contrast to abuses committed by the enemy.