Tomas Mejia to Señor Matias Romero , Envoy Extraordinary and, February 5, 1866

No. 1 .—Duplicate.

MEXICAN REPUBLIC—COLONEL ON SPECIAL DUTY.

I have the honor of enclosing you a copy of the note which, under date of the 21st ultimo, I addressed to General Weitzel, referring to the cargo of the Helena. Said general has not answered, and the goods have been delivered to those who claimed them—the firm of Droege, Oetling & Co. Said goods were seized by order of General Weitzel, and remained by his order in military custody until they were delivered to Droege, Oetling & Co. The only thing that I could obtain was that the collector of the custom-house should take a bond from said firm of ($60,000) sixty thousand dollars in gold, until the matter should be decided by the military authorities or the Treasury Department at Washington.

I cannot understand how said military authorities could take cognizance in matters beyond their jurisdiction, but the copy I enclose will explain the matter.

I have thought very strangely of this proceeding, as I do not believe there is any justice in said detention, which causes us great damage.

I beg you to give this matter the attention it deserves, and I avail myself of the opportunity to renew my respectful consideration.