[Translation.], 17th seventh month, 1866.

[Translation.]

Sire: The article from the Moniteur Français, disavowing the entrance on the administration of war and of finance by the two French generals, Osmont and Friant, proves that henceforth, and without a blush, the mask is cast aside. The mission of General Castelnau, aide-de-camp, and having the confidence of the Emperor, although secret, cannot have other object, in my opinion, than to seek to bring on a solution as soon as possible. To seek to explain its conduct, which history will pass upon, the French government would like that an abdication might precede the return of the army, and that thus it would be possible for it to act alone, to reorganize a new state of things, capable of assuring its interests and those of its countrymen. I have an internal conviction that your majesty would not give this satisfaction to a policy which must in the end, sooner or later, be answerable for the odium of its acts and the fatal consequences which will be the result. The speech of Seward, the toast to Romero, the attitude of the President, result of the cowardice of the French cabinet, are grave facts, destined to increase the difficulties and discourage the boldest. However, I have the deep conviction that to abandon the game before the return of the French army would be interpreted as an act of weakness, and the emperor holding his authority from a popular vote, it would be to the people of Mexico, relieved from the pressure of a foreign intervention, that he should take a new appeal. It is for him to demand the material and financial support indispensable to subsistence and growth.

If such appeal is not listened to, then his majesty, having accomplished his noble mission to its close, will return to Europe with all the prestige which accompanied him on his departure, and in the midst of important events, which will not fail to arise, will play the part which in all respects pertains to him.

Leaving Miramar on the 4th of this month, with the purpose of embarking at St. Nazaire, after having received the orders of her majesty the empress, I was constrained again to adjourn my departure It needed that high influence to change a determination which my devotion counselled as the fulfilment, of a duty.

I have been keenly disappointed in learning that my numerous despatches of the months of June and July had not reached your majesty in due season, put under cover to Bombelles, and accompanied by long letters written to that devoted friend, to be communicated to your majesty. I was far from anticipating his departure from Mexico. They have now lost all the interest which they derived from events so unforeseen, which then so rapidly succeeded each other. I regret above all this vexatious incident, if it should for a moment have awakened doubts in your majesty’s mind of my unceasing desire faithfully to fulfil my duty.

By crossing through Austria I was able to ascertain the general discontent which reigns throughout. Nothing is yet done. The Emperor is discouraged; the people are fretful, and openly call for his abdication; sympathies with your majesty are spreading evidently through all the territory of the empire. In Venetia a whole party calls for you, its former governor. But when a government disposes of elections under the rule of universal suffrage it is easy to foresee the result.

The cholera rages through Europe with extreme violence, and everywhere makes numerous victims.

In accordance with the latest orders from your majesty, I have despatched by this courier a telegram in cipher to Rosas to advise your majesty of the arrival of General Castelnau, and of the disavowal given to Osmont and Friant.

I have learned through G——that the doubtful attitude taken at Paris by 2146 was becoming every day more public. For some time he heaps consideration and money on young Salvador, who doesn’t himself understand at all why this change is. I think it necessary to recall the young man to my side, while expecting the end of his holidays.

The state of the Emperor Napoleon’s health engages seriously all Europe. His departure for Biarritz seems indefinitely postponed. Assurance is made that severe diabetes now complicates the inflammation of the bladder, which causes his suffering. As for her majesty, the empress Carlotta, in the midst of the flowers which make a garden of enchantment of Miramar, she shines in the full brilliancy of perfect health.

I have the honor to be, sire, your majesty’s very humble, very devoted, and very faithful servant and subject,