U. S. Consulate to Commander Of The French Forces, September 8, 1864

COMMANDER OF THE FRENCH FORCES, Bagdad, Mexico : Sr: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication, dated September 7, 1864, from the hands of Captain Visconti. In reply I would respectfully state that you are laboring under an error with regard to the forces of General Cortina receiving provisions from me. On the morning of the 6th of September, understanding that the enemy had a large drove of cattle at our front, I sent a small force of mounted men with instructions to capture and drive them into camp, if possible, for the sustenance of my command. I would further state that i have not as yet been officially informed that General Cortina is within my lines, and that I will at once send an officer with a sufficient escort to him, and if he is within my lines I will demand that he shall surrender all arms and munitions of war to the United States, I take this occasion to assure the commander of the French forces at Bagdad that I shall not for a moment countenance the occupation of U. S. soil by any armed force except our own, and especially by a force hostile to the French Government, which has so long been on friendly terms with the United States. Desiring that this harmony may long continue to exist, I have the honor to subscribe myself, your most obedient servant, Hawi Day, Colonel, Commanding U. 8. Forces, Brazos Santiago, Tex.

U. S. CONSULATE,