William H. Seward to John A. D, July 3, 1867

Mr. Seward to Mr. Dix

Sir: The Alacran Mining Company, a corporation organized under the laws of the State of California, and prosecuting the business of mining at the San Pablo mine, in the district of Panuco, state of Sinaloa, in Mexico, has asked the interposition of this government to obtain from that of France indemnity for certain damages sustained in the manner now to be stated. On the 29th of September, 1865, an agent of the company despatched a train of ten mules, under the charge of one Haywood Judson, to the port of Mazatlan, for the purpose of transporting hence to their works at the mine certain machinery and material required for use there. On the 30th of September, 1865, the mules were forcibly taken from Haywood Judson by the order of General Baron Aymard, commanding the French forces at Mazatlan, were loaded with stores and material for the French troops and taken to Mazatlan. On the 7th of October of the same year Mr. Thannhauser, in behalf of the company, made a written application to General Aymard for the restoration of the mules. In reply a letter was written by the general chief of staff, of which a copy is herewith enclosed. The mules have never been restored, and the company claim their value and that of their furniture, which is estimated at $800.

The company being in pressing want of the machinery and materials at Mazatlan, their agent at that place hired another train of mules and despatched them laden with the property towards their mine. This train had proceeded but a short distance from the city on the 3d of October, 1865, when it was arrested by the French authorities at a point on the highway known as Palos Pintas. The mules were seized and the machinery rudely thrown by the way-side. For the damage thus done to the machinery and for the loss of a portion of the lumber carried by the mules and damages to the residue the company claims the sum of $600. It also claims $14,700 for losses sustained and expenses incurred in delaying the operations of its mine and mill, being at the rate of $150 per day for 98 days, from September 29, 1865, when the mules belonging to the company were seized, to January 6, 1866, which was the earliest day at which it was possible to replace them by the purchase of fresh animals.

You will present this claim to the French government, with a request that it will make any necessary inquiries concerning the same, with a view to ultimate action thereupon.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,