William H. Seward to John Bigelow, February 7, 1865

Mr. Seward to Mr. Bigelow

Sir: Mr. Etchison, recently for a brief period United States consul at Matamoras, a month or two since had an angry correspondence with General Mezia, the military commander there, on the subject of the arrest of fugitives from Texas who were claimed for the military service of the insurgents. Without expressing an opinion upon the chief points of the controversy, it may be acknowledged that on the part of Mr. Etchison it was conducted in a manner by no means likely to impress a military commander with the correctness of his views—was mostly officious, and entirely unauthorized by this department. You may communicate this information to Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys, should there be occasion therefor, and may add that at the very date of the correspondence referred to, instructions from this department were on the way to Mr. Etchison relieving him from his official functions.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,