William H. Seward to Lewis D. Campbell, October 2, 1866

Mr. Seward to Mr. Campbell

Sir: I transmit for your information a communication received at this department from Monterey, Mexico, signed by Mr. Joseph Ulrich, lately appointed consul of the United States to that city, in which is contained a petition of several citizens of the United States, merchants of Monterey, setting forth that the liberal authorities of Monterey had lately subjected them and other American citizens to forced loans, against which they ask the protection of this government. Mr. Ulrich also states that several citizens of the United States are held to service in the Mexican army against their inclination, whose respective terms of service have expired.

These causes will necessitate your early presence at your post; and you are therefore instructed to proceed to Mexico at as early an hour as convenient, where you will at once lend your attention to the proper investigation of the complaints contained in the enclosed documents.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,