William H. Seward to Señor Matias Romero, & c., & c., & c, March 24, 1866

Mr. Seward to Mr. Romero

Sir: With reference to your communication of this date requesting that the necessary orders may be given by this government to prevent the exportation of five thousand muskets “purchased by the agents of the usurper Maximilian and shipped not as private property, but for account of the said usurper,” I have the honor to enclose a copy of letter of this date from the Attorney General, whose opinion I hastened to obtain. It appears therefrom that the orders suggested would be illegal.

Accept, sir, a renewed assurance of my high consideration.