The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-11

OF repruary, BAYARD Taylor, esq, gives
the following account of the reception of
Mr.. LETcHER, our minister to Mexico, by
President HERRERA:
From The Nsro York Tribune
"One O'Clock this afternoon was the hour APP
pointed for the presentation of Mr.. Letcher On
coming out of the senate chamber we noticed that
the corridor leading to the rooms Of the President
deserted by the groups of officers in full uni
form who had been lounging about the door, En-
tering the ante chamber, found that Mr. Letcher
with Mr.. Walsh, secretary Of legation, had just
passed into the hall Of audience. MIR. Belden is
well known to all the officers of government, and
his company procured us admission at once. We
took places among the secretaries Of the differ
ent departments, about half way up the hall. Gen
eral Herrera, the President, seated a plat
form at the end of the room, under crimson
opy, having on his right hand Lacunza, minister Of
foreign affairs, and on his left Castaheda, minister
ofjustice The other ministers, with number of
officers of the general staff, were ranged at the foot
of the platform. Mr. Letcher had just commenced
his address we entered. He appeared slightly
embarrassed during the first phrases, but soon re-
covered the proper composure. ! have no doubt,
however, he would have felt much more at home
in making stump speech in Kentucky. The fol-
lowing is copy of his address, which was certain
ly very appropriate to the occasion:
al beg to say, Mr.. President, il affords me pecd-
liar qualification to be the bearer of the credentials
which am about to have the honor TO place in your
hands.
"Allow me to add, am charged by President
Taylor to avail myself Of this official occasion to
tender to you the distinguished chief magistrate
Of the Mexican republic, his warmest regards, and
feels for the welfare of the Mexican republic and
the prosperity and happiness Of the Mexican peo-
pie.
"In this sentiment am happy to declare, conf
IDENTIFY, my Government and the people of my
country all most cordially unite
Sour two republics, fortunately for both, now
stand in amicable relations to each other. l am
reoiced that it is 3d. 1t is the true interest of each
to be upon good terms We are sister republics;
we are near neighbors; we natural ales we
have the same common interests at stake; the same
great object at heart; the same glorious work to
accomplished improve the condition of man, to
aid him in his progress of moral and intellectual
Development and to secure for him wellregulated
and permanent liberty.
friendship grow daily stronger and frmer.
Permit me to say one word more. My Govern
ment entertans the sincerest wish to cultivate the
most kindly intercourse with the Mexican govern
ment. And assure you, sir, in all candor, far
as am concerned, could not undertake task Of
more interesting character, nor one more in ac-
cordance with my feelings, than that of assduous-
~ striving to maintain and improve the friendly
relations existing between our countries This de-
srabe object hope to accomplish by being, in all
my official intercourse with this government, open,
frank candid.
eff, sir, should be SO unfortunate as to fail in
my efforts to attain the end in view, it will be to
me, confess, a cause of personal regret and NOR
LITIGATION; and, what is still more to be depored,
shall fail to fulfill the expectations Of the President
Of the United States, and at the same time dsap-
point the hopes and wishes of the people of my
country.
"But, sir, if ! may be allowed to form an impress
sion from all have seen since my arrival in this
charming country, must say am encouraged to
expect the most satisfactory results-not doubling
that the ilustrious President of this Republic, and
his enlightened Cabinet in all their official trans
actions will be governed by spirit Of justice and
iberalty."
General Herrera, on receiving the letters accred-
iting Mr.. Letcher envoy of the United States,
and replied as follows:
81 receive with the greatest pleasure the letter Of
the illustrious General Taylor, President of the
United States OF the North, which accredits Mr..
Letcher Minister Plenipotentary of that Repub-
lie near this government.
'sThe sentiments of good faith which you have
expressed to me in the name Of his excelency, the
Procated by similar feelings on my part, and beg
of you at the same time 70 communicate them and
my cordial greeting to General Taylor.
81 do not doubt for single moment that your
coming and residence in Mexico will be the means
Of strengthening the happy and friendly relations
which now fortunately exist between both repub-
lies. They should always exist friends, and
their good understanding will be proven in the
progress of the moral perfection of man. and in the
example OF order, union, good faith, and liberty.
My most lively desires are, that the experiment OF
republican government which has been pros.
perously made by the Federation which you repre-
sent may be repeated equally successfully in Mex
leo; and that IL Providence comedies this blessing
to my government, both nations may advance with
the same harmony in their mutual relations, as
they possess in their constitutional forms
81 hope this also from the intelligence and in
tegrity of the people and Government Of the United
States of the North, and from the honorable antci
pations and friendly sentiments which you have
expressed IL will be lively satisfaction TO me- IL
the flattering idea which you have formed Of this
republic, and the favorable hopes which you have
conceived for it, are fully confirmed in the course
OF your mission. This government, on its part,
will omit nothing to that end, and can you
that you will always find in il the same spirit of
friendship, Of liberaty, and OF justice, with which
you are animated, and which you have had the
goodness TO manifest 10 me-"
After the interchange Of few compliments, Mr..
Letcher took his leave, and Immediately afterward
the President and left the hall, in company
with his ministers. He bowed 10 us In passing,
probably recognising Americans. He IL a
man OF about sixty, Of short stature and with a
countenance whose prominent expression is hon.
esty and benevolence. This corresponds with the
popular idea Of bis character. He is a man of eI-
ceent heart, but lacks energy and determination.
His government, though quiet and peaceful enough
at present. is not sufficiently strong for Mexico. So
long the several States continue TO defy and vio
late the federal compact powerful head is needed
10 the general government
Herrera wore the uniform Of n Gcneral-a more
simple costume than that of the other officers pres
cnt, whose coats ornamcnted with red fscings
and profusion Of gold embroidery. The minis
ters, except Arsta, dressed in plain suits of
black Lacunza s Of low stature and dark
and barely pcrceptible cast Of shrcwd
ness is mingled with the natural intelligence Of his
features. Castafeda, on the other hand, IL tall,
thin, with face Of which you are certain, at the
first glance, that II knows how 10 keep its owners
secrets. The fncst-looking man present was Gen.
Arsa who 10 six feet high, and stout in proportion,
with large head, light hair clo.ely cropped. fair
complexion and gray eyes. From the cast Of his
features, one would take him TO be great over
grown Scotch boy, who had some how Numbered
into gcneralship. He is said TO have the most i'm
nuential hand in the cabinet. Among the States Of
the north there is, az is well known, powerful
party devoted 10 his interests.