Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-07-08
President Buchanan Formally Demands Salts


faction.
Hon. Robert NJ. McLane. our minister to
Mexico. has addressed to the government OF
Gen. Miramon, the following formal demand
in the maine of the President of the United
States. for satisfaction for the atrocities aud
indignities committed upon American citl-
zens during the recent terrible massacre at
Tacubaya:
U. s. LEGATION, Vera Cruz, June l. 1859.
Sir:-rhe undersigned. Envoy Extraordl-
nary, and Minister Plenipotentiary Of the
United States near the Republic of Mexico,
having called the attention of the govern
ment uf the United States to certain cruelties
perpetrated ut Taruhaya. on the llth and
18th Of April, 1859, by persons acting under
the authority OF the government having the
seat Of its power ut the city of Mexico, ot
which Gen. Miralnon is the chief executive,
and OF the withdrawal Of the exequaturs
heretofore issued to ,onsuls oil the United
States in Mexico: and having informed 1t
that several citizens Of the United States
have been the victims of these cruelties three
of whom. Doctors John Duvull, lgnato
Richie, and Albert Lamnn, were physicians
actually engaged III attendance upon the
sick and wounded in the military hospitals,
and two others, unotfending youths under
age has been instructed to address To you
the earnest remonstrunce that the occasion
calls for.
The President Of the United States has
examined this subject with deep concern and
All anxious desire To adopt the necessary
measures, not only to procure the punish
ment Of the persons guilty of these enorm-
citizens of the united States residing in the
interior of Mexico, and he feels. in common
with his countrymen. great Indignation that
these citizens III the United States should
have been murdered under such atrocious
circumstances us To merit the reprOhatlon ot
the civilized world.
In the peaceable recognition of the Const-
tutional government, without any iorclble
intervention, the government OF the United
States exercised IN unque>tluned right under
the law of nations which gave no cause OF
otfense to the opposite party contending Tor
power over the country, and did not authorize
interference with consuls of the nited States
/ in the discharge I'll their consular functions
in their respective districts, and least Of all
could that political measure Justify, or in any
way excuse the shocking barbarities whose
condemnation is now passing through the
world and although the position now nccuPl-
ed by the United States with respect to Mexico,
precludes any formal diplomatic intercourse
with those exercising power in the city OF
Mexico, who are not recognized rs cnnstitut-
ing the government of the republic, yet the
ennrmities are of such IN unusual nature is
to Justify unusal proceedings.
! Therefore, the undersigned, by the ex-
press instructions OF his government. calls
! YOUR attention to these outrages. in viola
/ ton of the common rights of humanity as
well ~ of solemn treaty obligations, perpe'
! trated under circumstances that justify this
direct remonstrance; that the shedding ct
blood may be stayed, the personal rights Of
citizens of the United States respected, and
the atrocious criminals who have brought
disgrace upon their country duly punished.
This measure il due 10 the character OF those
exercising power in the city Of Me1lco,
not less than to the character OF the Re,
public.
So far as citizens of the United States have
been the victims Of these violations Of natural
rights and treaty stipulation. they will be
held in remembrance, and redress will be
demanded, and ultimately obtained therefor,
whatever NAV be the result Of this remom'
STRANGE.
The President Of the United States has
read with much satisfaction Il cOmmunca-
ton addressed to the Undersigned, under
date of April 22d, 1850, by the minister OF
foreign affairs Of the constitutional Govern
mrnt, which is recognized by the United
States az the imperial government Of Mexl'
co, pronouncing its unqualified cundemna-
ton of these reprehensih!e proceedings, and
also conveying assurances OF its deterlnlna'
ton to put stop 70 them, and to do ITS duty
to friendly power. Nevertheless, ne CON
siders it proper. as has already been stated
that direct remonstrance should he al
dressed to those who are immediately res
punsible for the outrages and indignltles that
are the subject of this communication, that
the civilized world may know upon whom
rests the responsibility Of disturbing the or
binary relations of amity and friendship
that have been established and guaranteed
by treaty stipularions between Mexico and
the United States, and which the best efforts
of the governments OF the two republics have
failed to maintain, in consequence OF the
reckless and inhuman excuses OF those now
acting in the city of Mexico under the HI.
thorty of the government referred to, and
with which you are associated as minister
of foreign affairs.
The undersigned has the honor to sub
scribe himself, very respectfully, your ODE
dent servant,
(Signed,) ROBERT NJ. McLANE.