The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1866-12-11

DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
~, L WASHINGTON, Oct y, 1866
Sir.-You are aware that friendly and ex-
plicit arrangement exists between this govern
ment and the Emperor of France, to the effect
that he will withdraw his expeditionary militia
ry forces from Mexico IN three parts-the nrst
0i which shall leave Mexico in November next,
the second in March next and the third in No
yember. 1857 and that upon the evacuation be-
ing thus completed, the French government
will come Immediately upon the ground of
held by the United States. Doubts have been
entertained and expressed upon the Question
whether the French government will faithfnjly
execute this agreement. No such doubts have
been entertained by the President. who has re-
peateu ana even recent assurances that the
complete evacuation of Mexico by the French
will be consummated at the periods mentioned,
or earlier # compatible with the climatical,
military and other conditions. 1.-THE great di-
VISION OF parties IN Mexico, and the uncertain
ues amending 1T are next stated.I For these
reasons it is impossible to give you specific di-
rectlons tor the conduct of your proceedings in
the discharge of the high trust which the gov
ernment of the United States has confided to
you. Much must be left to your own discre-
ton, which is to be exercised according to the
view you may take of political movements as
they shall disclose themselves in the future.
There are, however, some principles which, as
we think, may be safely laid down in regard to
the policy which the government of the United
Stltes will expect you to pursue
The first of these is that, as a representative
OF the United States you are accredited to the
republican government of Mexico, of which
Mr.. Juarez is President Your communica-
ton as such representative will be made to him.
wherever he may be, and in no event will you
officially recognize either the Prince Maximil-
ian, who aims to be Emperor, or any other
person; chief or combination, as exercising the
executive authority in Mexico, without having
tirst reported to this department and received
instructions from the President of the United
States. Secondly, assuming that the French
military and naval commanders shall be en-
gagged in good faith in executing the agree
ment before mentioned for the evacuation of
Mexico, the spirit of the engagement on our
part in relation to that event will forbid the
United States and their representative from
obstructing or embarrassing the departure of
the French Thirdly, what the United States
desire in regard to tie future Of Mexico is not
the conquest of Mexico or any part of it, or the
ACKNOWLEDGMENT of the United States by pur-
chases of land or dominion, but, on the other
hand, they desire to see the people of Mexico
relieved from all foreign military intervention
to the end that they may resume the conduct
of their own affairs under the existing republic
can form of government, or such other form of
government as, being left in the enjoyment of
perfect liberty they shall determine to adopt |
in the exercise of their own free will, by their
own act, without dictation from any foreign |
country, and of course without dictation from |
the United States.
1t results, as consequence from these prin-
ciples, that you will enter into no stipulation
with the French commanders, or with the |
Prince Macmillan, or with any other party,
which shall have tendency to counterfeit or
oppose the administration of President Juarez
or to hinder or delay the restoration Of the au-
thority of the republic On the other hand, it
may possibly happen that the President of the
republic of Mexico may desire the good Offices
of the United States or even some effective
proceedings on our part, to favor and advance
the pacification of couEtry so long distract
ed by foreign combined with civil war, and
thus gain time for the re-establishment of ma
tional authority upon principles consistent
with republican and domestic system of gov
ernment. 1t Is possible, moreover, that some
disposition might be made of the land aud
naval forces of the United States without in
terfering within the jurisdiction of Mexico or
violating the laws of neutrality, which would
De useful in favoring the restoration of law,
order and republican government in that
country. You are authorized to confer upon
this subject, with the republican government
of Mexico and its agents, and also to confer
informally, if you find it necessary, with any
other parties or agents, should such an excep-
ny, butnot otherwise. You will by these means
obtain information which will be important to
this government, and such information you
viii convey to this department, with your sug-
gestons and advice as to. any proceedings ON
our part which can be adopted in conformity
with the principles have before laid down.
You will be content with thus referring any
important propositions ON the subject of reor-
ganizati0n and restoration of the republican
government in Mexico as may arise, to this |
department, for the information of the Presi- |
dent. t1
The Lieutenant-G General of the United
States possesses already discretionary authori-
ty as to the location of the forces of the United
States in the vicinity of Mexico. His military
experience will enable him to advise you con-
corning such questions as may arise during the |
transition stage of Mexico from state of mill |
tary siege by foreign enemy to a condition of |
practical self-gOvernment. At the same time |
1t will be in his power, being near the scene of
action, to issue any orders which may be ex-
pedlent or necessary for maintaining the obi |
cations resting upon the United States in re-
gard to proceedings upon the borders of Next |
CO. For thesesreas0ns he has been requested |
and instructed by the President to proceed |
with You to your destination, and act with you |
as an adviser, recognized by this department.
In regard to the matters which have beeu here
in discussed. After comforting with him you
are at liberty to proceed to the city of Chi /
huahua, or to such other place in Mexico as 1
may be the residence of President Juarez; or
la your discretion, you will proceed to any 9TH
er place IN Mexico not held or occupied at the
time OF your arrival by enemies of the repub-
the United States or elsewhere near the from
tier or coast of Mexico, and await there time
to enter any portion of Mexico which shall +
hereafter be in the occupation Of the republi-
can government of Mexico. % /
am, sir, your Obedient servant,
WILLIAM HI. SEWARD.
Lewis ID. Campbell &c. .r.+f+ k.s..t1 fsf