Benito Juarez, to Don Antonio Ochoa, Nov. 6, 1866.

Chihuahua, Nov. 6, 1866.

Mr. A. Ochoa

My dear friend,

I see by your favor of October 27 that it is considered probable that by the beginning of next month, the French will begin their retreat from the fortress of Mazatlan, according to what you write Mr. Corona.

I am very sorry that Mr. Juan Sepulveda is so seriously ill. His loss would be lamentable because he is a person who has served well in the cause of national defense principally in the branch of finance in the state of Sinaloa.

I believe I told you in one of my former letters that General Vega is already marching to this city after having left Mr. Martin Salido in Guasapares 500 guns which he had with him. Today I received a letter from the said Mr. Vega, dated October 31 in Uruachi, in which he says that on account of persecution against him carried on by a force in Sinaloa, he had endured thousands of difficulties, being obliged to travel side roads that were very difficult, but he was continuing his march and would soon be in this capital. I believe that he exaggerated the matter of persecution because General Correa who was coming seeking the arms, halted in Guasapares where he gave a complete account to the Government and asked for further orders. He was told, therefore, that he could return to Sinaloa, leaving there the arms mentioned above which were to be brought to this city to use them in the campaign of Durango.

As for news, I shall tell you that Maximilian, up to the middle of October, had not left for Europe, as had been reported, and although in his speech of the 16th of September he said that he never would give up his post, this was only a

Benito Juarez, to Don Antonio Ochoa, Nov. 6, 1866, cont.

fanfare and he will certainly leave when the French army withdraws, because
Napoleon is not willing to continue to give him further financial aid in spite
of Carlota's insistence. By the newspapers that I am sending you, you will
be informed of all the rest that is happening.

I conclude repeating that I am your friend.

Benito Juarez