Private and confidential.
Mexico, February 1, 1867.
My dear General,—You are not ignorant that the line of conduct pursued during the last few days by Marshal Bazaine has had this final result—that his majesty has determined, much to his regret, to break off all intercourse with the marshal.
On account of this lamentable incident, I have thought it my duty to abstain from submitting for his majesty's approbation the list and proposition that you sent me the day before yesterday; for I consider that the only effect would be to increase the emperor's displeasure.
The respect which is due to you, and my high esteem for your merits, induce me to speak thus candidly.
Desirous, however, not to leave without its well-earned recompense the good services of the deserving body of soldiers comprised in this list, I now submit to your choice two methods which, in my opinion, would be likely to succeed. Either ask the emperor yourself, not in the marshal's name, but in your own; or send to me a private letter of the same import; in the latter case, I shall feel great satisfaction in promoting his majesty's approval of the same.Augustin Fischer,
Secretary to the emperor.
In 1867 the clergy played the last part in the French intervention, as in 1861 they had played the first. The head of the military cabinet was directed to reply to the abbe as follows:—
Mexico, February 2, 1867.
Monsieur l'Abbé,—H. E. Marshal Bazaine, to whom General Osmont has communicated your private and confidential letter of the 1st of February, has intrusted me with the honour of replying to it.
Your ignorance of military usages has induced you to address to General Osmont a twofold proposition which evinces the desire you feel that brave officers should not be deprived of a recompense on which they set a value. You add that you do not think it right to submit the proposed lists to H. M. the Emperor of Mexico, on account of the lamentable incident which has taken place during the last few days.