cumstance which the bantering Mexicans seized upon to ridicule the whole affair as the pastry claims. In 1827 the French government had formed a provisional agreement with Mexico for a treaty of amity, assuring for its subjects the same guaranties as had been granted to those of favored nations. Steps were taken at different times for the conclusion of the treaty, without effect, mainly because the French objected to submit to forced contributions,[1] and to the option of the Mexican authorities to suspend the privilege of retail trading. Even the provisional convention had not been sanctioned by the congress, and this defect was used by the government as additional excuse for deferring the subject.
France finally lost patience, and seeing no attempt made even to examine the claims, her representative, Baron Deffaudis, took his departure January 16, 1838, leaving the legation to a chargé d'affaires. At Vera Cruz he received despatches confirming his attitude,[2] and inducing him to instruct French residents in the country to form an inventory of their effects. The significance of such steps could not be misunderstood, and they were placed beyond all doubt by the arrival of a French squadron under Bazoche, in March, from on board of which Deffaudis dictated an ultimatum,[3] demanding the pay-
- ↑ The leading cases of injury to person and property are given in the ultimatum presented in March 1838. Blanchard, San Juan de Ulúa, 229 et seq. Also, with documents and discussion in Cuevas, Espos. Dif. Francia; Méx., Doc. rel. Ultimat., 1-125, etc.; Pap. Var., lxxvii. pt ii. 1-219, cl. pts i.-ii.; Peña y Peña, Práctlca Forense, iv. 1-300.
- ↑ He was sailing out of the harbor when the French war vessel entered with the despatches.
- ↑ Dated on board L'Herminie, March 21st. It reviews the leading causes for complaint, assassinations, robberies, and other outrages by individuals, mobs, and authorities, and the evasive attitude of the Mexican government, and demands: 1. A payment by May 15th of $600,000, at Vera Cruz, in settlement of the claims till March 1st. This amount was shown to be merely one half or one third of the sum really due, were accumulated interest added and the host of minor claims of which the minister had not received formal specification. 2. That the government should place no obstacles to the settlement of certain loans, rebate from duty, etc., due to Frenchmen and not included in these claims. 3. That certain Frenchmen unjustly imprisoned should be released, and a number of designated officials concerned in outrages removed. 4. That a perfect reciprocity be observed toward French agents
