Packenham, who arrived about this time, again offered mediation. The first flush of resentment over, the Mexicans began to realize that a continuation of the struggle must prove disadvantageous to themselves, especially with the federalist movement upon them. The French, on their side, were not prepared for deeper entanglement, particularly in face of the concentration of English war vessels, whereof a squadron of thirteen, surpassing their own in strength, had anchored before Vera Cruz.[1] Nor did they care to face another summer's ravage of yellow fever on this coast. As victors, in possession of the leading fortress of the republic, and commanding the ports, they could afford to entertain even concessions; and so Baudin admitted the proposal now made, although not till the English had yielded to his scruples by reducing their fleet to an equality with his own.[2]
After a conference of two days, attended on the part of Mexico by Minister Gorostiza and General Victoria, a treaty and a convention were signed on March 9th, whereby Mexico promised to pay $600,000 within six months,[3] in settlement of French claims prior to November 26, 1838, and accord to French citizens the same privileges as were enjoyed by those of the most favored nation. The restitution of, or indemnity for, captured Mexican vessels and cargoes, and compensation to expelled Frenchmen, were questions referred to a third power.[4] This being
- ↑ At the close of Dec. 1838. It was Admiral Paget's fleet, for the time under Commodore Douglas. List in Blanchard, San Juan de Ulúa, 404-5.
- ↑ There was ground for scruples in view of the debates in the parliament at London, hinting at French designs and English honor and interests. See Hansard's Parl. Deb., xlvi. 891-940.
- ↑ In three instalments, on Vera Cruz custom-house.
- ↑ The treaty, containing 5 articles, establishes perpetual peace; refers to arbitration the indemnity for vessels taken after the fall of Ulúa, and for expelled Frenchmen, as well as for Mexicans injured after Nov. 26, 1838; declares for favorable reciprocity until a treaty of commerce may settle the details, and stipulates that Ulúa shall be restored so soon as the treaty is ratified, which is to be done within 12 days. The convention, in 4 articles, concedes the $600,000 indemnity; refers to arbitration the question whether
MS., i. pts 89, 90; Arrillaga, Recop., 1838, 214, 400, etc.; 1839, 3-11, 34-7; Dublan and Lozano, Leg. Mex., iii. 482. With observations in Hansard's Parl. Deb., xliv. 722; Niles' Reg., liv. 177, etc.; Méx., Mem. Guerra, 1839, 27.
