The breaking-out of a sectional war in the United States rendered it easy, as was thought, for Europe to interfere in Mexico; it certainly added to the difficulties of Juarez' government. The administration of President Lincoln sent as its representative a distinguished citizen, who had on more than one important occasion shown himself a friend to Mexico, Thomas Corwin,[1] who was also to watch the manœuvres of the rebellious states, which were supposed to be preparing to act against Mexico, Paso del Norte being one of the first places menaced. His influence soon became great, and he used it judiciously.[2] The confederate states did not fail to watch their interests in Mexico.[3]
The dismemberment of the United States, it was justly thought, would certainly bring upon Mexico European intervention. The hostile feeling was made evident on the landing of the new British minister, Sir Charles L. Wyke, at Vera Cruz, by his haughtily demanding a salute of fourteen guns instead of eleven that had been given him there.[4]
The second constitutional congress began its labors the 9th of May, on which date Juarez made a frank exposé of the political situation.[5] Congress and the
- ↑ His reception took place in May. Archivo Mex., Col. Ley., vi. 152-5, 163-6; Le Trait d'Union, May 23, 1861; El Amigo del Pueblo, May 10, 1861; see also Secretary Seward's despatch quoted in Arrangoiz, Méj., ii. 387-9.
- ↑ As an instance: at his request Mexico granted permission for U. S. troops to land at Guaymas, and by the most direct routes march to Arizona. U. S. Govt Doc., Cong. 39, Ses. 1, Mex. Affairs, i. 7; Id., Sen., 17.
- ↑ Their agent, Pickett, came to reside in Vera Cruz. Le Trait d'Union, July 6, 1861. On the 22d of May, Robert Toombs, secretary of the seceded states, sent a commissioner named Quintero to Vidaurri, governor of Nuevo Leon, with letters in which he spoke of expeditions being fitted out in Nuevo Leon and Coalhuila against Texas, and manifesting a desire for friendly relations, etc. He said that an agent had been despatched to the city of Mexico. Vidaurri answered Quintero July 1st, disclaiming authority to hold diplomatic relations; but in view of the abnormal state of affairs, assured Quintero there was no foundation for the report on hostile expeditions, and that he was equally actuated by friendly feelings. La Estrella de Occid., Aug. 30, 1861.
- ↑ His public reception took place in May.
- ↑ He assumed the responsibility of all his measures from the time he first
committed by the reactionary faction on the 18th of Nov. preceding. Archivo Mex., Col. Ley., v. 442-5.
