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90 besieged by the government of Mexico, declaring and fomenting the civil war against that government, with which the United States are in friendly relations, under an assumed authority from the United States; and while he claimed to be under the protection and shield of their flag, he prevented the act of surrender of Vera Cruz, after the terms of that surrender had been agreed to and accepted by both parties; and this under the declaration that he was acting under the authority of the United States.' In this view of the subject, this department not only does not disallow nor censure, but it approves the proceedings of the United States consul and of Commander Roe, at Vera Cruz."

A copy of this memorandum was sent to Captain Roe, personally, by Mr. Seward, thus becoming a direct message of approval.