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226 States, nor their representative, would interpose any hindrance or any obstacle to the departure of the French.

Thirdly, that which the government of the United States desire for the future of Mexico is, not the conquest of this country nor of any part of it, nor the aggrandisement of the United States by the purchase of lands or provinces; but, on the contrary, it desires to see the Mexicans delivered from all foreign military intervention, so that they may be able to regulate the conduct of their own affairs by means of the existing republican government, or any other form of rule which, when they enjoy perfect liberty, they shall adopt of their own accord uninfluenced by foreign countries, and also by the United States.

It follows from these principles, that you must not make any stipulations with the French commanders, or with the Prince Maximilian, nor with any party which may show a tendency to thwart or oppose the administration of the President Juarez, or to delay and put off the restoration of the republican authority. On the other hand, it may happen that the president of the Mexican republic may claim the good offices of the United States, or some effective action on our part to further and hasten the pacification of a country so long rent by civil and foreign war, and thus to accelerate the re-establishment of the national authority on principles in accordance with a republican and domestic system of government.

It is possible that some movement may be made by the land and sea forces of the United States, without intervening within the limits of Mexican jurisdiction, or violating the laws of neutrality, but in order to further the restoration of law, order, and republican government in that country.

You are authorised to confer on this subject with the republican government of Mexico and its agents, and even to confer, for the sake of inquiry, with any other parties or agents, in case an exceptional conference should become absolutely necessary; but in this case only.

You will thus be able to obtain information which will be important for our government to know, and you will transmit it to my department with your own suggestions and opinion as to any other measures which might be adopted on our part