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240 'Susquehannah,' and beg you to read the despatch in cipher which I send by this courier to M. Dano. In a few days I shall be able to tell you more. The tendencies here are good; if there were any incidents to be feared, it would be only on questions of detail.

The news from Europe this morning announced no improvement in the health of the empress. What a fatality it seems! The news of the emperor's departure from Mexico has been received with pleasure, and his leaving is looked upon as the signal of an amicable and decisive solution of the difference with France on the subject of Mexico.

The Fenian question in Canada will henceforth form the principal feature of the foreign policy here. The result of the elections is entirely in favour of the opposition, and condemns the president's policy for the reconstruction of the union. The republican and radical party is however, as far as we are concerned, very plainly opposed to any foreign collision.

Washington, November 8, 1866. Frigate 'Susquehamah ' conveys to Mexico Mr. Campbell and General Sherman to meet Juarez. Instructions to aid the establishment of a regular republican government, and to avoid all pretext for collision with the French authorities. No improvement in the state of the empress.

Washington, November 12, 1866. Mission left yesterday. Instructions very vague. To come to an understanding with none but Juarez, except only in case of absolute necessity. No intervention. No acquisition of territory. Moral support to Juarez. Land and sea forces on the frontier at the orders of General Sherman. To avoid all collision with us. General Ortega arrested at Brazos by the Americans.

Everything was explained to the marshal in a visit which he received in the meantime from M. Marcus Otterbourg, the American consul, who had arrived in