Page:The rise and fall of the Emperor Maximilian.djvu/300

 Oajaca, January 12, 1867. Colonel,—M. Thiele has handed me the letter which you sent me. I approve of the convention entered into for the exchange of prisoners, and this very day they are on their way to the city of Tehuacan.

Colonel Milicua, chief of my staff, and my secretary M. Thiele, are appointed to officially arrange the exchange. They have full powers to deal with any incidents which may arise up to the close of the negotiations.

As to the French soldiers, taken prisoners at La Baranca Seca, they shall be placed at your disposal. I do not know where they are, and I cannot ensure that they shall be given up on any fixed day; but I can assure you that all the measures are taken to arrive at an early result. The Mexican soldiers who are prisoners in your hands are to be sent to Tlacotalpan to General Rafael Benavidez, the military commander of that district. Receive, &c.

In Michoacan, Vincente Riva Palacios' loyalty went so far that, over the whole extent of his command, small detachments of wounded or convalescent French soldiers making their way to Mexico from the shores of the Pacific met with every respect; he also took care that they were not troubled by the undisciplined guerillas:—

Republican Army of the Centre. To the Colonel, Head of the Military Cabinet. Head Quarters of Tenancingo, January 19, 1867. I have received your letter of January 14, with the enclosures, which I have forwarded to the French officers. You can assure the marshal, in my name, that his countrymen, who are travelling over the roads from Morelia to Mexico, will meet with entire respect, both as to person and property, over the whole line of road under my command, and I am giving orders to prevent any contretemps whatever.