Page:Vol 6 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/31

Rh I have incidentally referred to existing complications with foreign powers. Great Britain was sending out a fleet to demand satisfaction for the calle de Capuchinas robbery. It was rumored that France and Spain would take advantage of the political disturbances in the United States, and intervene in Mexican affairs by force of arms. The northern republic, amidst her troubles, bestowed some attention on Mexico, accrediting near Juarez' government John Weller as minister plenipotentiary, who was properly received on the 30th of January. McLane, the former minister, also visited Mexico, giving rise to not a few comments. The Prussian minister likewise recognized the government.

New elements for international conflict were gathering. In the latter part of December 1860, the French war ship Sérieuse demanded reparation for the maltreatment of the French consul at Tepic, requiring a salute to his flag, a pecuniary compensation to cover damages, and the imprisonment of the officer Rojas. Meanwhile she seized as a hostage a vessel belonging to the government of Sinaloa. This affair, and the favor shown Miramon by the French at Vera Cruz, had delayed the recognition of Dubois de Saligny as French minister. He was, however, formally received on the 16th of March.

The rumor gained strength, and was indeed a recognized fact, that European intervention in Mexico had been agreed upon. Juarez endeavored, by diplomacy, to ward off the blow, receiving at a private audience the British representative, George Matthews; on the 26th of February the flags of Great Britain and Mexico were saluted.