Earl Russell to Sir C. Wyke Foreign Office, November 15, 1861 (Extract) The instructions of the Emperor of the French are similar in substance to those which I have transmitted to you. The French Government have contemplated a case of which I had not taken notice. It is supposed that the Mexicans may withdraw from Vera Cruz destroying their fortifications, and refuse to enter into any agreement or negotiation whatever. In such a case the French Government maintain that the allied Powers could not allow themselves to be baffled; they could not permit their subjects to be ill- treated and defrauded, nor three powerful Governments to be defied with impunity. The French Government in such a case, therefore, suppose that the allied forces would march on Mexico, and there require the reparation which had not been obtained on the coast. I have nothing to say against this reasoning or the measures in contemplation. But, as regards Her Majesty's forces, you are aware that no land forces have been directed to join the British portion of the expedition. A body of 700 Marines is the whole force set apart for this service, which can be employed on shore for any length of time; neither the constitution of this force nor its amount would allow of its being employed in a march upon Mexico. You will, therefore, if such a case should arise, decline to direct the Marines to take part in the operations against Mexico; but it is essential that uniformity should be preserved in the demands to be made upon the de facto authorities of Mexico. I do not think it necessary to give you more detailed information. Her Majesty's Government have entire reliance upon your judgement and discretion, they would be unwilling to fetter that discretion by minute directions upon hypothetical cases. They would prefer, in regards to operations of much difficulty, where concert is necessary, and the aspect of affairs may vary from day to day, to leave you to the guidance of your own judgement, enlightened as that judgement will be by local information and experience. Her Majesty's Government are confident that Sir A. Milne and yourself will in the performance of your present arduous duties be guided by that zeal for the public service, and by that judgement and discrimination, of which you have both given satisfactory proofs. (signed) RUSSELL Back to Table of Contents: Booklet No. 8, Mexico 1861-67 Back to El Dorado List of Issues Back to Master Magazine List © Copyright 2000 by The South and Central Military Historians Society This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com