Sir C. Wyke to Earl Russell - (Received January 29, 1862) Vera Cruz, December 29, 1861 (Extract) I arrived here on the evening of the 24th from Mexico (City), intending to leave this place in Her Majesty's ship "Ariadne," for Jamaica immediately after the arrival of the English mail, which I fully expected would have brought your Lordship's replies to my official correspondence of the 29th of October last. The steamer "Clyde" arrived at this port the day before yesterday, without, however, having brought any despatches for me, so that I conclude they have been sent to Jamaica under the Admiral's address. Yesterday morning Captain Von Donop, of Her Majesty's ship "Jason" called to show me a letter from Commodore Dunlop, dated the 23rd instant, from Havana, by which I learnt that it was not the Admiral's intention to proceed to Jamaica as announced; but that he was expected with the squadron at the Havana on the 26th instant en route for Vera Cruz. Under these circumstances, had I proceeded even at once to that place in the "Ariadne," I should probably have crossed without meeting him on the way. This consideration induced me to remain where I was; and by way of avoiding any further uncertainty, I immediately dispatched Mr. Walsham in the "Ariadne" with a letter for the Admiral, begging his Excellency at once to forward to me my despatches in case the present critical state of our relations with the United States should prevent his coming on here, as Captain Von Donop thought it not at all improbable that he would now return to the North. As this place as been in possession of the Spaniards since the 17th instant, there could be no impropriety in my remaining here, as I am no longer residing in a town under the authority of the Mexican Government. The English and French squadrons are expected here three or four days hence, but they may be detained for a week or ten days more, in consequence of the heavy northerly gales which so frequently blow on this coast at the present season. Until the Admiral's arrival, or Mr. Walsham's return, I of course remain ignorant of the nature of your Lordship's instructions, as well also of the stipulations of the Convention which I hear has been signed by the Plenipotentiaries of England, France, and Spain. (signed) C. LENNOX WYKE Sir C. Wyke to Earl Russell - (Received January 29, 1862) Vera Cruz, December 29, 1861 (Extract) On my arrival here a few days ago, I found that Vera Cruz had formally been taken possession of, on the 17th instant, by a Spanish force under the command of General Gasset, composed of 6,500 men and 300 horses. They were brought here from the Havana in twenty-six transports and vessels of war, commanded by Admiral Rubalcava, who having summoned the place to surrender, both castle and town were delivered up to him without resistance. All the Mexican authorities, with many of the inhabitants, retired into the interior, and nothing has since occurred to disturb the peaceable occupation of the town, which the Spaniards hold in the name of the allies as well as their own, until the arrival of the English and French Admirals. They have formed an Administration for the service of the Custom-house, Post Office, Town Council, &c. All duties levied are to be divided hereafter, according to the claims of each nation on the Government of the Republic. On arriving here, the Governor of the town immediately sent me a guard of honour, which I dispensed with, and both himself and the General-in-chief offered their services to me in the kindest manner. The day following I called on them, and they, as well as the Admiral, then assured me that everything they had done was considered by them as a mere temporary measure employed until the arrival of the allies. Their troops are a very fine body of men, and are kept under strict discipline, so that no complaints have been made against them by the inhabitants of the town. The Mexicans are fortifying some very strong mountain-passes, where they mean to resist the march of the allies on the capital; but as long as the Spaniards keep within their lines here they do not intend to molest them, except by cutting off, as far as they can, all supplies of provisions from entering the town. As fresh meat was becoming scarce here a few days ago, General Gasset was about seizing on three of the neighbouring villages to obtain cattle, but I strongly advised him not to take such a step before the arrival of the French and English forces, as by so doing he would only bring on a collision with the Mexican forces outside the town, which it was most advisable to avoid, owing to the bitter feeling still existing in this country against the Spaniards. The General most readily yielded to my wishes, and although the troops were already out and under arms, he consented to change his projected expedition into a mere military promenade, to be made round the outer works of the town. I at the same time wrote to General Uraga, commanding the Mexican forces outside, strongly advising him to allow provisions to enter the town for the sake of his own countrymen shut up in it, and also to avoid any hostile movement until the arrival of the allied squadrons in this harbour. This suggestion was also well received, as the General replied that he would do all in his power to carry out my wishes. I am most anxious to give time for the formation of a respectable Government, who will understand that it is for their interest to receive the intervention in a friendly and not a hostile spirit, so as to aid them re-establish order, and take the opinion of those who alone are entitled to have a voice in the matter. Hitherto the men of property and intelligence have been completely silenced and domineered over by the rabble, who elected from their own class the members of a Congress which, besides being a disgrace to the country, rendered anything like good government impossible. The nation are now thoroughly frightened at the formidable coalition formed against them, and will be more disposed to grant what we want before blood has been shed and their passions excited, than they will be when once engaged in a struggle with the Spaniards. The rejection of my Convention by the Congress, as described in my last month's correspondence, had the effect of breaking up the late Cabinet, and the crisis which then ensued brought General Dablado forward, who would only consent to form a Government on the condition of having full powers conferred on him by Congress, authorizing him to settle pending questions with the three Powers as he deemed best. Having obtained these he adjourned the Assembly until April next, and now remains unfettered to make the best arrangement he can with us. He is a man of such talent and influence in the country that the Reactionary Chiefs began to lay down their arms and give in their adhesion on his appointment becoming known, and he is now engaged in forming his Cabinet from the best men he could find, irrespective of their political opinions. His first act was to entreat me not to leave Mexico, as he was, he said, now able to conclude an arrangement with me that would give England positive guarantees for the due fulfilment of their engagements towards us. As this overture was made to me after the arrival of last month's mail bringing English newspapers in which it was positively stated that a Convention was about being signed, binding the three Powers to a joint intervention in Mexico, I could not, of course, take advantage of an offer which, under other circumstances, I should have gladly availed myself of. Everything depends on the manner in which matters are managed here at first. If the intervention is properly received it will prove a blessing to the country; but on the other hand, violent measures at first will spoil all, and engage us in an undertaking the difficulties of which can hardly be overrated. Fortunately, the Spanish Commanders, both military and naval, appear to be men of great prudence and discretion, and up to the present moment they have shown a spirit of justice and conciliation which speaks highly in their favour. In a long conversation I had with Admiral Rubalcava the day before yesterday, he expressed his opinion on this subject in terms nearly identical to those I have now used in giving my own. (signed) C. LENNOX WYKE 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