note of the 23d instant; therefore the same causes continue to exist which he in that note alleged as reasons for suspending his trip to Washington. Permit me, sir, nevertheless, to make two observations at present, as applicable to any difficulty, (inconveniente.) The terms in which the journals of this country which have fallen into the hands of the undersigned relate the loss of that vessel, do not entirely agree with those used by Mr. Forsyth in his note. Those papers say that the said American schooner was pursued and taken by a Mexican vessel of war, and some of them add that, according to "letters worthy of credit from Matamoras of the 17th ultimo, the Hannah Elizabeth was carrying fifty volunteers, with ammunition and contraband articles, taken in at New Orleans for Texas. With respect to the lives of the American citizens, the undersigned has the satisfaction to assure Mr. Forsyth that even those of the persons in the Hannah Elizabeth are in no more danger than they would be, legally and under the same circumstances, in any other civilized nation. Jf they be innocent, and their innocense is proved, they will be liberated; if only unfortunate, their misfortunes will be respected. Peaceful men of every country are always well received in .Mexico, and their rights are respected; but those who, in contempt of aJl national or international law, venture to meddle in the disagreements or intestine dissensions of that republic, subject themselves to the imminent risks which they thereby run, and must bear with resignation the punishment which they incur. Good citizens will merit every consideration; those who are otherwise will be exposed to the most severe rigor of the laws; neither can the latter expect that kindness, nor the former have any cause to dread that severity, still less that they should lose their lives without justice. The undersigned will now conclude by declaring that, when the obstacles indicated in his former note have been removed, he will avail himself of the first opportunity to go to that city, and with pleasure offer his respects to Mr. Forsyth, to whom he in the mean time offers the assurance of his distinguished consideration. J. M. De Castillo y Lanzas. Hon. John Forsyth Secretary of Stale of the United Stales.
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