5 pp., on two 4-page conjugate lettersheets headed "Head-Quarters Armies of the United States." 20.7x12.5 cm. (8x5").

Ulysses S. Grant, still in command of the United States Army, and a year and a half from becoming President of the United States, writes to the young Mexican envoy Matias Romero, who for the past four years had been representing Benito Juarez in Washington, lobbying for U.S. action against Maximilian I, supposed emperor of Mexico who was supported by the French. Maximilian had been defeated and captured by Juarez's forces on May 15th, 1867, and was executed a month later. Romero was thus on his way home, and Grant writes to him, in part: "“Señor Don M. Romero, My Dear Sir, You letter written from Charleston was duly received and I would have dropped you a line then had I supposed it possible you would have been detained so long. The detention must have been very trying to you and particularly so to your mother and sister. Washington is beginning to assume and appearance of more activity in view of Congress meeting earlier than usual this winter many members are now here looking up winter quarters... I hope you will find everything quiet in your country and the prospects bright for a speedy restoration of law and order. No Mexican desires more than I do the prosperity and progress of your country. I want to see it a strong and thriving and growing Republic, intimately associated with our own in trade and commerce, and the two in such relations to each other that they will be a mutual support. Please express to your most excellent president my congratulations upon his triumphant reelection for the presidency of the republic... Also remember me to the estimable family of the President who’s acquaintance I´m proud to have made during their stay in the United States. Please remember Ms. Grant and myself, and the children all of whom join me, to your mother and sister, and believe me. truly yours, U.S. Grant."