Having a claim against the Government of Mexico for services in its navy under Commodore Porter and others, I was on the point of having it paid by their own positive order before the war as were settled those of other foreigners in similar cases, but being an American it was withheld from me and I was otherwise persecuted on the same account.

Since the restoration of peace I demanded payment again, and have been answered that it was just, right and proper that it should be paid, although they plead at the same time the excuse of some law, which they pretend is against it at present, notwithstanding they have appropriated to themselves other money of mine as a motive of paying it; but the most weighty reason against it which they do not express, is, their well known animosity to Americans in general since the war and particularly to me and others who like myself have been associated with the American Army here.

Under these circumstances it is in vain for me to think of obtaining said payment without some countenance, aid or support from the U.S. Government, and as they have confessed that they are bound to pay it, and it being besides an injury which has resulted to me on account of the war, I most respectfully solicit, that your Excellency will be pleased to have issued such instructions as may be deemed proper, to the American Minister here in favour of it, supposing myself entitled to some consideration on the part of the Government at home, not only as an American citisen, but also for my services to the American Army whilst here, in whose toils and dangers I participated in the staff of the first division, and to every Department of which I rendered more or less assistance.