Matthew Maury Goes to Mexico-- Part 1

MAY 25TH, 1865:  Because of his activities as a Confederate agent abroad and his torpedo activities, that many then considered dastardly, Commander Matthew F. Maury decided that he probably would not be granted amnesty.  Before the war, when he headed the Naval Observatory and was world famous for his pathfinding in oceanography, he had corresponded with many leaders from Europe, including Heads of State.

One of these was Maximilian of Austria.  While in England, he had renewed his correspondence and had dabbled in political intrigue with Emperor Napoleon and Maximilian before the latter proceeded in 1864 on his ill-fated venture as Emperor of Mexico.

Once his ship, the Atrato arrived in Havana, he continued on to Mexico on May 24th.   On this date he drafted a note to the United States Consul at Vera Cruz, Mexico,, enclosing a letter addressed "To the officer in command of the U.S. Naval forces in the Gulf of Mexico".

The Letter Next.  --Old B-Runner