Mexican envoy Matias Romero had long sought to involve the United States in his country's battle against French control. Secretary of State Seward opposed this and tried to restrict Romero from meeting Johnson, fearing the President's acquiesence.  General Grant did arrange a meeting between the two and an arms deal was negiotiated, to be accomplished through third parties.  (By John Osborne) 

As the proliferation of wells had increased in 1865, the Pennsylvania oil region had been plagued with an increasing number of fires, one a week by some reports.  The fire on Bennehof Run in Venango County was a serious blaze.  Started by a spark from a smokestack, the fire extended for half a mile and completely destroyed nine of the run's best wells.  No serious injuries were reported, however.  (By John Osborne)