Mr. Washburn to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I learn that the English packet which arrived here this morning brought the newly-appointed United States minister, the Hon. Alexander Asboth, as far as Montevideo. I take it for granted he will be here by to-morrow or next day. As he doubtless had an interview while at Rio with Mr. Webb, and very probably learned whether or not it was the inexorable purpose of Admiral Godon not to send a vessel of war to Paraguay so long as he should be in command of the squadron, I shall be able to decide at once, after conferring with him, on the proper course for me to pursue. Unless very strong reasons are given why I should remain, I shall take passage for the United States on the next steamer connecting with the American mail packet at Rio de Janeiro.
The French gunboat Decidee has returned to this port, having been refused a passage to Paraguay by the Brazilian admiral. The French secretary of legation here, Count Beaumont, who went up to the Tres Bocas on the Decidee, remains at Corrientes, or in the vicinity of the headquarters of the allies. Just as the Decidee was leaving, Count Beaumont received a note from President Mitre saying that he would try and make an arrangement so that he could pass over under a flag of truce, or else under it have an interview with the French consul at Asuncion, M. Cochelet, and deliver to him his long-accumulated correspondence. I apprehend, however, that this will be like President Mitre’s promises to me, a mere device to gain time.
There is no late news from the seat of war. Since the attack on Curupaiti [Page 611] both parties have rested to recover and reorganize. There seems to be no disposition on either side towards peace. It is now a question whether the interference of the stronger powers would not allow the Brazilians to retire without too great a sacrifice of pride and national honor, and thus stop what otherwise promises to be a war for the extermination of a peculiar but brave people.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Hon. William H Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.