Mr. Washburn to Mr. Seward.
Sir: In my despatch No. 73 I had the honor to inform you that the newly appointed minister to reside near this capital would reach here within a couple of days, and that I only waited for him and for information from Admiral Godon, whether he still adhered to his determination not to send a vessel from the squadron to Paraguay, in order to decide whether I should go on to my post or return to the United States.
General Asboth arrived here as expected on the 14th instant, and he informs me that while at Rio he had an interview with General Webb, who told him that the Brazilian government had given orders that no more obstructions should be made to my passing through the military lines to Paraguay, and that Admiral Godon had been notified of that fact. General Asboth also brought me a letter from the admiral advising me that he had given orders to Commander Crosby, commanding the United States steamer Shamokin, to receive me and my family on board his vessel and take us to Asuncion.
[Page 612]Under these circumstances it seemed that the only course for me was to avail myself of the means at length for my disposal for reaching my post, and after waiting for General Asboth to present his credentials, and ask such explanations as might seem to him necessary, I now propose to embark tomorrow morning on the Shamokin and proceed, without delay, up the river.
It has occurred to me that the time might come when peace might sooner take place if a certain distinguished person in Paraguay could find a safe means of escape from the country, and it has therefore been a question with me whether or not such person should be received and protected on board of an American war vessel, if it should appear that peace might thereby be hastened, and the effusion of blood be sooner stayed.
I am informed, however, by Commander Crosby that he can have no discretion in such a contingency, as the admiral has given him positive orders not to bring away President Lopez, or any other Paraguayan. It appears to me that some discretion could with propriety be left with the minister in such contingency, and I therefore ask your early attention to the subject, so that both the admiral and myself may soon be advised of the views of the government on this matter.
Most respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.