Mr. Washburn to Mr. Seward.
Sir: * * * * * * * *
I intend to start for Rio, and thence for the United States, by the first steamer that leaves for the former place. Mr. Webb writes me that Admiral Davis is not disposed to take any action for the rescue of those two members of the United States legation at Asuncion, Mr. Bliss and Mr. Masterman, who were forcibly seized by the government of Paraguay as they started to accompany me to the steamer at the time of my departure. Such being the case, I shall not delay here a day longer than I can avoid.
Since I left Paraguay, there appears to have been little done to change the situation.
There was a report several days ago that Lopez had shot his brother ami sister, and his bishop. It was not generally credited, however, until to-day, when I hear that information of an authentic character has been received that he has shot his two brothers, Yenancio and Benigno, and his sister, the widow of General Barrios, who died some five or six weeks ago of wounds inflicted on himself in an attempt at suicide. The bishop is also said to have been shot.
[Page 678]If this be true, and I fear it is, there seems to be little prospect for any of those to escape who took refuge in the United States legation. The most remarkable thing in the whole dreadful tragedy is that I got away alive. I fear there will not be another such exception.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.