Mr. Kirk to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have spent the last ten days in the country; the summer has been fearfully hot, and I felt that a few days out of the city would be of much benefit to me.
[Page 279]On the 31st of January there was quite a battle at what is called the “Paso de la Patria,” between a part of the allied and Paraguayan armies, and it is almost impossible at this distance to determine which was victorious. This government claims a victory, but Minister Ransom informed me that it was dearly bought.
On the 10th instant they had a similar engagement, and from what I can learn it was more decidedly in favor of the allies. Thus far the fighting on the part of the allies appears to have been done by the Argentine and Uruguayan troops, and I think it has produced a rather bitter feeling against the Brazilians.
Mr. Washburn was at Corrientes, only a few miles from the scene of action, and I have no doubt has given you a detailed account of these battles or of their results.
The admiral of the Brazilian fleet at Corrientes (a list of which I enclose) has at last left this city to take command, and it is positively asserted that active operations will immediately commence; but if we are to be governed by what has taken place, it is impossible to say with any degree of certainty how long this war will last; it may terminate suddenly, but it looks to me as if it would be a long, hazardous, and certainly very expensive war. The business interests of this city gain by it, but I fear a heavy debt will be imposed upon this government, which it is not very able to sustain.
The United States war steamer Shawmut is now in this port, and has been for some days; her commander, Captain Walker, as well as his officers, are a credit to our government, and I can assure you I have a pride and pleasure in saying so, for in times past it was not always the case.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
P. S.—On the 22d instant the United States war steamer Shawmut fired a salute, also the Italian war steamers, one Brazilian war steamer, and a salute was fired by this government from a battery on shore in honor of the day.