Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress
Mr. Asboth to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you, in connection with my report dated Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, October 6, 1866, that having been formally received, on [Page 289] the 20th instant, by the vice-president of the Argentine Republic, Dr. Don Marcos Paz, as minister resident of the United States of America, and having been next day, by a decree in the government organ, the “Nacion Argentina,” officially announced as such near the Argentine government, as fully reported in my despatch No. 8, dated October 21, I hastened to address, on the next day, the 22d, a note to Señor Dr. Don Rufino de Elizalde, Argentine minister for foreign affairs, in relation to the obstructions to the passing of our minister resident, the Hon. Charles A. Washburn, to his post of duty near the government of Paraguay. The full contents of this my note to Señor Elizalde I beg to give here, as follows :
Sir: I have the honor to inform your excellency that while on my way from the United States of America to this capital an official despatch was handed me in London, on the 6th of September, dated at the Department of State, Washington, April 21st, 1866, and addressed to my predecessor, the Hon. Robert C. Kirk, but received by him only on the 5th of September. This despatch, unfortunately much delayed, contains the information “that the government of the United States has learned with much surprise that the Hon. Charles A. Washburn, minister resident of the United States to the Republic of Paraguay, has been hindered and detained at or near Corrientes, on the river Parana, by the allied armies engaged in war against Paraguay, on his return, after a leave of absence to Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay, and that the United States government sincerely hopes to learn that the President of the Argeutine Republic has neither ordered nor approved of the hindrance to the passage of the diplomatic representative of the United States, so disrepectful in itself, and so entirely inconsistent with the law of nations.”
In connection with this information, my predecessor was instructed “to bring the subject to the notice of the government of the Argentine Republic, and to ask an explanation.”
On my arrival at this capital, on the 14th instant, under commission as minister resident of the United States of America to the government of the Argentine Republic, I found the Hon. Charles A. Washburn, the regularly accredited minister resident of the United States to Paraguay, still in this city, prevented, as he informs me, by the allied armies of the Argentine Republic, Brazil, and Uruguay, from proceeding to his post of duty. Day before yesterday, however, I had the honor to receive, in the reply of his excellency the vice-president to my introductory address, the kind assurances of sympathy and respect the Argentine nation feels towards the United States of America; also of the sincere desire of his excellency that Heaven may guard the friendly relations of the two sister republics for many successive ages.
Furthermore, I see with satisfaction from an official communication of General J. Watson Webb, the United States minister plenipotentiary to Brazil, dated August 26th, 1866, to the Hon. Charles A. Washburn, (a copy of which I beg to enclose, marked A,) that instructions have been issued by the Brazilian government to their representatives in the river Plate, and its vicinity, with. drawing all obstructions to the passing of the Hon. Charles A. Washburn to his post of duty, as minister resident near the government of Paraguay. General Webb, also informed Rear-Admiral S. W. Godon, commanding the United States squadron on the east coast of South America, in an official letter, (a copy of which I beg to enclose, marked B,) that all obstructions on the part of the allied fleet to the repairing of the Hon. Charles A. Washburn to his post of duty had been removed, and Admiral Godon, presuming that the president of the Argentine Republic, had also issued similar orders, has instructed Commander Crosby, of the United States steaner Shamokin to receive the Hon. Charles A. [Page 290] Washburn, whenever requested to do so, on board his vessel, and to convey him to his official residence at Asuncion. A copy of the official communication to that effect I beg to enclose herewith, marked C.
In consideration of this favorable solution of the complications which have existed for the last six months, I cannot doubt that the Argentine government will be disposed to provide the Hon. Charles A. Washburn, United States minister to Paraguay, with a letter of safe conduct, in order that he may be able to leave on the United States steamer Shamokin without further delay—such a letter, at the same time, as will be an assurance that he will not again be interfered with on his way to Asuncion.
I beg leave also to express my confident hope that the Argentine government, imbued as it is with just and generally recognized principles of international law, will help to strengthen still more the ties of amity between the United States of America and the Argentine Republic, by enabling me to forward the satisfactory explanation which I was instructed by my government to ask from the government of the Argentine Republic. At the same time, I consider it my pleasant duty to assure your excellency that the government of the United States, so far as in it lies, will neglect nothing to secure permanently to both countries the mutual advantages of lasting friendship.
I have the honor to be, with distinguished consideration, your obedient servant,
His Excellency Señor Dr. Don Rufino de Elizalde, Minister for Foreign Affairs.
Well assured of the friendly feelings of the Argentine people and its government towards the United States, which sentiments were so warmly expressed by the vice-president in his reply to my introductory address, I thought it proper to make the first official demand of the United States representative near this government, in accordance with the instructions given in your despatch No. 104, to my predecessor, the Hon. Robert C. Kirk, as lenient as possible, fully determined, however, that in case the answer of the Argentine government should not be satisfactory for the sovereignty and honor of the United States, I would at once make my demand more peremptorily, in obedience to your subsequent orders directed to me, June 27th, marked No. 3, and received on my arrival here.
On the same day, the 22d instant, I received an invitation from the minister for foreign affairs, Señor Dr. Don Rufino de Elizalde, to meet him the following day, the 23d instant, at one o’clock, at the government house, for the puspose of holding a personal conference with him. A copy of this note I beg to enclose, marked D.
I accepted the invitation, and in the conversation, a memorandum of which I beg leave also herewith to enclose, marked E, Señor Elizalde stated that he was quite surprised to learn from my letter that the Brazilian government had given orders to their representatives in the river Plate to remove all obstructions to the passing of the Hon. Charles A. Washburn up to Asuncion, as at present he feels only authorized to offer Mr. Washburn a vessel to go as far as the Paso la Patria, and from there be conveyed through the lines under a flag of truce to Lopez’ encampment, from whence transportation to Asuncion would be easy. Señor Elizalde added, however, that he would consult the Brazilian minister, and if the Brazilians had no objection to Mr. Washburn’s passing in a United States war ship, the Argentine government would certainly not object. I expressed the hope that Señor Elizalde would honor me with an early official reply to my letter in relation to the detention of the United States minister to Paraguay which would be satisfactory to the sovereignty and honor of the United States. I also informed Señor Elizalde that I am under additional orders from my government, more imperative, respecting the affair, but that I refrained from [Page 291] giving them in my first address, well assured as I am of the friendly intentions of the Argentine people towards the United States.
A few hours after this interview, I received, yesterday afternoon, a despatch from the minister for foreign affairs, a copy of which I beg herewith to enclose, marked F. In this official communication the Argentine government gives the required explanation and concessions, with a letter of safe conduct as asked for, a copy of which letter of safe conduct I beg to enclose, marked G, also a copy of a note addressed by Señor R. de Elizalde to the Hon. Charles A. Washburn, in answer to a letter of his of the 13th of August ultimo, and offering him the means of conveyance to his post of duty, a copy of which letter I beg to enclose, marked H. I communicated this important result at once to the Hon. Mr. Washburn by letter, a copy of which I beg to enclose, marked I, placing with it an official copy of the said communication of Señor de Elizalde, as well as the original paper of safe conduct in the form of a letter to his excellency the President of the Argentine Republic, and commander-in-chief of the allied armies, General Bartolome Mitre, into the hands of our minister to Paraguay, the Hon. Charles A. Washburn, and he sailed accordingly this day at noon on the United States war steamer Shamokin.
Thus I consider the long annoyances of our minister to Paraguay, the Hon. Charles A. Washburn, of nearly a year’s standing, at an end, and the question of his passing the allied lines finally arranged with due regard and full satisfaction to the sovereignty and honor of the United States.
In conclusion, I beg leave to enclose a copy of the orders from Rear-Admiral S. W. Godon to Captain Peirce Crosby, commanding the Shamokin, marked K.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. S—I beg leave to annex to my above report a newspaper extract from the “Standard” of this morning, relative to the departure of the Hon. Charles A. Washburn, marked L.
A.
Mr. Webb to Mr. Washburn.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that instructions have been issued by the Brazilian government to their representatives in the river Plate and its vicinity withdrawing all obstructions to your passing to your post of duty whenever it shall be your pleasure to repair thereto.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
His Excellency Charles A. Washburn, United States Minister Resident to Paraguay.
B.
Mr. Webb to Admiral Godon.
Sir: In reply to your official note of yesterday, received at 7 p.m. this evening, I have the pleasure to communicate for your information that on the 22d of August I advised Mr. [Page 292] Washburn officially that all obstructions on the part of the allied fleet to his repairing to his post of duty had been removed.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Acting Rear-Admiral S. W. Godon, Commanding United States South Atlantic Squadron.
C.
Admiral Godon to Mr. Washburn.
Sir: I have been officially informed by General Webb, our minister to this court, that all obstructions to your passing the military lines of the allies into Paraguay have been removed, and that he has so informed you.
Presuming that the President of the Argentine Republic has also given you the same answer to your demand to that effect, I have instructed Commander Crosby, of the Shamokin, to receive you and your family, on your requesting it in writing, on beard his vessel and to convey you to your official residence.
I am, very respectfully,
Hon. C. A. Washburn, American Minister Resident to Paraguay.
D.
[Received October 22, 1866.—Translation.]
The minister for foreign affairs has the honor to invite General Alexander Asboth, minister resident of the United States of America, to a conference at his office to-morrow, the 23d instant, at 1 o’clock p. m.
E.
[Untitled]
Dr. Elizalde remarked that he received the general’s letter only after his interview with Mr. Washburn, and immediately upon its receipt wrote a note requesting an official interview with the general.
General Asboth said that he regretted the delay, as he intended the letter should have been delivered to Mr. Elizalde before the interview with Mr. Washburn.
Mr. Elizalde said that upon reading the letter from the general he was confused, as therein he found copies of letters from General Webb, United States minister at Rio de Janeiro, and Admiral Godon, both officially stating that the Brazilian government had given orders to their representatives in the river Plate to remove all obstructions to the passing of Mr. Washburn to his official residence at Asuncion, and that he would consult the Brazilian minister to ascertain whether he had received any such orders. As far as already authorized, he had prepared an answer for Mr. Washburn, offering him a vessel to go as far as the Paso la Patria, and from thence be conveyed through the lines under a flag of truce to Lopez’s encampment, from whence transportation to Asuncion would be easy.
General Asboth expressed the hope that Mr. Elizalde would honor him with an early official reply to his letter in regard to the detention of the United States minister to Paraguay, which would be satisfactory to the sovereignty and honor of the United States. He also informed Señor Elizalde that he is under additional orders from his government, more imperative, respecting the affair, but he refrained from giving them in his first address, well assured of the friendly intentions of the Argentine government towards the United States.
Señor Elizalde answered that the Argentine government was always inclined to allow Mr. Washburn to pass to his post, and if the Brazilians had no objection to Mr. Washburn’s passing in a United States war vessel, the Argentine government would certainly not object.
[Page 293]General Asboth remarked that Mr. Washburn had been detained now for nearly a year, and it was no wonder that he felt somewhat irritated.
Mr. Elizalde replied that he understood Mr. Washburn’s position, but that it was not the fault of the Argentine government, but of the Brazilian.
General Asboth concluded with the wish to see sister republics always act in proper accord.
The above I certify to be a correct account of the interview to which it refers.
F.
Señor Elizalde to Mr. Asboth.
Mr. Ministfr: I have the honor to say, in answer to your note of the 22d instant, that the Argentine government has acted in relation to Mr. Washburn’s passing up to Paraguay in the most friendly manner, making use of its rights when it thought that the interests of the war in which it is engaged against Paraguay demanded them, and making concessions when it considered it compatible, never omitting proofs of good will towards Mr. Washburn. I have now the pleasure to inform your excellency that the Argentine government, in accord with the Brazilian government, makes Mr. Washburn the offer contained in the accompanying note, and expects a note of acquiescence also from the Oriental government.
But if Mr. Washburn prefers going in the manner you indicate, since there is no objection on the part of the Brazilian government, according to the notes your excellency has enclosed, the Argentine government consents with pleasure, and to that effect encloses the necessary orders.
I improve this opportunity to manifest to your excellency that the Argentine government will omit no effort to strengthen the friendly and sincere relations with the United States, and express to your excellency the sentiments of my esteem and high consideration.
His Excellency General Alexander Asboth, Minister Resident of the United States of America.
G.
Señor Elizalde to General Mitre.
Sir: The legation of the United States of America near this government having stated that, on the part of the government of his Majesty the Emperor of Brazil, there was no objection to the passing up to Paraguay of a United States war steamer conveying the Hon. Charles A. Washburn, United States minister resident, the Argentine government, on its part, has consented also, and hopes that your excellency will adopt the necessary measures in order that no obstacle be put in the way.
God preserve your excellency many years.
His Excellency Brigadier General Don Bartolome Mitre, President of the Argentine Republic, General-in-chief of the Allied Armies.
H.
Señor Elizalde to Mr. Washburn.
Sir: In answer to your excellency’s note of the 13th of August ultimo, I have the satisfaction to say that the allied governments of his Majesty the Emperor of Brazil and the [Page 294] Argentine Republic, engaged in war against the Paraguayan government, wishing to give a proof of friendship to the government of the United States of America, and in view that the war may continue some time longer, have agreed to offer your excellency the means to convey you to your post of duty.
In accordance, I offer means which will transport you as far as the Paso de la Patria, from whence you will be provided, by his excellency the general-in-chief, Bartolome Mitre, with conveyance to pass the military lines of the allied armies to the army of Paraguay.
I have not yet received the answer of the government of the republic of Uruguay, but expect it momentarily, when I will communicate its contents to your excellency.
I have the honor to reiterate to your excellency the assurances of my most distinguished consideration.
His Excellency Mr. Charles A. Washburn, Minister Resident of the United States of America near the Government of Paraguay.
I.
Mr. Asboth to Mr. Washburn.
Sir: I have the honor to inform you that, in reply to my note of yesterday to the Argentine minister for foreign affairs, Señor Dr. Don Rufino de Elizalde, a copy of which I have already had the pleasure to transmit to you for your information, I have this day received an official communication containing the required explanations and concessions, with the letter of safe conduct asked for; and, while herewith transmitting to you an official copy of the said communication, as well as the paper of safe conduct, in the form of a letter to his excellency the President of the Argentine Republic, and commander in chief of the allied armies, General Bartolome Mitre, I confidently hope that your long annoyances may now end; and further, that you may soon safely reach your post of duty at Asuncion.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. Charles A. Washburn, United States Minister, &c., &c., &c.
K.
Admiral Godon to Commander Crosby.
Sir: On application in writing from our minister resident at Paraguay, Mr. Washburn, to whom I have written this day, you will proceed with him and his family in the Shamokin, under your command, to Paraguay, and land him in Asuncion.
You will make the best of your way up the river, and on reaching the blockading squadron you will inform the commanding officer of your orders to convey our minister to his official post, and will not delay your journey.
Permit no passengers, letters, or packages, to be sent up in your vessel, except such as belong to the minister. Observe the strictest neutrality between the belligerents. You will under no circumstances give to Lopez or any Paraguayan a passage in your vessel on your return.
After remaining a reasonable time at Asuncion, you will make the best of your way to Buenos Ayres.
If Mr. Washburn has gone up the river to Corrientes, you will go there and carry out these instructions.
Respectfully,
Commander Peirce Crosby, United States Navy, Commanding Shamokin.
L.
Departure of the Hon. Mr. Washburn–Great ovation.
Yesterday at about quarter to 10 o’clock a. m. the saloons of the Hotel Provence were thrown open to receive the friends of the Hon. Mr. Washburn and lady, who, according to [Page 295] arrangement, were to. leave at 10 o’clock sharp for Paraguay. The rooms were crowded with some of the leading men of Buenos Ayres. We noticed present Major General Asboth, United States resident minister; H. R. Helper, esq., United States consul; Viscount Beaumont, French legation; Messrs. Thomas Armstrong, Samuel B. Hale, H. J. Ropes, F. Elortondo, V. Sagastume, J. F. Gowland, T. B. Coffin, B. Coffin, John Naulty, William Livingstone, William Thompson, Steward, Tay, Gilbert, Upton, E. H. Folmar, Thomas Livingston, secretary of legation, and several others whose names we did not know. After about half an hour’s conversation the whole party formed in procession, Major General Asboth, with Mrs. Washburn on his arm, taking the lead. The people of Calle Cangallo and Paseo Julio were of course astonished to see at so early an hour such a highly influential procession, and when we arrived at the stairs at the mole-head there was an immense throng awaiting us.
The boats of the Shomokin were in waiting to convey the party on board, but it being a business day, only some few of the immediate friends of the minister pushed off to the Shamokin. It is a remarkable fact, that when Mr. Washburn left some seven or eight months ago, precisely on the same mission, only one or two friends accompanied, but yesterday his departure was little short of an ovation.
We are happy to say, we learn on good authority that on Tuesday night the Argentine government, possibly influenced by the example of the Rio cabinet, passed a note to the American resident minister, which, although we have not seen, removes any impression which may have been entertained as to the free passage of Mr. Washburn to Paraguay; indeed, we believe that much too great importance has been attached to the matter, and we congratulate the Argentine government on the good sense it has displayed in waiving points and thus arranging the question.