Mr. Lidgerwood to Mr. Seward.
Sir: In my despatch No. 12 I had the honor to place before you an account of an interview between the minister of foreign affairs, Admiral Godon, and myself relative to the detention of Mr. Washburn, United States minister to Paraguay.
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After reading to him part of despatch No. 170, I stated to him that it had been only received the evening before, and that it would now be necessary to ask the imperial government for an official explanation of the hindrance of Mr. Washburn while returning to Paraguay.
Conselheiro do Amaral was formerly Brazilian minister resident at Montevideo, and his experience and observation while there and in the riparian states do not inspire him with confidence in their allies.
It is the impression of Admiral Godon and myself that the orders to pass Mr. Washburn through the military lines were sent to the river Plate by last steamer.
There is a supposition that there is one citizen of the United States in Asuncion.
Until within three months, when active operations were commenced on the Parana, Mr. Washburn would have had no difficulty in reaching Asuncion.
I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.