Mr. Hall to Mr. Seward.
Sir: President Melgarejo having defeated and totally dispersed the constitutional forces under Arguedes, issued a proclamation on the battle field providing for an election of a provisional president and members of congress in May, and for the assembling of the congress in August. The battle took place at Viacha, a town about five leagues distant from La Paz, whither Melgarejo had gone with his army of sixteen hundred men from Potosi. There is now no force in arms in this country against Melgarejo. By his courage and energy, the superior discipline of his troops, and his artillery and cavalry he has triumphed over all opposition. It is most confidently believed by gentlemen of intelligence here, who are very far from being friendly to Melgarejo, that the success of the constitutionalists (so called) would not have resulted in the pacification of the country; on the contrary, it is believed that they would have quarrelled and fought among themselves immediately had they succeeded in putting down Melgarejo, there having been among them five or six aspirants for the presidency We can expect for a long time to come no other established government than Melgarejo’s.
I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.