Mr. Seward to Mr. Washburn.
Sir: Your very interesting despatch of the 1st of February, without number, has been received. I thank you for the early and important information which it brings.
I give you for your information a copy of instructions* which have been sent by this department to our representatives at Rio Janeiro and Baenos Ayres, which instructions require them to ask explanations regarding your unlawful detention on your return to your mission.
This government thinks it unnecessary, and of course unwise, to give you instructions at this time, contingent upon the uncertain casualties of the war in which the republic of Paraguay is engaged.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles A. Washburn, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
- For inclosure see instruction to United States minister to the Argentine Republic.↩