Mr. Seward to Mr. Washburn.
Sir: Your despatch of the 27th of April has been received.
The President learns with deep dissatisfaction that at the day named the hindrance and obstruction of your journey to Asuncion were not only continued [Page 585] but renewed by the President of the Argentine Republic and the admiral commanding the Brazilian navy on the Parana.
We observe, of course, that the instruction which was given to you from this department on the 16th of April could not have reached you at the date of your last despatch and therefore could not have been executed. The case is the same concerning the subject of instructions sent to our ministers at Buenos Ayres and Rio Janeiro.
It is to be regretted that we must proceed now in ignorance of what may have been done when those despatches reached their respective destinations; nevertheless, the dignity and honor of the United States will not allow a further detention on the way to your mission under any conceivable circumstances. If, therefore, the obstructions which have been placed in your way by the authorities of the Argentine Republic and Brazil shall have continued until the arrival of this communication, you will at once return to the United States. Proper instructions in regard to the case in its present aspect are now given to the minister of the United States at Buenos Ayres and Rio Janeiro, respectively. A copy of those instructions is herewith communicated for your information.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles A. Washburn, Esq., &c., &c., &c.