Señor Benitez to Mr. Washburn.
The Portuguese subject, Don José Maria Leite Pereira, having disappeared some days since from his ordinary residence in Trinidad, in contravention of orders in force, I have the honor to inquire of your excellency if it be true, as the police has been informed, that the said individual is now in the American legation, and for how long since; hoping your excellency will also please inform me of the nature and motive of his remaining in that legation.
At the same time I beg your excellency will remit me a list of all the persons who, without belonging to the legation, are sheltered in it.
On this occasion I have the honor to renew to your excellency the assurances of my most distinguished consideration and esteem.
Hon. Charles A. Washburn, Minister Resident of the United States of America.