Señor Benitez to Mr. Washburn.
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your excellency’s note of the 22d instant, in which is confirmed the fact that the Portuguese subject, José Maria Leite Pereira, is sheltered in the legation of the United States in contravention of all governmental dispositions.
Reserving for another occasion my answer to the various points touched upon in your excellency’s note, I limit myself for the present to request of your excellency that since the aforesaid Leite Pereira is accused and has to appear before the proper tribunal, you will have the goodness to cause him to be delivered to the police officer who will present himself for that purpose at your house two hours after the delivery of this note.
I take this opportunity to renew to your excellency the assurances of my most distinguished consideration and esteem.
His Excellency Mr. Charles A. Washburn, Minister Resident of the United States of America.