Señor Benitez to Mr. Washburn.
Your excellency not having chosen to send away, up to sunset to day, the accused individuals, George Masterman and Porter C. Bliss, nor reply to my note demanding these criminals, and being pressed by the requirements of justice, I for the third time request their expulsion or delivery, begging you to take into consideration the urgency of the case and the grave character of their crime, in view of the situation of the country, informing you that the persons in your service who are sent outside of the plaza to procure provisions are accused of being conductors of communications of the enemy to the refugees of your hotel, and their replies.
As I fear I shall molest you, and not being so pressed in this matter, it may be that I shall not solicit the appearance of those persons before the tribunal, thus offering you a new proof of high consideration and respect; and not doubting that you will take the necessary measures for the internal service of your house to put an end to such a grave abuse of its just immunities, I improve this occasion, &c., &c.,
His Excellency Charles A. Washburn, United States Minister.