Mr. Washburn to Señor Benitez.
Sir: Since closing my note in answer to yours of the 16th instant, I have had the honor to receive your note of yesterday, in which, after again requesting me to send Mr. Bliss and Mr. Masterman from my house, you state that the persons in my service who have been accustomed to bring provisions from beyond the limits of the town are accused of having conveyed communications between the enemy and the persons sheltered in my house. You add that, in order not to molest me, you do not solicit their appearance before the tribunals, thus giving another proof of high consideration and respect for myself, not doubting that I shall take the necessary measures to put a stop to such abuse of the legation immunities.
For these expressions of a desire not to molest me, you will please accept my sincere thanks. I have advised the only servant I have, who [Page 750] is accustomed to go beyond the city limits, that he must not bring or carry any note, message, or communication of any kind, to or from any other person than myself or Mrs. Washburn. This servant tells me that he has never carried any messages or notes of any kind except the requests of persons living in the legation to the occupants of the houses where they had before resided, to send them books, clothes, and such other things as might be necessary for their use and convenience. Even that service I have now prohibited him from doing, and should he be found to disobey me I trust I may be informed of it, that I may instantly discharge him from my service. Respecting the case of Mr. Bliss and Mr. Masterman, I beg to refer you to my other note of this date, in reply to yours of the 16th.
I avail myself of this occasion to express my distinguished consideration.
His Honor Gumesindo Benitez, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs.