Mr. Washburn to Señor Benitez.
Sir: I have just received the note of your honor dated yesterday together with a paper signed by José Berges, in which I am requested to deliver, not one, as formerly represented in his declarations, but three packages, which he says he delivered to me at his house in one of the first days of July, at the time of my visit to him a few days after his return from San Fernando. Not having ever received any package, letter, or communication from him, as I have repeatedly advised you, I am unable to see the object in sending me this paper. In my note of yesterday I said if any person had ever sent or brought any such papers to my house, and would send a written order for them, and a description so that I could know which they were, I would be happy to deliver them. But I did not promise impossibilities, or to deliver papers I had never received, whoever might send for them, or however minutely they might be described.
I avail myself of this occasion to renew assurances of distinguished consideration.
His Honor Gumesindo Benitez, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs.