Mr. Washburn to Señor Caminos.
Sir: I have this moment received a note from Commander Kirkland, commanding the United States ship Wasp, dated the 29th ultimo, Paraguay River, between the Tibicuari and Herradura, in which he advises me that he has come by order of our government to take me and my suite and convey us to such point on the river below the allied squadron as I may select, and requests me to inform him at what point on the river it will be convenient for me to embark.
I have accordingly written him a note which I inclose with this, advising him that I am still in this city, and that it will be most convenient for me to embark at this port, and which I beg your honor to forward as soon as possible. Commander Kirkland expresses the hope that he may be detained as little time as possible, and as the United States have now for the second time forced the blockade of the allies, against all their threats and protests, and is, besides, the only power that has done so, or ever shown any interest in Paraguay during the war, or any desire to see fair play between the belligerents, I am confident that the government of Paraguay will grant him every facility for carrying out his orders. For this second vindication of the rights of nations as against the unlawful [Page 803] pretensions of the allies, will you have the goodness to express my congratulations to his excellency Marshal Lopez.
I take this occasion to renew assurances of distinguished consideration.
His Honor Luis Caminos, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs.