Mr. Washburn to Señor Caminos.
Sir: I thank you very cordially for your note of this day, and accept your suggestion, to leave my house and the property which different persons have left in it in charge of a representative of some neutral power or to some other foreigner of established character and position. In accordance with this proposition I have selected the Italian consul, Señor Chapperson, dean of the consular body in Paraguay, as the most eligible and proper person for this office. I do not know whether he [Page 824] will accept the charge or not, and I have written a telegram to him which I send to the telegraph station at the same time I send this note to your honor. The conditions of responsibility are freely accepted by me, as I have never assumed any; and whenever I have given receipts, which has not been more than two or three times, I have expressly stated in them that the property was left entirely at the risk of the owners. Immediately after hearing from Señor Chapperson I will advise you, and probably shall then be able to inform you of the hour when everything on my part may be arranged for my departure.
I improve this occasion to renew to your honor assurances of high regard and distinguished consideration.
His Honor Luis Caminos, Acting Minister of Foreign Relations.