Mr. Washburn to Señor Caminos.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of yesterday. I had never supposed or claimed that this legation would [Page 825] remain as such, or have any immunities or privileges more than any other house in Asuncion, after I had left the country.
In regard to the delivery of the property of other persons left in my charge, I have requested Señor Chapperson not to deliver it to its owners without the knowledge of the authorities; and as many of the trunke and boxes have no mark or name upon them, I see no objection to the presence of an employé of the government, to make sure that they ars delivered to their rightful owners.
I have no notice from any of the persons still having money in my possession, viz., Stewart, Skinner, Burrell, and Twite, that they have the permission of the government to send it out of the country. I have received, however, a letter from Dr. Skinner, requesting me to deliver his trunk to the minister of war and marine, and take his money away with me. From the others I have only verbal requests, made months ago, to do them the same favor. I therefore shall leave it all in charge of the Italian consul, to be delivered to its rightful owners.
Your honor will pardon me if I again say I am ready and impatient to leave, and as you say the Rio Apa is waiting to receive me, I will remark that as soon as I can send on board my remaining luggage I shall be ready to follow. I certainly hope to get away by 9 o’clock this morning, and get on board the Wasp by mid-day, as our situation hero is very disagreeable.
Will your honor please advise me to whom I am to pay the duties on the three hundred dollars belonging to Mrs. Grant, as payment was refused to be received yesterday at the Capitama del Puerto.
I take this occasion to renew assurances of distinguished consideration.
His Honor Luis Caminos, Acting Minister of Foreign Relations.