Mr. Bliss to Mr. Goodfellow.
My Dear Sir: Appreciating the friendly interest you have always shown in me, and the kindness with which you have aided my family to obtain news from me during my long detention in Paraguay, I think it proper to send you the present letter by Mr. Washburn, who will doubtless make known to you in detail the unprecedented events which have recently transpired here affecting the rights of all neutral nations, and more especially involving an unexampled violation of the immunities of the American legation, and of the treatment due to an accredited minister of the United States.
You will learn, sir, with surprise, that in common with hundreds of foreigners and natives, comprising almost all the adult males of the country who were not bearing arms, I am accused of belonging to a conspiracy against the government of Marshal Lopez, with the additional aggravation respecting me that I am also charged with belonging to a secret committee, who have put their hands to a compact to assassinate the marshal. You can readily judge of the probabilities of both accusations, and will easily believe me when I say that there is not even the slightest foundation for them, and that, so far from knowing of any conspiracy, I have grave doubts whether any has existed, notwithstanding all the acts of this government, and the so-called confessions of criminals, to be found in the published correspondence between Mr. Washburn and the minister of foreign affairs. This doubt is, I believe, common to all the persons belonging to the American legation.
You will also see the herculean efforts which have been made by this government to fasten upon Mr. Washburn a complicity with the real or pretended revolutionary plot. You will see the false testimony which has been put into the mouths of prominent persons. Much of these statements are self-contradictory, and all of them conflict with each other upon the most essential points; and lastly, they all have this in common, that they furnish no definite information concerning the organization, objects, means, and occasion of action, nor even who were to take the decisive steps; besides, among so many revolutionary papers alluded to, apparently not one of that character has been seized by this government.
But I have no need to discuss the matter further; the truth is evident, and will be recognized by every one in Buenos Ayres. I hope some decided action will proceed from the ministers of neutral nations in Buenos Ayres, though I can scarcely hope that any such action can benefit me, as I am already declared guilty by the government, although not having the slightest idea of the nature of the testimony, necessarily false or forged, which has been or will be produced against me.
All persons in this legation have passed the last two months, since [Page 828] the extradition of myself and Mr. Masterman was demanded, in a state of continual agitation, alternating between hope and despondency, and following the course of the correspondence, which, on the part of this government, has steadily gone from bad to worse.
I desire to bear the strongest testimony to the fact that, as to all the statements implicating Mr. Washburn in the conspiracy, there is not one of whose truth I have any knowledge, and most of them I know to be false. I also wish to bear witness to the unswerving constancy with which he has insisted upon the rights of legation, and done for me all that could be appropriate under the circumstances. Whatever may happen to me, I can meet my fate with a stout heart and perfect confidence in the Great Architect of the universe, knowing that my Redeemer liveth. I have written at large to my family.
Accept my gratitude for favors received from you and Mrs. Good-fellow, to whom I send my love, and regards to all inquiring friends.
Yours, most truly,
Rev. William Goodfellow.