No. 46.
Mr. Reynolds to Mr. Fish.
La Paz, Bolivia, January 19, 1875. (Received March 11.)
Sir: It is with great pleasure that I have the honor to report the entire defeat of the revolutionists in battle, on the pampas, about twelve miles from this city.
[Page 78]The government troops are represented as behaving most admirably, and within thirty minutes the troops under command of General Quentin Quevedo were entirely routed and the remnant of his forces retreated, with their chief, to this city on yesterday evening.
During the night General Quevedo and Dr. Casimiro Corral left the city, with fifty or sixty mounted men, taking the road leading to Carapata and Puno. This morning the city is quiet, with no visible soldiery, and great preparation is being made for the triumphal entry of President Frias and the government troops, which causes general rejoicing among the people.
The revolutionists had no hold upon the public mind, nor did they inspire confidence, yet the ardent desire for place and the hope of success gathered to their standards many more people than I at first apprehended.
As I conclude this dispatch, President Frias, with his ministers, is entering the city at the head of the army, and he is receiving a grand ovation. The army makes a fine display, and the whole proceeding evinces the warmest enthusiasm of the people.
I shall present my credentials in person to the President as soon as the reception ceremonies are over, which will doubtless be within two days.
I congratulate myself that no harm has come to any one that asked asylum with this legation, and I am glad to assure you that the flag of the United States is one of the most respected in this republic.
I am, &c.,