No. 13.
Mr. Osborn
to Mr. Evarts.
Buenos Ayres, July 21, 1877. (Received September 25.)
Sir: This country, and especially this province and its people, are again suffering by reason of the rains and floods of the past few days. For three days it rained continually both day and night, and most of the time in torrents.
From reports it appears to have been general, from the west to the east coast, but perhaps this province is the greatest sufferer, especially the southern part.
I am informed by the vice-president and superintendent of the Southern Railroad that in the southern portion of this province fully two hun-hundred leagues were under water.
It is estimated that the loss in sheep alone will number from two to three millions. Perhaps that is an overestimate, but there can be no doubt that the loss in sheep and cattle is very severe. The national government, as well as the provincial government, societies, and individuals, has been called upon for assistance, and it is said that each and all have responded nobly.
The province of Santa Fé within the past few weeks has been afflicted by another rebellion and the loss of the California colony.
The rebellion was headed by an ex-governor of the province, but it was soon put down with the loss of few lives. It is said, and I think it cannot be doubted, that Señor Bayo, the governor of the province, is the cause of all the trouble and attempted revolutions by his acts of severity, tyranny, and frequent arrests of citizens without authority of law. I understand that he has promised the President to resign his office.
The colony in the upper Santa Fe known as the “California colony” came from California some eleven years ago, consisting of about forty families, and settled in the upper part of the province, outside of the military frontiers. They brought considerable money with them and purchased their own lands. With an experience of eleven years in this country and about half the money they brought, they a few days ago shipped at this city for Texas, where they intend to settle near the Rio Grande, between Fort Clark and Eagle Pass.
I am, &c.,