No. 19.
Mr. Osborn
to Mr. Evarts.
Buenos Ayres, June 19, 1880. (Received July 31.)
Sir: Actual war began on the 17th instant with an engagement of the provincial forces of Buenos Ayres, under the command of General Arias, and a body of about 4,000 of the national troops under General Racedo, near Merlon, about 20 miles west of the city.
The governor had sent Arias to Mercédes, a town on the Western Railroad, about 60 miles from this city, and of much importance, to gather, at this point, all the forces possible and to march for Buenos Ayres. Arias had gathered about 10,000, partly armed, and was on the march for Buenos Ayres, when he was attacked by a column of about 4,000 troops from the province of Santa Fé, Arias lost about 100 killed and wounded, and probably 1,000 prisoners.
It is impossible to get at the exact facts at this time, but it is undoubtedly true that Arias has opened communication with the city.
On the day of the battle I was with the secretary of war, who has his headquarters with the troops at the Chacarita, west of the city, and [Page 26] I learned from him that it was the intention of the national authorities not to bombard the city if Arias should be defeated, but to inclose and reduce it to submission. I have given notice to our citizens and they are making all provisions possible to stand a siege.
The governor has declared this a free port for all necessary articles of consumption.
As the post-office is closed and we have no regular mail service, I have made arrangements to send my mail, as long as possible, to the French mail steamers.
I have, &c.,