d’ Affaires to William H. Seward, July 31, 1866

Mr. Lidgerwood to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that upon the 17th instant I received a reply from the minister of foreign affairs (Conselheiro José Antonio Saraiva) to my note to him dated 7th instant, asking for an explanation relative to the hindrance of the United States minister to Paraguay, and his detention at or near Corrientes by the allied forces.

I enclose a translated copy of Senhor Saraiva’s note of 17th instant, marked S.

In his reply, Senhor Saraiva refers to a note that his excelleny Don Bartolome Mitre, President of the Argentine Republic and general-in-chief of the allied armies, addressed to Mr. Washburn, on the 9th of April of the present year, and in which document are rehearsed the principal circumstances of the fact in question, and the two phases it presents discriminated.

Not having a copy of General Mitre’s note, I requested that one might be furnished to me. Copy of request, marked J, I herewith enclose.

I received the copy upon the 28th instant, a translated copy of which, marked C, also enclosed.

On the 22d instant I addressed a note to R. C. Kirk, United States minister at Buenos Ayres, upon the same subject, and enclose a copy of same, marked K, and have therefore deemed it advisable not to reply to the argument contained in Conselheiro Saraiva’s note of the 17th instant until information shall have been received of the decision taken by the allies consequent upon the advices sent forward by this government bearing upon this subject.

I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,