E. B. Washburne to To Messieurs— E. Tibergheim Ackerman, September 30, 1870

Mr. E. B. Washburne to the consuls general and consuls.

Gentlemen: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 22d instant, asking that, in the present grave circumstances existing in Paris, I might interpose my good offices to protect the arms, flags, residences, &c., of your respective consulates. Not being able to communicate with my Government on the subject, I took it for granted that on account of the warm feeling of friendship it feels for sister republics, it would most willingly have me assume all the good offices and protection which I could properly render in the premises.

I deemed it proper, however, before giving you this assurance, to advise the government of the national defense of your request, and to ask its permission to act in accordance therewith, in a manner in conformity with the law of nations and the amity that exists between friendly powers. I have had the honor to receive a reply from his excellency Jules Favre, the minister of foreign affairs, a copy of which I beg leave to inclose herewith for your information. In accordance, therefore, with the assent accorded by the government of the national defense, and with the qualifications indicated in the letter of the minister of foreign affairs, I have the pleasure of placing myself at your disposition and to offer you the good offices and friendly protection of my Government, so far as they may be in accordaace with usage and public law in such cases.

My Government will feel highly complimented by the distinguished mark of confidence shown to it by its sister republics of Central and South America. The Government and the people of the United States take the deepest interest in all that concerns their welfare and happiness, and they will cordially reciprocate the sentiments of fraternity and sympathy which you have so kindly expressed.

I have the honor to request that you will accept, individually, the assurance of the distinguished consideration with which I have honor to be, with great respect, your very obedient servant,