Edwin Corbett to Pedro de Aycinena, February 15, 1870

Mr. Corbett to Mr. Aycinena.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note, dated yesterday, informing me that the President had directed you to inquire of me “If it was true, as was reported, that Don Miguel Garcia Granados was actually staying at my house, and against whom an order for his arrest had been given.”

Considering that what occurs within the house of her Britannic Majesty’s representative, and the demand of whom may live there, to be matters about which, according to international usages, no one has a right to ask me to make any explanation, I regret l am obliged to decline giving any answer whatever to the mentioned communication of your excellency.

At the same time, permit me to express my sentiments (or regrets) that it is not possible for me to reply to the request of your excellency, with whom formerly has existed relations friendly and satisfactory.

Approving, &c., &c., &c.