GODON, Rear-Admiral, Commanding South Atlantic Squadron to Peirce Crosby, United States Navy, October 5, 1866

Admiral Godon to Commander Crosby.

Sir: On application in writing from our minister resident at Paraguay, Mr. Washburn, to whom I have written this day, you will proceed with him and his family in the Shamokin, under your command, to Paraguay, and land him in Asuncion.

You will make the best of your way up the river, and on reaching the blockading squadron you will inform the commanding officer of your orders to convey our minister to his official post, and will not delay your journey.

Permit no passengers, letters, or packages, to be sent up in your vessel, except such as belong to the minister. Observe the strictest neutrality between the belligerents. You will under no circumstances give to Lopez or any Paraguayan a passage in your vessel on your return.

After remaining a reasonable time at Asuncion, you will make the best of your way to Buenos Ayres.

If Mr. Washburn has gone up the river to Corrientes, you will go there and carry out these instructions.

Respectfully,