Miguel Luis Amuñategui to Thomas O. Osborn, February 20, 1880

Mr. Amuñátegui to Mr. Osborn.

Sir: The government of Chili is desirous of ransoming some soldiers which Bolivia has made prisoners in unimportant encounters that have taken place between the scouts of our respective armies.

At present we have many Bolivian prisoners from which we would give the number necessary to ransom those which they have belonging to us.

Convinced of the benevolent sentiments that animate you, my government has believed that perhaps it could count upon your friendly assistance in bringing about an exchange of all the Chilian prisoners which are in Bolivia for a corresponding number of those which we have in Chili.

In case there should be no objection on your part to assist in carrying into effect this proposition, I would venture to request that you should be pleased to solicit in our name the co-operation of your worthy colleague in La Paz.

As soon as a favorable response shall be received from you, I will be careful to send to you the list of Bolivian prisoners that we now have, so that the exchange can be perfected in La Paz.

I improve the occasion, &c.