Osborn , United States Minister Resident to Thomas O. Osborn, July 6, 1874

Captain Mahan to Mr. Osborn

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 4th instant requesting me to salute the Argentine flag on the 9th of July, for the reasons you specify. In reply I have to say that, while I desire to manifest by every means in my power the friendly feeling of our Government to that of the Argentine Republic, the fact of their courteous salute to our flag on the 4th of July would not alone be sufficient to justify my disregarding my general instructions and the custom that vessels with the small armament of the Wasp do not salute.

The same courtesy of a salute on the 4th of July has been paid by the government of Uruguay and not returned by this vessel.

The unusual compliment paid by the President of the Argentine Republic, and other high officials, attending your reception at the United States legation in order to express his sympathies with our nation appears, however, to justify a departure from ordinary rules, and, in acknowledgment of the distinguished honor thus paid to us, I shall be happy to comply with your request.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,