Steamer Wasp to Charles A. Washburn, May 23, 1868

Lieutenant Commander Kirkland to Mr. Washburn.

Sir: Your communications of the 14th and 15th instant were received by me on the 21st instant. On the 22d I wrote to the Marquis de Caxias, and asked permission to pass through his fleet, in order to reach Tacuara, below the mouth of the river Tebicuary, for the purpose of embarking yourself, family, &c. On the 23d, (this afternoon,) I received his answer, which was partly as follows:

“In reply, I must express to Lieutenant Commander William A. Kirkland the great regret I feel in not being able to comply with his request, being forced to this by considerations of great importance, and moreover it would be very improper to do so. The military reasons given by Mr. Washburn why the Paraguay vessels could not descend so low, and why they might not be permitted to go to a certain point below the mouth of the Tebicuary, are agreed to by me, and put me in the unpleasant position of being obliged to deny the request of Minister Washburn and Lieutenant Commander William A. Kirkland, whom I must now inform that, a few days ago, a Paraguayan vessel, (the Pirabete, I think,) contrary to all supposition, came down as far as Pilar, where it was seen and watched, and whence several cannon shots were fired towards the shore.”

The marquis then goes on to say, if Mr. Washburn will embark in a Paraguayan steamer and come down the river to Pilar or Tagy, with a flag of truce flying, that he will meet at either of these two points all the vehicles which may be necessary to transport his family and baggage to Curupaiti by land; and he concludes his letter by assuring me that he will give the necessary orders, and that you shall be well provided for. He even goes so far as to say that he is convinced you will have a comfortable voyage until, in Curupaiti, you embark on board the Wasp.

The admiral is in Rio, and has sent me no orders. Therefore, if you wish to, and can come, it will be advisable to accept M. de Caxias’s offer, otherwise a very long delay may occur. Let me know at once whether I shall expect you. Your letters, I understand, were returned to Mr. Hollister at Buenos Ayres. Your other articles I have heard nothing about; but it must be all right, as you have the bill.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,