[Untitled], October 23, 1866

[Untitled]

Dr. Elizalde remarked that he received the general’s letter only after his interview with Mr. Washburn, and immediately upon its receipt wrote a note requesting an official interview with the general.

General Asboth said that he regretted the delay, as he intended the letter should have been delivered to Mr. Elizalde before the interview with Mr. Washburn.

Mr. Elizalde said that upon reading the letter from the general he was confused, as therein he found copies of letters from General Webb, United States minister at Rio de Janeiro, and Admiral Godon, both officially stating that the Brazilian government had given orders to their representatives in the river Plate to remove all obstructions to the passing of Mr. Washburn to his official residence at Asuncion, and that he would consult the Brazilian minister to ascertain whether he had received any such orders. As far as already authorized, he had prepared an answer for Mr. Washburn, offering him a vessel to go as far as the Paso la Patria, and from thence be conveyed through the lines under a flag of truce to Lopez’s encampment, from whence transportation to Asuncion would be easy.

General Asboth expressed the hope that Mr. Elizalde would honor him with an early official reply to his letter in regard to the detention of the United States minister to Paraguay, which would be satisfactory to the sovereignty and honor of the United States. He also informed Señor Elizalde that he is under additional orders from his government, more imperative, respecting the affair, but he refrained from giving them in his first address, well assured of the friendly intentions of the Argentine government towards the United States.

Señor Elizalde answered that the Argentine government was always inclined to allow Mr. Washburn to pass to his post, and if the Brazilians had no objection to Mr. Washburn’s passing in a United States war vessel, the Argentine government would certainly not object.

General Asboth remarked that Mr. Washburn had been detained now for nearly a year, and it was no wonder that he felt somewhat irritated.

Mr. Elizalde replied that he understood Mr. Washburn’s position, but that it was not the fault of the Argentine government, but of the Brazilian.

General Asboth concluded with the wish to see sister republics always act in proper accord.

The above I certify to be a correct account of the interview to which it refers.