Washburn to William A. Kirkland, May 15, 1868

Mr. Washburn to Lieutenant Commander Kirkland.

Sir: Since writing my letter of yesterday President Lopez has given me some further information in regard to the navigation of the river above Humaita. His officers at all points will be advised beforehand of your coming, and when a little below Humaita you can communicate with the comandante, and deliver to him the order of President Lopez, and he will furnish you with a pilot to take you above Humaita, when you can put him ashore and move on towards Timba. As you approach you will do well to bear a little to the left, though keeping a good distance from the shore. Here you can communicate with the officer in command as at Humaita, and there pass on until you get near the mouth of the Bemajo. At this point it will be necessary to make a particular signal that the guard there may know that it is not an enemy, and that it is the same they have been advised of beforehand, and been ordered not to molest. The signals that the guards will be instructed to look for will be as follows: Astern the American flag as usual, at the fore the Paraguay flag, and an American flag at each of the other two masts: thus having up three American and one Paraguay flags. Another precaution, that probably will not be necessary, will be, in case there should be any signs after passing the Bemajo that the orders given by President Lopez have not been fully understood, to dip the two forward flags, the Paraguayan and the one at the mizzenmast. It is not apprehended, however, that this will be necessary, as orders will be sent to all points describing the steamer and giving the signals. But no special signals from the steamer until you get near the mouth of the Bamajo will be required.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,