Watson Webb to William H. Seward, October 8, 1868

Mr. Webb to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor to inclose a copy of a letter addressed to Admiral C. H. Davis, in relation to what I consider a measure of policy on the part of our squadron. From what Mr. Washburn writes, I have but little doubt that the persons he left behind him as constituting a part of his legation have been already murdered; and yet I think the honor of the country appears to demand some such demonstration as I ask. England, France, Italy, and Spain, all have sent gunboats up to Asuncion; and considering the outrage perpetrated on our legation, we are called upon, if for appearances only, to send all our disposable force up the river. I do not know, nor do I believe, that they could do any good, as probably our two citizens are no longer living. But, nevertheless, sound policy requires that we do something more than those who have no such outrage to punish as that perpetrated against our legation.

Neither Admiral Davis nor I have anything to do with the approval or censure of Mr. Washburn’s conduct in the press. It is sufficient to know that the sanctity of our legation has been violated to justify and to demand such interposition as I have asked. And it is satisfactory to know that the cost of a demonstration which would be invaluable to us would be precisely the expense of the fuel consumed; no more and no less. And if, as is said, an expedition up the Paraguay would prevent the Guerriere’s contemplated visit to the Cape of Good Hope and coast of Africa, whence the Quinnebaug has just returned, the value of the coal thereby saved would be double the cost of that consumed by our small steamers in an expedition up the Paraguay, where, at present, we are the only naval power not represented.

Admiral Davis is one of the most accomplished and intelligent gentlemen in our navy, and nobody can know him without entertaining for him both respect and affection. He is, withal, a gentleman of science, and so courteous and just to all under his command that he is justly popular on shipboard as well as on shore. Most assuredly, I know no gentleman in service who possesses more of my regard; and yet we differ as widely as the poles in regard to what is required of him in this emergency. He thinks the whole affair not worth a second thought, and, like most naval officers, perceives no peculiar sanctity about the diplomatic representatives of a country. Of course my views are directly the opposite of his. We have no right to consider what should be, but must look at what is; and so long as we recognize the existing mode of international intercourse, we have no option but to vindicate our own honor, and in so doing punish, or attempt to punish, what is equally an outrage against every civilized nation.

What Admiral Davis will do I cannot pretend to say. He was to have sailed with his entire squadron for the river Plata at the end of this week. Recent events, most certainly, will not delay his departure.

Beyond all question you will receive full details of all that has transpired from Mr. Washburn. * * * * *

Doubtless Mr. Washburn will sail from here for New York on the 26th, We expect him on the 20th.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,