William van Vleck Lidgerwood to R. C. Kirk, United States, July 22, 1866

Mr. Lidgerwood to Mr. Kirk.

Sir: I have received a despatch dated April 21, 1866, No. 170, from the Hon. Secretary of State relative to the detention at or near Corrientes of the United States minister to Paraguay, on his return after a leave of absence, with instructions to the representative at Rio de Janeiro to ask of this government an explanation.

A similar despatch has no doubt been addressed to yourself, as a reference to it is made in a copy of a note dated April 21, 1866, No. 45, to C. A. Washburn, esq., also received by me.

I am unofficially informed that, as yet, no official request or demand has been made by the minister of the United States to Paraguay for permission to pass the allied forces, as neither Admiral S. W. Godon, commanding United States South American squadron, nor the department of state of this government, has received any official communication whatever from or concerning Mr. Washburn.

If, however, a refusal to an official request by Mr. Washburn has been or should be made, I would thank you to inform me of the fact, that I may bring the same to the notice of Admiral Godon; as at our last interview he expressed himself to me that although he did not consider it his duty, at a sacrifice of the interests of state, to consult the personal comfort of Mr. Washburn, however much might have been his desire so to do, still, when the dignity of the United States minister was to be sustained he would furnish a vessel to convey the United States minister to Asuncion.

The allies are very desirous that a United States vessel should not pass the blockade, and it would be as well not to precipitate matters, especially if by not precipitating matters Mr. Washburn could give them an opportunity to act friendly and courteously, passing him through their military lines, (advice from the Brazilian government to that effect, I believe, having been sent to the commander-in-chief of the allied forces per last packet,) and which course I believe is the wish of the United States department.

I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,