Mr. Seward to Mr. Webb.
Sir: Your despatch of the 24th of August, No. 14, has been received. Although you have impressed upon it the mark “confidential,” you will please inform the government of his Majesty that I am not able to allow it to maintain that character.
The paper treats of the final disposition and settlement of the annoying question which arose by the detention, by the allies, of Mr. Washburn, United States minister, on his return to Paraguay. It is inferred from the despatch that all obstructions have been removed, and that after so long a detention he has been allowed to proceed on his diplomatic journey. The President, however, marks the incident that the opposition to the passage of Mr. Washburn was withdrawn under a protest. So far from considering the question of the right of Mr. Washburn to proceed to his destination as a debatable one, the United States cannot consent to argue that question.
In the second place, you are authorized to state that the sensibilities of the American people have been wounded by the transaction. I am not prepared to say that, in the absence of an explanation by the allies, the settlement of the question which has been made will be held to be satisfactory.
I take great pleasure in saying that I have read with great care the copy of your note of the 21st of August to Mr. Andrada; that it is just, spirited, and magnanimous, and you are authorized to inform his imperial Majesty’s government that the tenor of your note is entirely approved, and that in due time it will be officially communicated to the Congress of the United States.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
James Watson Webb, Esq., &c., &c., &c.