Office of the Historian
[Extract.]

Mr. Moran to Mr. Seward.

No. 88.]
Legation of the United States, London, August 4, 1868.

Sir: On Sunday last, the 2d instant, I received a note from General J. Watson Webb, the United States minister at Rio, a copy of which I have the honor to inclose, and yesterday I sent you by the cable the [Page 339] message, almost word for word, which he requests me in that letter to transmit to you.

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

BENJAMIN MORAN.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

[Extract.]

Mr. Webb to Mr. Moran

Legation of the United States, Rio de Janeiro, July 8, 1868.

My Dear Moran: I do not know whom I address in the inclosed, as I am told Mr. Adams has gone home; but I beg there may be no delay in forwarding the telegram.

My orders are precise, to demand my passports and come home, if our steamer is not permitted to pass; and I have reason to believe that the conduct of Caxias in stopping her will he approved. Of course, on receiving my telegram our government will begin preparations to force the passage of the allied lines, and will probably communicate with me through your legation.

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Your friend,

J. WATSON WEBB.

Benjamin Moran, Esq., &c., &c., &c.

Rio, July 8, 1868.

The steamer Wasp has been refused permission to pass the allied lines for Mr. Washburn and family. I have demanded the censure of Caxias, and permission for the Wasp to pass. If refused, will, as instructed, demand my passports.

J. WATSON WEBB.

[Untitled]

To the legation of the United States in London:

I have the honor to request that the foregoing may be telegraphed to the Secretary of State of the United States at your earliest convenience. Doubtless by the freight line of steamers to Liverpool, on the 15th, I’ll send our government further information through the legation at London.

With great respect, &c.,

J. WATSON WEBB, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from the United States to Brazil.