No. 120.
Mr. Martinez to Mr. Blaine.
Washington, October 28, 1881.
Sir: Yesterday when I read to you Admiral Lynch’s letter I made you remark that this gentleman said that he was going to take possession [Page 164] of the offices belonging to Garcia Calderon without giving previous knowledge of this act to anybody, in order that the important papers might not be hidden. But I have just had another letter from Mr. Lynch, telling me that he thought it more prudent to let Mr. Garcia Calderon himself know about what he was going to do. He assures me that that gentleman consulted Minister Hurlbut and some of the senators and deputies, and consequently addressed to Mr. Lynch a very original and eccentric letter. This same letter has been published in the Lima papers, and now I have it in my possession. Lynch answered it immediately.
Garcia Calderon and his friends spoke about the American fleet meeting at Callao. In fact, Mr. Hurlbut called the admiral-in-chief, who thought that there had been an insurrection in Lima, occasioned by the withdrawal of the Chilian troops. He was greatly surprised at finding everything in peace. The American admiral does perfect justice to the Chilians.
Seeing General Lynch that Garcia Calderon persisted in giving himself presidential airs, although he had no offices nor territory to rule, thought that this queer conduct arose from that fiscal emission of bank-notes that I have mentioned to you; so that the Chilian chief had to issue a decree to put a stop to that affair.
I make these explanations, so that you might see that Mr. Lynch’s conduct has been perfectly correct.
I am, sir, yours, obedient,