Description:

William H. Seward
Auburn, NY, August 5, 1868
William Seward LS on U.S. Ministers During Paraguayan War, 1868
LS
A signed letter from William Seward to the Acting Secretary of State, William Hunter, discussing tensions with U.S. ambassadors during the Paraguayan War. 3pp of a bifolium, measuring 5.25" x 8.25", Auburn, dated August 5, 1868. Signed "William H Seward." Seward writes of his concern about Charles A. Washburn as the Minister to Paraguay and any affects that might be had on James W. Webb as Minister to Brazil. With flattened mail folds and tears at some folds. Light soiling throughout, with a large ink blot on the front. Boldly signed.

In full:

"I have read Mr. Webbs telegram. With the President's approval you may say to Mr. Magalhaus that the special difficulty of obstructions opposed to Mr. Washburn's passage down the river from Parana has not been anticipated and of course has not been made on occasion for any new and special directions to Mr. Webb. I am surprised, however, that the Brazilian Government or the allies should be willing to open anew a difficulty which necessarily affects the sensibilities of the Unites States. It would seem to me that neither the Brazilian nor the Paraguayan Government could expect the United States for assent to such a use of a blockade of a great international highway as may endanger the life of abridge the freedom of a minister of the Unites states to one of the free and independent Spanish republics. I concur with you that no more than this can or need be said until we shall have received more full information."

Charles Ames Washburn (1822-1889) served as U.S. Minister to Paraguay from 1863–68. General James Watson Webb (1802-1884) was Minister to Brazil from 1861 to 1869, but was forced to resign after he was accused of extorting a large sum of money from the Brazilian government. He then tried to sever U.S. ties with the Brazil without Washington's knowledge, but was unsuccessful and returned to America.

The Paraguayan War, also known as the War of the Triple Alliance, lasted from 1864 to 1870, involving Paraguay, Argentina, the Empire of Brazil, and Uruguay. The war began in late 1864, as a result of a conflict between Paraguay and Brazil caused by the Uruguayan War. Argentina and Uruguay entered the war against Paraguay in 1865. Although the U.S. was still reeling from the recent Civil War, Secretary of State William H. Seward communicated a U. S. willingness to mediate the dispute. Unfortunately the offer was rejected, as Brazil especially believed it possible to end the conflict without outside intervention.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 5.25" x 8.25"
  • Medium: LS

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