Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-04-19

President Of the United States:
SIR: have the honor to inform you that
this Commission has been eminently success
full, not merely i'll settling all our differences
here in a peaceful and friendly manner but
in enlarging the sphere of our commercial
privileges in these waters, and extending
the time of the treaty, and in such a way as
to enlist cordial sympathies, and strengthen
the bonds of friendship for the future.
All this you will find in my dispatches,
protocols, and the treaties themselves. re-
turned by me to the State Department; but,
~ that would impose Il laborious research, |
have thought proper to give you the impor-
tant points through the brief medium of a
private letter.
When / arrived on these waters, things
looked gloomy enough.
When we reached Montevideo, all seemed
distant and reserved-indeed, unkind. |
determined to dissolve that icy reserve, and
give them a better impression of us, as
knew every sentiment here was rapidly car
ried inland throughout the country. The
Commodore and myself, after three days of
delay, succeeded in procuring an interview
with the President of Uruguay. 1t was
stately and formal, till | convinced him that
our purpose was neither war, desolation, nor
conquest. lie then threw off his reserve,
and, shaking my hand warmly, expressed
great delight at hearing such sentiments from
me. | observed in the crowd of officials
around us that the Secretary for Foreign
Affairs was not there. |, therefore, on the
same evening, called privately upon him at
his house, and had a long interview with
him, which resulted in completely disarming
his hostile feeling. At the beginning he
told me frankly he was the friend of Prcsi-
dent Lopez at the conclusion he avowed
himself our friend, and, with my permission,
he would Immediately advise his friend Lo-
peg of our lofty and elevated sentiments, md
desire for peace.
When | reached Parana, the capital Of the
Argentine Confederation, ! met General ur-
quiza, the President, and had a long inter
view with him, the tenor Of which is pre-
served by my secretary, Mr.. Ward, and sent
to the State Department. General lrquiza,
who is every inch IA soldier, and who in that
interview, by his t%rankncss. had won rapidly
upon my confidence, rendered me his media
ton, which, of course. | was forced to de-
cline, as | informed him. for two reasons
| DTSl, DCCduSC III lllSlI ObNoh INV ANS e'N'
cipated such an event; and. second, because
two out of the three points of difference were
points Of honor, and a nation, no more than
an individual. could arbitrate its honor.
But | assured him that, whilst | was com
PEELED to decline his mediation as the bearer
Of the olive branch. and knowing the views
of the Administration. and its anxiety for an
amicable but honorable adjustment of these
unhappy difficulties, | should feel grateful to
him for any kind Offices he might employ in
carving out these peaceful views. AS
closed these remarks, the General, with
a kind of electric spontaneity, sprang from
his seat, and striking his breast tiercely with
his hand, said: | am IL soldier, but n man of
peace; and, as n friend of your Government,
accept YOUR invitation, and will meet you
at Asuncion.
l reached here on the oath January, and
General Urquiza had anticipated me several
DAYS. Within an hour after our arrival, and
before ! left the vessel, Senior Amaral, the
Brazilian minister, called upon mo and Offer
ed his mediation on behalf of his Emperor.
! declined it for the reasons above, and invl-
ted his friendly Offices in like manner, assur-
ing him of our desire for peace and friend
ship, if we could have them with honor.
lie warmly accepted my invitation for his
friendly Offices.
Our consul called directly after, and |
came ashore with him. Everything looked
cold and distant. The people seemed not to
know how to behave towards me, and gazcd
at me as they would upon some evil thing
cast amongst them. The very first thing |
did on shore, as my position was doubtful
was to address a note to Senior Hasquez,
Secretary of State, &C., informing him Of
nv presence in Asuncion, and desiring him
to fix a time to see Inc, that we might ar
range an interview with the President. lie
promptly replied, and we met next morning.
We had a pleasant interview, and fixed the
time for the Presidents reception for the next
day after.
Soon after my arrival, | learned from Gen.
Urauiza that | would be cordially and kindly
received by the President. This Informal
ton induced me to abandon the address |
had prepared, briefly reviewing all the points
of difference and maintaining our POSITION
and | hastily prepared another OF mere e"ur-
tesy and kindness, leaving the contest on the
points for the future. At the reception
was accompanied by Commodore ShuGrick,
his suite. and all the officers of the Fulton
in full uniform, making n fine appearance.
The President was magniticcntly dressed,
with his suite of officers in uniform, and re-
ceiyed me kindly and courteously, wiM htS
chapcan-bras, qiHcring ~M gems and lace,
under his arm. Indeed, the reception wa
all that could be desired. | did not let him
exceed me in courtesies. ! mention these
things because there has been constant trou'
BILE here about forms and receptions.
Directly after the interview, L learned,
through Gen. Urquiza, that my speech and
manner had had a wonderful effect in soften
ing down the President, and that he was SC
charmed with the whole proceedings that
everything would be for me open to a free
and frank intercourse. Upon >his hypothe,
sis. it was arranged TINT ! should proceed
alone in nv negotiations. but that | would
let nohitch conclude them without giving him
(the ueneral) an opportunity to reconcile
such differences.
NV interviews then with the President
commenced daily, and sometimes twice
day, and were always cordial, frank, free,
and harnoni,ing. We became better frlend'
at every meeting, but could not agree upon
all points. Finally. it was proposed that ON
next meeting should be held in presence OF
Gen. Urquiza, Gen. Guido, his minister; and
Sr. Amaral. l promptly accepted. "hen
we met, no one but Gen. trquiza and hi'
nr;vato Secretary were present. We com