established, provisionally, at Luque, the Italian consulate, but he does not state the motive of his procedure. It is important to make this clear, that we may the better recognize the want of foundation for his accusations as regards the sacking in the capital. The Italian consulate was removed at that time to Luque, in consequence of Marshal Lopez having ordered, on the same occasion, the abandonment of the capital, and the establishment of the seat of government at the said city. This being so, could Mr. Chapperon have kept valuable property in Asuncion until January, 1869, considering, above all, that, in December of the preceding year, the dictator had determined that everything should be withdrawn thence? The consulate being in Luque, and Mr. Chapperon residing there, why leave in Asuncion important deposits? All these circumstances, as well as the dates and facts cited by the Brazilian generals, render it evident that the declarations of Mr. Chapperon cannot be admitted as proof in themselves of the complaints made against the Brazilian army. To corroborate the argument adduced, a sketch will be made of the interrogatories, depositions, and reports of persons resident in Paraguay when the facts occurred to which Mr. Chapperon refers. Many of the informants are Italians. Their testimony ought not to be suspected by the Italian government. The complaints of these Italian subjects against Mr. Chapperon, who never reclaimed or interceded with Marshal Lopez when they were the victims of the most iniquitous spoliations and of the most cruel persecutions, will be a new motive why we should not accept the statements of that consular agent. By these same documents, it is fully proven that the reclamation of Mr. Chapperon is tainted with partiality for the cause of President Lopez, in whose interest he served to the last moment, not always respecting the duties of neutrality. The documents here mentioned are appended in integrum, and by authentic copies, to the present memorandum, and are accompanied by a schedule signed by the chief clerk of this department.

First document.-Clippings from the Journal Regeneracion, in which will be found published grave accusations made by Italian subjects against Mr. Chapperon. From these publications, it will be seen that the Italians do not agree with their consul in imputations made by him to the Brazilian army; they accuse him, on the contrary, with having made away with their deposits.

Second document.-A letter from the Paraguayan citizen, Eduardo Aramburm, owner of the house in which Mr. Chapperon lived at Asuncion. From this letter, it appears that the Italian consul had promised to deliver sundry titles of property and various articles, which the mother of Mr. Aramburm had confided to his keeping.

Third document.-Another letter from Mr. Aramburm, in which he states that he had received the said titles. It is not natural that these titles should have been found, if Mr. Chapperon's house had been sacked.

Fourth document.-Is a long exposition from the French subject, Dorothée Laserre, which relates to the misfortunes endured by foreigners during the dictatorship of Marshal Lopez, without the slightest effort on the part of the consular agents to mitigate these sufferings.

Fifth document.-A deposition of the Italian subjects, Catalina Buero de Achinelli, João Estevão Chiapula, José Penzio, Domingos José Bertholi, and other foreigners. All declare in severe terms, that to Messrs. Chapperon and Cuverville must be attributed the making away of their deposits, and not to the Brazilian troops.

Sixth document.-Information given by Da Francisca Lopez de Leite Pereira and D. Mariana Dolores Pereira, mother of the Paraguayan bishop, Manoel Antonia Palacias. These ladies relate the torments through which they and many foreign subjects passed after the dictator determined upon the removal to the interior, of the populations of places he could not defend. The first informant relates the conduct of Mr. Chapperon toward her, when her husband began to be persecuted. In this sad and painful conjuncture, as in others, even when the lives of Italians were in question, Mr. Chapperon showed himself to be the rabid partisan of the dictator.

Seventh document.-A report by name of the foreigners who were barbarously assassinated by order of Marshal Lopez. From this report it will be seen that the number of Italians executed amounts to 29.

Eighth document.-Depositions of thirty foreigners, among whom some Italian subjects. The deposition of the Italians, Dr. Jeronémo Becchi e Domingos Parodi, merit special mention, which relate the cruelties practiced by Lopez against their countrymen, with the connivance of Mr. Chapperon.

Ninth document.-Deposition of the Italian, Antonio Montero, which confirms all that his countrymen had stated in the aforementioned depositions.

Tenth document.-Deposition of Angelo Benitz, sergeant of marines, and employed in the commissariat of the dictator. He declares that at Angostura there was shipped on board the Italian gun-boat "Veloce," a sum of money destined for the agent of Lopez in France, Gregorio Benitez.

Eleventh document.-Deposition of other residents in Paraguay, which confirms the preceding statements.

Twelfth document.-A letter in which D. Rosalia Domeg Concepcion Decond claims deposits from the Italian consul; and a letter from the latter acknowledging the de

posit, and stating that his house was sacked in October, 1868, much before the entry of the Brazilian forces.

Thirteenth document.—Declarations of Madame Laserre, from which it is seen that the houses in Asuncion were forced by the Paraguayan authorities immediately after the abandonment of the said capital in February, 1868.

Fourteenth document.-Report made by the Duke of Caxias, on the 1st July, 1869. This report is accompanied by two letters, written by Luiz Caminos, minister of the dictator.

From these documents and others mentioned in the schedule annexed, which, as has already been stated, is signed by the chief clerk of this department, and an abstract of which is not made, that this memorandum may not be too much extended, it is seen that Mr. Chapperon is accused by his countrymen of not having respected the neutrality which his government had imposed upon itself in the war with Paraguay, of having served as a docile instrument in the hands of President Lopez and Madame Lynch, in the persecutions and spoliations of which they were the victims; of not having opposed the least resistance to the execution of many Italians, being declared responsible for all the calamities which they suffered in Paraguay. It is his compatriots who dispute the sacking, by him attributed to the Brazilian troops.

Among the Italians interrogated were some who had deposited property at the consulate.

In one of the documents annexed to the note of Mr. Cavalchini of the 6th December, 1869, are read the names of thirty-nine Italians, who, according to the statement of Mr. Chapperon, suffered losses by the Brazilian forces. The imperial government ordered an inquest in reference to the complaints set forth in that document. The result of this inquest confirms all that has been stated in this memorandum, as well as the replies of the commander-in-chief of the Brazilian forces and of the imperial government. Of the Italians referred to, some have died and others were executed after having suffered unheard-of tortures. It is impossible to discover, notwithstanding the efforts made, the fate of many; but those who escaped the wrath of the dictator were interrogated by the Brazilian authorities, and their depositions are annexed to the present memorandum. Document No. 22 shows the Italians deceased, those whose fate is unknown, and those who deposed.

To make evident the irregularity with which the statement under consideration was prepared, when other proofs were wanting, the deposition of the Italian, Catilina Buero de Achinelli, would suffice. She states: "That the withdrawal of families from the city having been decreed, and she, the informant, finding herself much embarrassed in regard to the transportation of her property, as her mother, being very old, could not live much longer, she applied to the consul to take charge of a trunk for her; that the informant not being able, however, to go beyond Luque, where she afterward met the said consul, she received again from him the said trunk intact, paying only as a fee for that deposit the sum of ninety-seven dollars and six reales and a half, more or less, for which the consul did not hesitate to pass a receipt." Nevertheless this lady figures in the aforesaid statement as a claimant for $2,270 for deposits made at the consulate on the 22d February, 1868 Giacomo Columbino and José Ponzio, also mentioned as claimants, deny the allegations of Mr. Chapperon, who is designated by them as the author of all the misfortunes of their compatriots. The statements of these three Italian subjects form part of the document No. 5. In another statement, also annexed to the said note of the 6th December, Mrs. Suzanna Aramburm is presented as a claimant. From document No. 3, it will be seen that this lady does not impute to the Brazilian army the disappearance of the articles deposited by her at the Italian consulate. In fine, there is not one single evidence in support of Mr. Chapperon; while the Brazilian government presents not only incontestable dates and facts, but also valid documents which destroy them. From the information given by all the Italian subjects found at Asuncion, it is shown that Mr. Chapperon never gave the least protection to his countrymen, who, on the contrary, bring against him grave accusations even as to his conduct with reference to the property which was confided to him. Very different was the conduct of the Brazilian army. Being fortunate enough to rescue from the power of the dictator some Italians, it furnished them clothing, food, &c. Nevertheless the blame of having sacked the property of Italian subjects is thrown upon the liberating army to so many unfortunates, and which, as is shown by documents Nos. 15 and 16, delivered to the provisional government of Paraguay property taken from the enemy on battle-fields and in fortresses. What more generous or more noble conduct could have practiced the army of the most civilized nation, under like circumstances? On the occasions of the abandonment of Asuncion and Luque, the Italians residing in those cities suffered great outrages; and what defense had they? The statements of the Italian subjects, who escaped from the hands of the dictator, give a sad, very sad answer to this question. It must not be forgotten that large sums which might have been considered, under consultudinal right, as prize to the victor, were scrupulously delivered to the provisional government; and that all claims for damages, alleged and proven, in consequence of the operations of the Brazilian army, were immediately

paid by the respective chiefs, who always made it their pride not to give cause for acts of their subordinates, for any the most insignificant representation.

When the enemy by treachery invaded the Brazilian territory, he devastated everything, sacked everything, sacrificed everybody, respecting neither children nor young girls, neither the old, the sick, nor the clergy. The Brazilians, from the moment they trod the enemy's soil, protected all they encountered without respect to nationality. Of this noble proceeding, which cannot be contested, the empire is proud. After the most bloody battles, the first care of the Brazilian generals was to succor those who were dying from destitution, from cruelty and torture, the narrative of which causes horror and surprise; the solicitude of the Brazilians in this human endeavor being attested by Italian subjects and other foreigners.

The narrative of the misfortunes of the Italians resident in Paraguay, deprived of all protection until the arrival of the Brazilian army at the places of their sufferings, must neessarily interest the government of His Majesty the King of Italy.

The government of Brazil, full of confidence in the impartiality and rectitude of that of Italy, awaits the judgment of this, after the reading of the present memorandum and the examination of the documents annexed.

Rio de Janeiro, August 26, 1871. (Received Sept. 21.) SIR: Inviting your reference, in connection herewith, to Mr. Wright's Nos. 164, 167, 174, 178, and 185, I beg to send you, annexed hereto, a translation of a note received from the foreign office here, dated July 22, 1871, in reply to Mr. Wright's last note to this government, of the 3d of June, in reference to the property found in the house (No. 95 Calle de Justiça) at Asuncion, and which had been occupied by the United States minister to Paraguay.

It will be seen that the Brazilian government, while declining to admit responsibility for the articles stated to have been left in that house, of which they had no knowledge until their troops entered the place, and their officers had a few days afterward taken account thereof, nevertheless renew their offer, previously made in the note of the 31st of May, to restore the box (labeled "Legation of the United States") as soon as found, "together with the other objects found in that house." Mr. Correia has since informed me, in conversation, that the box has been found; but he added he could not say at that moment what "other objects" were embraced in that term, or what sum of money would be included, since it appeared from other proofs that the money and jewels found there (as set forth in the official lists, of which a translation is annexed and marked B) belonged to those who could have no right to reclaim them from this government.

I presume, however, from the last paragraphs of the annexed note, that they will surrender everything now existing here, and which they admit, from their list, was found in that house.

I will in a few days request Mr. Correia to deliver to the consul, for me, all such property; and will send such books, boxes, papers, &c., among them, as belong to the United States legation in Paraguay, to Mr. Stevens at Montevideo, by the Ticonderoga, or the first vessel which goes there.

I am, &c.,

JAMES R. PARTRIDGE.

B.

Translation of the official report of the Brazilian commander-in-chief and of the officers who examined the trunks, &c., found in the house in Asuncion, Paraguay, on 6th-9th January, 1869. From "Relatonio" of the minister of foreign affairs to 14th legislation, 14th May, 1869, p. 106, et seq., No. 67. (Nos. 1-5 inclusive.)

[No. 67.]

Report of the commander-in-chief of all the Brazilian forces in operation in Paraguay, to the special mission on service in the republics of the Plate.

HEADQUARTERS AT ASUNCION, March 1, 1869. MOST ILLUSTRIOUS AND EXCELLENT SIR: I have the honor to place in the hands of your excellency copies of the five reports presenting the results of the commission charged with the duty of collecting and making inventories of the money and jewels which Colonel Hermes Ernesto de Fonseca had in his keeping. I avail myself of the occasion to assure your excellency of my high esteem and consideration. God guard your excellency, most illustrious and excellent sir.

GUILHERME XAVIER DE SOUZA,

Then Marquis, now, 1871, Duke de Caxias, (Casheeas.)

To the Councillor JOSÉ MARIA DA SILVA PARANHOS,

Now Viscount de Rio Braneo, President of the Council, and Prime Minister, 1871.

[Documents referred to in the foregoing note.]

No. 1.

Report of what was found in the house No. 95 of Rua da Justica, in Asuncion. On the 6th of January, 1869, in this city of Asuncion, at the government palace of the republic of Paraguay, were present the commission, composed of Colonel Hermes Ernesto da Fonseca, Lieutenant Colonels Antonio Joaquim Bacellar and Joaquim Cavalcanti de Albuquerque Bello, Majors Joaquim Antonio Dias, Pedro Alves de Alencar, Manuel Antonio Rodrigues, and José Libanio de Souza, charged with the delivery of money and jewels found in the house No. 95 of Rua da Justica.

There were also present the commission appointed by his excellency the marshal of the army, Marques de Caxias, embracing intendant of the departments of finance João Baptista de Figueiredo, chief of the fiscal department, Sebastião Marques de Souza, of the pay department, Joaquim Antonio Varques, major assistant to chief of staff Luiz Eduardo de Carvalha, and the first officer to the intendant Frederico Augusta de Menezes Lara, charged with the receiving of the said money and jewels. Proceeding to an examination they found in two trunks the value of 29,6123780 in the following pieces:

12,859 silver patacos, valued at...

1,235 silver coins, (5 francs,) valued at..

774 Bolivian pieces, valued at....
33 coins, valued at....

15 coins, valued at.

260 coins, valued at.

243 coins, valued at

32 Bolivian coin, valued at.

1 dollar coin, valued at...

1 coin, valued at....

28000 reis each.

18-00 reis each. 15600 reis each.

18000 reis each.

08500 reis each. O$400 reis each.

08200 reis each.

08800 reis each. 18900 reis each. 18280 reis each.

and Brazilian silver coin to the amount of 2118500 reis-all of which was turned into the military chest of the arfny, as well as the jewels which still remain there deposited; and inventories will be made of them as of any other articles which may be here

after found.

The work of the day being ended, I, Frederico de Menezes Lara, first officer to the Intendant of finance, serving as secretary of the commission, have framed this present report, sigued by the members of the above-mentioned commissions.

Colonel HERMES ERNESTO DA FONSECA.

Intendant JoÃO BAPTISTA DA FIGUEIREDO.

Lieutenant Colonel ANTONIO JOAQUIM BACELLAR.

Chief of Fiscal Department SEBASTIAO MARQUES DE SOUZA.

Chief of Pay Department JOAQUIM ANTONIO VARQUES.

Major and Assistant to Chief of Staff LUIZ EDUARDO DE CARVALHO.

Major PEDRO ALVES DE ALENCAR.

Major JOAQUIM ANTONIO DIAS.

Major José LIBANIO DE SOuza.

Major MANUEL ANTONIO Rodrigues.

A true copy:

First Officer FREDERICO AUGUSTA DE MENEZES LARA.

JOAQUIM FELICISSIMO DE REGO BANOS.

No..2.

Report of an examination made of some packages and a chest found in the house No. 95 of Rua da Justica, in Asuncion.

On the 7th of January, 1869, in the city of Asuncion, in the house No. 95 of Rua da Justica, were present the commission, embracing the following officers: Colonel Hermes Ernesto da Fonseca, Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Joaquim Bacellar, Lieutenant Colonel Joaquim Calvalcanti de Albuquerque Bella, Major Joaquim Antonio Dias, Major Pedro Alves de Alencar, Major Manuel Antonio Rodrigues, Major José Libanio de Souza, charged with the delivery of money and jewels found in the said house, to the commission appointed by his excellency the marshal of the army, Marques de Caxias, which commission also was present, and composed of the following: Intendant of the department of finance, João Baptista de Figueiredo; chief of the fiscal department, Sebastiao Marques de Souza; officer of the pay department, Joaquim Antonio Vasques; major and assistant to chief of staff, Luiz Eduardo de Carvalho; first officer to the intendant, Frederico Augusta de Menezes Lara. Proceeding to an examination of some packages and a chest that were in the house mentioned above, they found money and jewels, all of which were placed in a box which was completely sealed, to be opened on the following day. The door of entrance to the house was also sealed, it being too late to make an inventory. In view of which, I, Frederico de Menezes Lara, first officer to the intendant of finance, serving as secretary of the commission, have framed this present report, signed by the members of the abovementioned commissions.

(Here follow the names and titles as subscribed to No. 1.)

No. 3.

Report of the examination and counting of the money found in the house No. 95 of Rua da Justica, in Asuncion,

On the 8th of January, 1869, in the city of Asuncion, met in the house No. 95 Rua da Justica, the commissioners, embracing Colonel Hermes Ernesto da Fonseca, Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Joaquim Bacellar, Lieutenant Colonel Joaquim Cavalcanti de Albuquerque Bella, Major Joaquim Antonio Dias, Major Pedro Alves da Alencar, Major Manuel Antonio Rodrigues, Major José Libanio de Souza, charged with the delivery of the money, jewels, and other articles of value, which were yesterday and to-day found in all the packages and chests that were in the above-mentioned house; and proceeding to count the money in the presence of the commission appointed by his excellency, the marshal of the army, Marques de Caxias, composed of the intendant of the financial departments, João Baptista de Figueiredo; chief of the fiscal department, Sebastiao Marques de Souza; officer of the pay department, Joaquim Antonio Vasques; major and assistant to chief of staff, Luiz Eduardo de Carvalho; first officer to the intendant, Frederico Augusta de Menezes Lara; the whole amounted to the sum of 8,861$120, as follows:

Having delivered this money to the pay department of the army, as well as a chest closed, with the name of Antonio Nin Reyes marked upon it with chalk, to be opened to-morrow, and also a box, properly sealed, containing jewels and other articles of value, which are deposited in the same department, and of which an inventory is yet to be made; and nothing more having been found in the above-mentioned house, I, Frederico de Menezes Lara, first officer to the intendant of finance, serving as secretary of the commission, have framed this present report, signed by the members of the above-mentioned commission.

(Here follow the names and titles as subscribed to No. 1.)