No. 43.
Mr. Reynolds to Mr. Fish.

No. 30.]

Sir: I have the honor to report that this city has been in-the hands of the soldiery since my last report, in dispatch No. 28, and many excesses [Page 75] have been committed. As many as fifteen houses have been sacked, and valuables and money taken to the amount of $75,000 during three nights. The number reported killed has increased to over sixty and the wounded to over one hundred.

There is a general feeling of uneasiness, amounting, in some cases, to consternation, among the citizens, and also among the foreigners resident here, and great uneasiness is felt by consuls-resident that their flags will not be respected by the present authorities.

A movement was inaugurated by consuls and foreigners resident to place themselves under the protection of the American flag, upon the plea that I was the only minister present, with the exception of the Peruvian minister. They alleged that they wished only the usual protection which the flag of the United States might afford them, as they all felt that the flag of my Government was the most honored and respected in Bolivia. I counseled against such application being made, preferring to divide responsibility rather than assume a protectorate without precedent and without authority, so far as I now am advised. I have given assurance to all that I would promptly furnish all the aid within my power to release them in case of restraint or violation of rights and privileges of consulates or of foreign citizens in La Paz.

I have several persons under the protection of the flag in the legation-rooms; none however who owe allegiance to the government of Bolivia.

As I write, I am informed that a dispatch has just arrived from Cochabamba that Quevedo has been killed. This I am inclined .to the belief is false.

Any change now would be a relief to the intense feeling of suspense which hangs overall the city to-day. The city is in the hands of a mob, and no one can foretell the result, nor can any one know the true condition of South Bolivia. I am inclined to the opinion, however, that the government will be able to restore its authority here within a week or ten days. I am further inclined to the belief that all foreign flags will be respected, and that there will be no further plundering of private houses.

The report is current this p.m. that General Daza and the personnel of the government is at Oruro with a large force, and that they may be expected in this city by next Sunday, (January 3;) of this, however, I am not well assured.

The entire mail from Cochabamba, Oruro, and Sucre was taken to the palace building on yesterday by the present authorities, and up to the present writing no letters directed to private persons have been surrendered. It is alleged that the entire mail will be first inspected by the chief of the soldiery before any letter or dispatch will be delivered.

Respectfully, &c.,

R. M. REYNOLDS.