Mr. Seward to Mr. Hovey.
Sir: Since my last despatch to you, No. 9, of the 7th instant, your several reports concerning the stability of the government inaugurated by General Prado in Peru having been reconsidered, and the peculiar circumstances of the situation of affairs surrounding the war which is now being waged by Spain against the republic of Chili and her allies, have induced the President to direct [Page 635] you to recognize the actual government now in power at Lima, the capital of Peru.
You are accordingly instructed, on receipt of this despatch, to inform the minister for foreign affairs at Peru that you will deliver your credentials as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States to that government at such time as he may designate.
After the consummation of the above-mentioned measure you will address a note to the minister of foreign affairs, with which you will transmit to him a copy of my communication,* of the 19th instant, to Señor F. S. Asta Buruaga, the chargé d’affaires of Chili here, a copy of which you will find enclosed, and request a reply thereto at his earliest convenience, which, when answered, you will lose no time in forwarding to this department.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Alvin P. Hovey, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
- For this enclosure see correspondence with the Chilian legation.↩