Mr. Seward to Mr. Hovey.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 14th of November, No. 39, which gives an interesting account of conversations which you have had with the President of Peru, on the subject of the mediatorial proposition made by France and England to the allied republics, with a view to the termination of the war between those republics and Spain. Upon that subject you will be expected to say to the President of Peru that the United States are so earnestly desirous for the establishment of peace in South America that they would look with great favor upon any measures which may be inaugurated for that purpose.
The friendly disposition still remains on our part which has been heretofore so often expressed to the belligerent parties. At the same time the United States will not intervene to embarrass the negotiations tendered by France and England. On the other hand, they will be ready to co-operate in that measure, or any other which shall be respectful to the parties, and shall at the same time seem to have a tendency towards the pacification so much desired.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
A. P. Hovey, Esq., &c., &c., &c.