Mr. Kilpatrick to Mr. Seward
Sir: A few weeks since the representatives of England and France at this capital received instructions from their respective governments to present to the government of Chili a proposition which it was thought would bring to a peaceful settlement the war between Spain and the allied republics. This proposition had already been submitted to and accepted by the government of Spain.
The proposed arrangement naturally caused great excitement in this country and in Peru. Many cabinet meetings were held to consider the subject, and the ministers of foreign affairs for Peru and Bolivia visited Santiago for the purpose of consultation, and, finally, Mr. Covarrubias visited Peru on a similar mission.
After an absence of two weeks he has returned, and yesterday, at an interview had with him and Mr. Pardo, the minister from Peru, I was informed that the proposition had not been accepted, nor would be, and that the negotiations were, virtually, at an end.
I also learned, in the course of the conversation, that the proposition for an adjustment of the difficulties was not rejected so much on account of the terms proposed as of the manner in which the proposition was made, and of a want of confidence that the allied republics have in the sincerity of the friendly feeling manifested by the governments of England and France.
You must know that I have watched, with no little anxiety, the efforts that have been made by the representatives of England and France to adjust this difficulty, knowing as I do the great advantage it would give those two powers on this coast if their efforts proved successful.
While I have been thoroughly informed of all that has transpired during the progress of the negotiations, I have not written you, because I did not wish to trouble you with despatches that could be of no service; but now that these would-be mediators have utterly failed—at this time when the government of the United States is more highly respected and appreciated by the allied republics than any government on earth—I believe the opportunity has arrived when we, by our friendly interference, can peacefully end this long and useless war, and win for ourselves the gratitude of all the belligerents.
I know that the good offices of the government of the United States will be at once accepted by Chili and Peru, if offered. Of this I am satisfied from the conversation I had with the President of this republic, the secretary of state, and with Mr. Pardo, the Peruvian minister at this capital.
[Page 262]All are heartily sick of the war, and, while they are vigorously preparing for effective operations, they are constantly looking for some friendly interference.
Peru and Chili, I am assured by their respective representatives, ask no indemnification for losses sustained by the bombardment of Callao or Valparaiso. They only demand security for the future; they simply wish the world to understand and Spain to acknowledge that it was an unjustifiable, act to bombard a wholly defenceless city, and that arrangements may be made that will secure them from a similar calamity in the future; that Spain shall disavow all intentions of conquest on this coast, and yield all her alleged rights to jurisdiction over any portion of the territory of the republics forming the alliance. Representatives on the part of Spain will then be received at the capitals of the republics, and all previous questions of difficulties can be settled by diplomacy.
Spanish pride alone prevents an amicable adjustment at once. Spain and her offspring on this coast fear what the world would say, and prefer war rather than have it said that either had gained any advantage in the adjustment.
No arrangement can ever be made by despatches and diplomatic correspondence, but I am well assured that it can be accomplished in the following manner: Be pleased to instruct me to extend to Chili, which stands at the head of the alliance and controls it, the good offices of the government of the United States. This offer will be accepted. Permit me then to occupy a few days at this capital in officially learning the precise views and wishes of this government, and then, in company with Mr. Covarrubias and Mr. Pardo, proceed to Lima, where I will have an opportunity to positively inform myself of the exact wishes of the entire alliance. If, then, you will arrange a meeting between yourself, Mr. Hale, our minister at the court of Spain, and myself, (taking it for granted that Mr. Hale can induce that government to accept the good offices of the United States,) I assure you that we can agree upon a proposition that I will undertake to have accepted on the part of the allied republics. As I said before, Spanish pride and want of confidence in those who have thus far undertaken to settle the difficulties will effectually prevent any amicable adjustment except by the United States.
Several months since, but for the unexpected opposition on the part of those who should have assisted in the matter, Commodore Rodgers and myself had nearly affected an amicable arrangement, and that, too, at a time when we were unknown and viewed with suspicion.
I now have reason to know that I have gained the confidence of this people, and that any terms that you, Mr. Hale, and myself propose, will be taken for granted at once as honorable, and will be accepted.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.