Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Fortieth Congress

Mr. Kilpatrick to Mr. Seward

No. 39.]

Legation of the United States, Valparaiso, Chili, February 2, 1867.

Sir: I have the honor to state that being in this city no my way to Talcahuano to fulfil instructions received from the State Department, despatches Nos. 25 and 28, your important despatch^* No. 30, extending the good offices of the United States to the allied republics met me.

Most of the cabinet were in Valparaiso, and I had an interview with them in the evening of the same day in which I received your despatch, having previously forwarded a copy of your communication to the minister of foreign relations, accompanied by a note, a copy of which I enclose, marked A.

Each member of the cabinet, with the exception of Mr. Covarrubias, he not being present, expressed himself much pleased at the kind resolutions of Congress and the friendly overture made by the government, but at the same time expressed much doubt as to the propriety of accepting that article in your, proposition which provides in case that the representatives of the belligerent states cannot agree that the President of the United States shall name another state, not the United States, nor one of the belligerents, to act as umpire. With this exception the proposition seemed to meet with their approbation.

I was also informed that after the representatives of France and England had failed to induce the allied republics to accept the propositions of their respective governments, they were instructed to propose, and did propose, that the war might be suspended by an armistice or truce, which, being indefinite as to its duration, might ultimately result in bringing about a satisfactory arrangement of the existing differences, and that this proposition was now being considered by the allied republics.

I was assured that the propositions made by the United States should receive their immediate attention, and that they would give me a reply in time for the steamer of the 3d February.

I proceeded to Talcahuano, and after having made the investigations there, returned to Valparaiso on the 1st instant, receiving the same evening the enclosed reply of Mr. Covarrubias, B.

From the reply of Mr. Covarrubias it appears that the government of Chili is waiting the action of the other republics, and cannot give a definite answer until she hears from them on the subject.

I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. KILPATRICK.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

A.

Mr. Kilpatrick to Mr. Covarrubias

Legation of the United States, Valparaiso, Chili, January 23, 1867.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit to your excellency a copy of a communication received from my government, containing important and amicable resolutions passed by the Congress of the United States, relative to the war between the allied republics and Spain, and also a proposition of the United States government, having for its object a friendly, honorable, and satisfactory settlement of the existing difficulties.

In referring to your excellency the aforesaid documents, I indulge the hope that the good, offices of my government therein expressed may be accepted, and that peace with all its blessings may be the result.

I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to your excellency the assurances of the high consideration with which I have the honor to remain,

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. KILPATRICK.

The Minister of Foreign Relations of the Republic of Chili.

B.

[Translation.]

Señor Covarrubias to Mr. Kilpatrick

Santiago, January 30, 1867.

Sir: I have had the honor to receive the note which your excellency has been pleased to send me, dated the 23d instant, transmitting to me, by order of your government, the basis which it presents to the belligerents for bringing to a pacific termination the war which the allied republics are carrying on against Spain.

I have informed his Excellency the President of the republic in regard to the note of your excellency, and he has instructed me to say in reply to your excellency, that as soon as he has come to an understanding with the other allied republics he will give to your excellency an answer in regard to the propositions which you have been pleased to submit to his consideration.

I avail myself of this opportunity to offer to your excellency the assurances of the distinguished consideration with which I am your obedient servant,

ALVARO COVARRUBIAS,

The Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of North America.

1. For this despatch see instruction No. 36 of December 20, 1866, to United States minister to Peru.