Mr. Kilpatrick to Mr. Seward
Sir: The recent intelligence received from the Atlantic in relation to the probable early return of the Spanish squadron to the Pacific for the renewal of hostilities has occasioned considerable excitement in Chili, and given to affairs a new and interesting aspect. Since the departure of the Spaniards, soon after the bombardment of Callao, the republic had confidently believed that it was finally rid of its enemy. This belief was founded principally upon the domestic troubles of Spain and the condition of her treasury, which it was claimed would not permit her to carry on a campaign so remote from her shores; but the idea was also shared to a great extent that, if in the face of those obstacles, Spain should choose to resume the war, the preparations for defence inaugurated by the [Page 270] allies would deter her from executing such a design. The whole country now admits as a fact that the Spaniards are to return, and its effect upon trade is already commencing to be seriously felt. The merchants of Valparaiso, in anticipation of another attack upon that city, a few days since petitioned the government for the establishment of bonded warehouses in Santiago to which they might remove their importations for safety; but this request was denied by the minister of finance, who assigned in his reply, dated as late as July 3d, as a reason for the refusal, that no apprehensions are entertained by the government of the reappearance of the enemy.
This has been the opinion of the government for the last year, and I am not convinced that it has been altogether changed, though its modification is indicated in the renewed activity noticeable upon the fortifications. The hitherto undefined policy of the goverment of Chili respecting the character of the operations that would be adopted in case of a renewal of the war, has lately been announced by the minister of war, in reply to the persistent cross-questioning of senators in the sessions of the senate, in which the ministers participate, to be a wholly defensive one, and it is given to be understood that in no case does Chili propose to assume the offensive. Her navy at the present time certainly would not justify offensive operations on a large scale, and even in conjunction with the Peruvian squadron could scarcely do more than to annoy so formidable a fleet as Spain is evidently fitting out for these waters.
But while the allies are still incompetent for attacking, Chili is really but little better prepared for defence. Her fortifications, which were planned very elaborately, are far from completion, and do not promise to be put in that condition which should characterize such important works. About 40 guns, principally Parrott’s rifled ordnance of from 60 to 200-pound calibres, have been mounted upon the bluffs in a very scattered manner, while the heavier ordnance, including 15-inch Rodman’s, and a number of 350 and 450-pounder Armstrong’s and Blakely’s, lie rusting on the beach, where they were landed several months ago. Water batteries for these have been laid out, but not yet commenced. Several more guns can be placed in the works already completed, or nearly finished, on the bluffs, but their position and elevation, added to the inexperience of the artillerists who will serve them, must seriously lessen their effectiveness upon the enemy. We expect the Spanish fleet to resume operations on this coast in September, when the long season of calm in the Pacific will have set in, and I very much doubt if by that time the defences will have attained a condition that can justify much hope of their availability.
This state of affairs is already involving the country in domestic agitation, which threatens unhappy results, should Spain carry out her evident intentions. The newspapers of the country, which, with one or two exceptions, have been unremitting in their decided expressions of dissatisfaction with the alleged apathy of the government in regard to the war, have attacked the administration with additional vigor, and to a degree calculated to materially weaken if not entirely destroy the confidence of the people in their rulers. Bitter complaints are heard on every hand, and the political factions, inimical to the administration, are daily becoming more formidable. In congress, several of the most eminent and faithful advocates of the administration have recently arrayed themselves against the President and his advisers, and denounced them in long and exciting speeches. This feeling is spreading among the supporters of the administration, and in addition to its effect upon legislation, is influencing the community to a degree that exceeds anything hitherto accomplished by the press. I see no reason to fear violent measures immediately, but in view of the probabilities of a disastrous campaign to Chili, incurred, as is alleged, by the indifference or incapacity of the administration, the future appears pregnant with evil. A change of administration will be inevitable, should the apprehensions respecting the operations of the enemy be realized, and we can only hope that the unanimity of sentiment may render it bloodless.
[Page 271]In conclusion I have only to add, that I shall acquaint you with the condition of affairs from time to time, with the promptness which the importance of the present situation demands; and that I still trust in the prudence of the statesmen of Chili to preserve her from that domestic strife to which she now seems to be progressing.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. Wtlliam H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.