[731] *Mr. Garcia, Peruvian minister, to Mr. Seward, Secretary of State.
Sir: the foregoing would undoubtedly suffice for the end in view when addressing an upright and enlightened government, such as that of your excellency’s, but the government of Peru voluntarily and deliberately desires to offer to yours the most perfect security as to the rectitude of its intentions in sending those vessels to the coasts of the republic, and for that purpose has instructed’ me to reiterate, expressly in its name, to the United States Government, the formal promise that the monitors will leave for the Pacific without attacking, or in any way molesting, any vessels or possessions of Spain, and without committing any act of hostility, directly or indirectly, against the flag of that nation, either at sea or on land, to which they may not be provoked; The honor of the Peruvian government, I again repeat on this occasion, guarantees to your excellency the strict fulfillment of this solemn promise.
I have the honor of subscribing myself, with, the highest consideration, your excellency’s most humble and obedient servant,
His Excellency William H.
Seward,
Secretary of the United
States of America, Washington.