Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: The security, welfare and independence of the South American nations have heretofore as deeply interested Great Britain as they have the United States. Great Britain is equally with the United States a friend of Spain. I cannot doubt, therefore, that her Majesty’s government will agree with this government in regarding with deep concern and apprehension the apparently imminent danger of a war between Spain and Peru. The latter power has invoked the good offices of the United States, and I have no doubt that she has, at the same time, appealed to Great Britain. You will seek an occasion to converse with Earl Russell on the subject, and use your good offices, if they shall be accepted, to induce her Majesty’s government to exercise its influence with the two countries in favor of conciliation upon terms consistent with justice and honor. To enable you to act understandingly upon the subject, I give you herewith a copy of communications I have addressed to Mr. Robinson, our minister at Lima, and to Mr. Koerner, our representative at Madrid.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles F. Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
[The enclosures are published elsewhere.]