Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part IV

Mr. Seward to Mr. Koerner.

No. 96.]

Department of State, Washington, May 24, 1864.

Sir: I think it important to transmit for your information, translations of the official papers relating to the transaction which has recently occurred at Lima.

These papers will enable you to understand perfectly the views and purposes respectively of the Spanish agents and of the Peruvian government. It is hardly necessary to repeat here that the only object of this government is to secure a reconciliation, and avert war between Spain and Peru. We do not, therefore, think it now essential or expedient to express an opinion upon the merits of the controversy which divides them.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

Gustavus Koerner, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Madrid.