Mr. Seward to Mr. Koerner.
Sir: I am indebted to you for a very lucid and interesting account of your conversation with Mr. Pacheco, and the situation of the Peruvian government at Madrid. It was natural, and indeed unavoidable, that there should be much excitement at that capital when information arrived there of the demonstrations which were made against Mr. Salazar on his way from Peru to Europe. Nevertheless, the interests of peace remain always unaffected by popular commotions. I trust, therefore, that her Catholic Majesty’s government will be favorably disposed towards an adjustment of the controversy with Peru upon a just and honorable basis.
I have some grounds for believing that Peru will send a proper agent to Madrid in such a character, and for such a purpose as I have heretofore suggested in my correspondence with Mr. Robinson and yourself. Should Mr. Barreda, who now represents Peru here, go out to Madrid, you will find him a fair, honorable, and discreet person. In the mean time it will not be inexpedient for you to continue your good offices. I think that the pressure of the South American states upon this government for symathy and aid entitles us to expect that the Spanish government will regard us as acting in a spirit not less friendly to Spain than to Peru, and solely with a view to prevent, so far as we can, an enlargement of the theatre of war.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Gustavus Koerner, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Madrid.