Mr. Seward to Mr. Koerner.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 23d of June, No. 107, which is accompanied by a copy of a memorandum that has been communicated by Mr. Pacheco to the Peruvian consul residing at Madrid.
I have read that instrument carefully, and while I agree with you, that the government of Spain might well have adopted a more free and direct proceeding in restoring the Chincha islands to Peru, I must confess, at the same time, that the disposition which the former government manifests in this overture is pacific and friendly. I cannot think that, under the changed circumstances, the government of Peru ought or could wisely take a stand upon the ground of ceremony which also seems to be left open by the government of Spain. I shall forbear, however, from expressing this opinion to the government of Peru, which may justly claim, as Spain does, to be sole guardian of the national honor. It is expected that before this despatch shall have reached you Mr. Barreda will have appeared at Madrid. I will thank you to make its contents confidentially known to that judicious and esteemed representative of Peru.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Gustavus Koerner, Esq., &c., &c., &c.