Mr. Seward to Mr. Perry.
Sir: I have just received your despatch of the 28th of August, together with its accompaniment, which is a private letter addressed to yourself by Mr. Barreda, [Page 100] on the 22d ultimo. That letter is patriotically expressed, as well as loyally conceived.
Mr. Barreda has there indicated to yon a division of counsels which may unhappily arise in Peru on the course to be adopted with regard to the Spanish question. The ministry which was in power when Mr. Barreda left this country for Europe was understood to favor a conciliatory course. That disposition seems to have been unsatisfactory to the House of Representatives, which demanded a more peremptory attitude.
A new ministry has been created, and it has taken the attitude thus required.
It is manifest that insomuch as the real dispute has given place to one which involves only the order and the form in which the parties shall advance toward a settlement upon principles mutually satisfactory, and insomuch as neither party asks leave, or manifests a willingness to invoke friendly offices, to adjust that latter question, we can do no more than to urge upon both of them, by a just regard to their own interests, and to the interests of humanity, to consider how great would be the misfortune if they should suffer such a mere misunderstanding to ripen unnecessarily into flagrant war. What you have said to Mr. Pacheco, and all that you have written to Mr. Barreda, was well and wisely said and written, and is approved.
I give you confidentially a copy of my last note upon the subject to Mr. Robinson.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Horatio J. Perry, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Madrid.