Mr. Seward to Mr. Perry.
Sir: I have your despatch of the 2d of October, No. 128, and I not only approve but I commend the zeal and diligence you have exercised in your labors to secure a continuance of peace between Peru and Spain. I shall not now approve of so much of the representations and suggestions which you have made to Mr. Llorente on that subject as was not warranted by express directions from this department. At the same time, I am far from being disposed to censure this portion of your proceedings, and, on the contrary, I rather incline to hope that your representations may be crowned with beneficial effect.
Upon a careful consideration of the state of the case as you have presented it to me, it has been deemed expedient on my part to advise Mr. Barreda, who is now in Europe, to seek an interview with you, and learn from you informally and unofficially the facts in regard to the disposition of the Spanish government which you have communicated to me. His sagacity will enable him to determine what course to suggest to his government at Lima. I shall communicate with Mr. Barreda by the mail which carries this despatch.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Horatio J. Perry, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Madrid.