Mr. Seward to Mr. Perry.
Sir:On account of my late absence from the department of a few days, it has not been practicable for me to return an earlier answer to your despatch of [Page 105] the 14th of October, (No. 131,) which was received here on the 4th instant. I now hasten to inform you that I have transmitted to Mr. Robinson, our minister at Lima, with an instruction of which I enclose a transcript, a copy of your despatch. The hope is confidently indulged that by the further exercise on the part of both governments of a conciliatory disposition, a peaceful solution of the question at issue may be reached. It has occurred to me, however, that the period suggested by Mr. Llorente, during which Spain would be willing to avoid all show of a hostile or menacing attitude towards Peru, might well be extended in view of the length of time necessarily consumed in communicating between points so distant as Madrid, this capital, and Lima. You will, therefore, seek an early occasion to suggest to Mr. Llorente the expediency of allowing, for the reason stated, a longer term than that proposed by him in his conversation with you.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Horatio J. Perry, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Madrid.