Mr. Seward to Mr. Terry
Sir: I have received your despatch of September 11, in which you report to me the decision which her Catholic Majesty’s government has made to modify the terms heretofore proposed in its controversy with the government of Chili. I have conferred on the subject with Mr. Asta Buruaga, and he will write to his government, but I do not understand that he will be prepared to advise anything material to the situation.
The controversy between Spain and Chili seems to be capable of being reduced to a point of honor, and on such a question susceptibilities which must be respected render an apt friendly intervention difficult and ineffectual. Of course I could not undertake on behalf of this government to discuss so delicate a question, existing between equally friendly states But I can say, I hope, without impropriety, to both of them, that the interest of each seems to us to require at this time, in an especial manner, peace and good foreign relations; that the feelings of the United States in the present juncture incline them to desire strongly an abatement of the evils of war and of faction in this hemisphere, and to contribute whatever may be in their power to the peaceful progress of Spain and [Page 565] of Chili. I am fully prepared to say that in the judgment of the United States, and, as I believe, in the judgment of all nations, neither Spain nor Chili needs to make any new effort or incur any sacrifice to establish the highest possible character for chivalrous honor and dignity. Under these circumstances I cannot but believe that the two great people could adjust the existing difficulty by a diplomatic process to their mutual and common satisfaction.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
HORATIO J. Perry, Esq., &c., &c., Madrid.