Mr. Seward to Mr. Asboth.
Sir: It has been intimated to this department that the good office of this government might be acceptable towards putting an end to the war between Paraguay and the allies. Although we have never been eager to interfere in controversies abroad which lead to wars, or in accepting the part of mediator for the purpose of arresting hostilities, we have a natural desire, as an American power, that peace should prevail in this hemisphere whenever it can be maintained consistently with the honor and interests of the countries, whatever may be the form of their government. By indulging this desire so far as to aid in restoring tranquillity to the interesting regions of the La Plata and Parana, we would not, it is conceded, justly incur a charge of impertinent intermeddling. We would not prematurely, at least, hazard an opinion upon the points of difference between the parties. If, however, all or either of them shall ask for our good offices, they will be bestowed with a full appreciation of the delicacy and responsibility of the trust, and with a single desire to render impartial justice and to terminate the ravages of war.
You may informally or otherwise make known these views to the minister for foreign affairs of the Argentine Confederation, and you will inform the department as to the manner in which they shall be received by his government.
An instruction to the same effect has been addressed to Mr. Webb at Rio de Janiero and to Mr. Washburn at Asuncion.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Alexander Asboth, Esq., &c., &c., &c.