Mr. Kilpatrick to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatches of the 5th of May, Nos. 6 and 7, in which I am informed that the President has fully approved of my entire course, not only in reference to the bombardment of Valparaiso, but since my arrival in Chili. While I felt that I had done my duty in every respect, yet I was most anxious to have the approval of my government. It has come, and in language most gratifying to me. You will remember that I long since expressed my fears that I might not possess those qualifications requisite for so important a mission. I still feel that want of confidence and knowledge which time, hard study, and experience alone can give. In consequence of this I have been obliged to feel my way most carefully. However, having passed through, and to your satisfaction, the most difficult days of my mission, I feel reassured and have no fears for the future. My highest ambition [Page 415] is to fully carry out the well-established policy of my government and to receive its approval. I am happy to inform you that the feeling here against the United States, the result of causes already stated in former despatches, has entirely subsided, and this legation occupies a position second to none in Chili. The President and his cabinet, and all intelligent men in Chili, I am convinced, now fully understand and appreciate the truly American policy of our government. Your diplomatic triumph over the Emperor of the French, resulting in the speedy withdrawal of his troops from Mexico without a war, has produced a profound sensation here, counterbalancing all the evil effects of the bombardment of Valparaiso. They see that the moral power and force of our great republic is felt in Europe now as before the war, and that the same causes that have forced a French Emperor to withdraw his soldiers from the soil of republican Mexico, will induce Spain to follow his example and no longer meddle with the republics of South America, now determined to be republican and free. Please accept my thanks, not only for your unqualified approval of my course, but for the kind words of encouragement you have been pleased to address me.
I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.