Señor Asta Buruaga to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I have had the honor to receive your note of the 19th instant, in which you say that the Spanish government has signified that yours may be sure that Spain, in the present war with the republics of South America, has not aspired to conquests, acquisition of territory, or an exclusive interest in them; that the Spanish government has expressed a hope that the United States will use its good offices with the belligerents in promoting the restoration of peace; and has, moreover, manifested its good disposition to receive any suggestion your government may make on the subject. But your government not feeling at liberty to take steps in such a delicate affair, without a previous assurance that the other parties feel the same dispositions expressed by the Spanish government, you are pleased to ask me:
1st. If I am authorized and prepared to give the disposition of my government in that matter; and
2d. If I have the authority to speak in the name of the allies, Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, on the same subject.
At the same time you signify to me, in order to save any misapprehension, that, although it is not customary for the North American people, nor consistent with the policy of its government, to propose, or even accept the office of arbitrator between belligerents, or to propose definite plans for reconciliation to them, yet your government believes, as a mutual friend of the contending parties, that it can suggest with propriety some method of negotiation, with the hope that if a beginning is made, they themselves will bring it to a happy termination. And, with your customary impartiality and benevolence, you conclude by saying that your government proposes in this matter to make known to all parties the action it designs to take towards either of them, and to effect this has communicated the contents of the present note to the Spanish minister in this city, and to the governments of Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.
In answer to you, I am particularly pleased to express the high appreciation the government of Chili will give to the friendly interests of your government in initiating plans of reconciliation in the deplorable contest in which Chili and its noble allies are now involved with Spain; and I have no doubt but that it will take advantage of the generous offer to terminate in a satisfactory manner the interests involved, and assure the future repose of our countries. But as I have no express instructions to answer the questions that form the basis of your honorable note, I will limit myself to the general reply that my government has not closed the door to peace negotiations from any quarter, nor will it turn a deaf ear to any proposition of the kind that may harmonize with the loyalty due to its allies, and accord with the sentiments of the interests and principles it defends.
In regard to the second point on which you desire information, I must say that I have no authority to speak for the allies, and, therefore, cannot determine what action they will take in the affair.
Under these circumstances I have lost no time in transmitting your important note to my government, that it may receive the timely consideration it deserves.
I have the honor to repeat to you the sentiments of great esteem and respect with which I have the honor to be, your very obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.