Mr. Seward to Mr. Riotte.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 142, of the 10th ultimo, communicating an account of your interview with Mr. Volio, the minister for foreign affairs of Costa Rica, relative to the proposition made by Peru to Costa Rica for joining the defensive and offensive alliance against Spain, already existing between several of the American republics.
In reply, I have to say, that although this is a question upon which you were not authorized to speak, and which fact the government of Costa Rica must have known, yet, as the opinions you have expressed to Mr. Volio on the subject must be viewed as your own individual opinions, the President finds no occasion to reverse them, since they appear to be satisfactory to Costa Rica.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles N. Riotte, Esq., &c., &c., &c.