Mr. Robinson to Mr. Seward.
No. 352.]
Legation of the United States,
Lima,
November 13, 1865.
Sir: I have the honor to transmit a translated
copy of the note addressed to me by the minister of foreign relations,
under the new administration, and my reply to the same.
By the ministry of the law to which his excellency alludes as one of the
means by which the executive power has devolved upon General Canseco, he
undoubtedly refers to that article of the constitution of Peru which
provides that “the exercise of the office of presidency should be
suspended when the President in person commands the public force.”
General Pezet in his proclamation announced that he had placed himself
at the head of the army, and thereby virtually deposed himself.
In the circular addressed to the ministers representing European powers,
the words “and the strong bonds which nature has
established between both countries” are omitted. This omission
is intentional, and undoubtedly refers to the American policy.
On the evening of the eighth, the day on which the above note was
received, a meeting of the diplomatic body was held at this legation,
and it was unanimously resolved to recognize the government of General
Canseco.
I am happy to say that the country appears to be now in a state of
perfect tranquillity, and the new administration seems to have the
hearty confidence and co-operation of the people.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Circular.]
Mr. Puente to Mr. Robinson.
Ministry of Foreign
Relations,
Lima,
November 6, 1865.
The undersigned, minister of foreign relations of Peru, has the honor
to inform your excellency that his excellency the second
vice-president of the republic, charged with the executive power by
the will of the people and by ministry of law, has occupied with the
restoring army the capital of Lima and the city of Callao, in the
midst of the most enthusiastic acclamations and of the most splendid
acts with which a people could manifest their sovereign will. The
whole territory of Peru is therefore confided to the administration
of the restoring government, which pledges itself to preserve the
friendly relations which connect it with the government of your
excellency by virtue of pre-existing treaties, and the strong bonds
which nature has established between both countries.
The government of the undersigned, the faithful interpreter of the
national sentiment, will endeavor always to make practical the good
relations of both countries, respecting the principles of justice,
avoiding every embarrassment that might tend to disturb the harmony
which should prevail among all the people of the land, without
diminishing by any of its acts the honor and dignity of Peru.
This opportunity furnishes the opportunity to offer myself your
excellency’s attentive and obedient servant,
The Most Excellent Envoy Extraordinary and
Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of
America.
Mr. Robinson to Mr. Puente.
Legation of the United
States,
Lima,
November, 9, 1865.
The envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United
States has the honor to acknowledge the receipt from his excellency
the minister of foreign relations of Peru of the circular of the 6th
of the current month, by which the undersigned is informed of the
[Page 620]
triumphal entry of the
restoring army into the capital, Lima, and the city of Callao, by
which act, and the sovereign will of the people, the whole territory
of Peru is confided to the administration of the restoring
government, and also of the assurances of the latter of its efforts
to preserve the good relations existing between the two
countries.
The undersigned congratulates his excellency upon the speedy
termination of the conflict which has pervaded the whole country,
upon the restoration of peace, and the cheerful satisfaction with
which the result has been received by the nation, and assures his
excellency that the frank and loyal principles which the new
administration proposes as the rule of its policy toward the
government of the undersigned will receive its warmest appreciation,
and will be met with the corresponding determination to cultivate
the most friendly relations with Peru.
The undersigned improves this opportunity to offer to his excellency
the assurances of his highest consideration and esteem.
His Excellency Señor Don José Manuel La
Puente,
Minister of Foreign Relations of Peru,
&c., &c., &c.
