Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session of the Thirty-ninth Congress

Mr. Hovey to Mr. Seward.

No. 1.]

Legation of the United States, Lima, November 20, 1865.

Sir: I have the honor to report that I arrived in the city of Lima on the 17th instant.

Before my arrival (as you have no doubt already learned) President Pezet was defeated, abandoned the country in the English steamer Mutine, and the second vice-president, General Canseco, assumed control of the Peruvian government.

The battle of Lima was fought on the 6th instant, with a loss on both sides of about three hundred killed and wounded. Considerable gallantry was displayed by the assailing party, under General Prado.

On the 8th instant the entire diplomatic body in Lima resolved to, and did, recognize the government under Canseco. Great unanimity now prevails in favor of the new order of affairs, and Pezet is loudly condemned as being completely under the control of European influences. A rupture with Spain seems inevitable.

I have written to the minister of foreign relations requesting my presentation in accordance with instructions received from the Department of State.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,

ALVIN P. HOVEY.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.