Mr. Seward to Mr.
Hovey.
No. 6.]
Department of State,
Washington, February 20, 1866.
Sir: Your despatches from Nos. 3 to 7,
inclusive, have been received.
That portion of your No. 7 which recommends an increase of the United
States naval force in the South American coast having been referred to
the Secretary of the Navy, I now transmit, for your information, a copy
of his reply, dated on the 17th instant.
You will be pleased to inform Mr. Pacheco that his communications to this
department of the 5th December and 20th January last have been received,
and the former will have due consideration.
Replies to the other subjects treated of in your despatch, herein
referred to, will go forward by the mail of the 1st proximo.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Alvin P Hovey, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
Mr. Welles to Mr. Seward.
Navy Department,
Washington, February 17, 1866.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 14th instant, enclosing a copy of a
despatch dated the 20th ultimo, addressed to you by Alvin P. Hovey,
esq., United States minister to Peru, in relation to the recent
alliance between Peru and Chili against Spain, and to the importance
of increasing our force on the South American coast.
A copy of Mr. Hovey’s despatch shall be transmitted to acting
Rear-Admiral Pearson, the commanding officer of the Pacific
squadron, who will doubtless see that a sufficient force is
stationed on the South American coast.
Commodore Rodgers, with a special squadron, being now on the way to
the Pacific, the department has recently sent instructions (to meet
him at Valparaiso) to him, to remain near the coasts of Peru and
Chili until the arrival of acting Rear-Admiral Pearson.
Very respectfully, &c.,
GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the
Navy.
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State.
