Mr. Seward to Mr. Hovey.
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt on the 6th instant of your despatch No. 8, of the 14th ultimo, in which you communicate an interesting account of the situation of affairs in Peru, earnestly recommending, also, that authority be given you to present your credentials to the supreme provisional chief of that republic, the best interests of our country and countrymen, as you believe, demanding that this step should be immediately taken.
In reply I have to state that, so far as this government is enabled to form an opinion as to the propriety of the measure recommended, the time has not yet arrived for the recognition of the revolutionary government instituted by General Prado. The policy of the United States is settled upon the principle that revolutions in republican states ought not to be accepted until the people have adopted them by organic law, with the solemnities which would seem sufficient to guarantee their stability and permanency. This is the result of reflection upon national trials of our own.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Alvin P. Hovey, Esq., &c., &c., &c.