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. 15]

Legation of the United States, Lima, April 13, 1866.

Sir: I have received definite and reliable information that the port of Valparaiso was bombarded by the Spanish squadron on the 31st ultimo, and that several millions of private property, including a large amount owned by Americans, were destroyed.

Also, I have information from reliable sources that it is the intention of the Spanish admiral to sail northward and destroy other ports of Chili and Peru.

Presuming that the proper authorities have forwarded to Washington official reports of this event, I defer any further statement, and I have the honor to be your obedient servant,

ALVIN P. HOVEY.

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