Mr. Seward to Mr. Asboth
Sir: Your despatch of the 2d of February last has been received and carefully considered.
A pressure upon the belligerents to secure their acceptance of the good offices [Page 157] of the United States for the attainment of peace would prove impracticable; and even if it were practicable, I cannot think it would be expedient. If our proposition is a beneficent one, as we suppose, it may be expected to commend itself to favor. If not beneficent, it ought to be rejected. In either case a high responsibility is discharged.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Alexander Asboth, Esq., &c., &c., &c.