Mr. Seward to Mr. Webb
Sir: Your despatch of the 3d of May last has been received, together with the note of Mr. Albuquerque, minister for foreign affairs, in which, in behalf of Brazil, he declines the proposition which was made by this government to the [Page 255] several belligerents with a view to the establishment of peace in the region of the La Plata. It is not within the province of the United States, nor would it be consistent with the impartiality and friendship which they maintain towards all the belligerents, to pronounce an opinion upon either the original merits of the war, or upon the wisdom or necessity of its longer continuance.
You will express to the imperial government the regret of the President and people of the United States that the allies do not find it compatible with their rights and interests to avail themselves of the good offices of the United States, which were conceived in a spirit of entire respect and friendship for the several belligerents, and an earnest desire for the restoration of peace throughout the American continent.
Not at all wedded to their own proposition which has thus been disallowed, the United States will yet indulge a hope that the wisdom of the belligerent states will be competent to devise measures within a reasonable period which may enable them to afford to their people the advantages and benefits of peace. Such measures being devised, any good offices that may be at any time required of the United States will be cheerfully rendered.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
James Watson Webb, Esq., &c., &c., &c.