Mr. Seward to Mr. Washburn
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your two despatches, one of August 31st, No. 90, and the other of September 27th, No. 91.
I thank you for the clearness with which you have given me the views which are taken at Asuncion of the military situation on the La Plata. Our correspondents at Buenos Ayres and at Rio report very faithfully the aspect of the same situation from the points of view which they occupy. By comparing the reports thus received I am enabled to form conjectures safer, perhaps, than those which are adopted in the capital of either of the belligerents.
It is not necessary, however, that I should give an expression to these conjectures further than by saying that the war has reached a stage in which the parties are beginning to consider the practicability of negotiations for peace.
This government has no sensibilities concerning the forms of such negotiations. While it cherishes still more earnestly than ever the desire for a restoration of peace, and adheres to the proposition which it has made, it would, nevertheless, see with pleasure the great object achieved through the good offices of any other neutral power.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles A. Washburn, Esq., &c., &c., &c.