Mr. Hovey to Mr. Seward
Sir : The contents of your despatch No. 36, in relation to a proposed mediation, was submitted on January 8th, 1867, to the government of Peru, according to your direction, and the substance of your No. 44, referring to the conditional acceptance of the good offices of the United States by Spain, was likewise communicated to the government on the 1st April, 1867.
The confused condition of public affairs has no doubt prevented an answer to this date.
Congress has assumed the right to control the question of peace, and the President has been for many weeks without a cabinet.
The committee on foreign relations have submitted to the consideration of congress a proposition which rejects all negotiations for peace at this time, but no vote as yet has been taken on the same.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.