Mr. Hovey to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have just returned from a visit to Chili, where I remained two weeks, as the guest of General Kilpatrick, at Santiago. Visited by and conversing with the leading men of both parties, including the President, I had a very good opportunity to perceive the current of public feeling.
The sole and engrossing topic was the war with Spain, and the possibilities and probabilities of peace.
Admiral Dahlgren having kindly tendered me a passage on the United States steamer Wateree, the importance of my visit was augmented in the eyes of Peruvians and Chilians, and the journals of both countries soon elevated me into the position of the great ambassador of peace, “the dove with the olive branch!”
In this position both parties, as well as foreigners, talked to me without the least reserve, and I think that I can truly say that the sentiment in Chili is decidedly favorable to an adjustment of the Spanish question, but they would like to be ravished into a compliance with their own desires.
Whilst this is the case, there is no one that dare take the initiative. In fact, the politicians, who fully see and acknowledge the necessity, hesitate because they know that something done may be the cause of their future downfall.
There is but little self-sacrifice in South American politics, and but the shadow of patriotism. A few families govern Chili and Peru, and they are constantly quarrelling among themselves for the spoils. But, notwithstanding this, they believe themselves thoroughly republican, and their sympathies and respect for the United States are very great.
My impressions are that no peace can be made by Spain with these republics until they have felt more keenly the evil effects of war. Should Spain make a strong and strict blockade of the ports of Callao and Valparaiso, and bombard and ruin the lesser ports, it is probable that propositions would be entertained. Now all efforts will be useless. I have to add that, after having seen the fortifications of Valparaiso and Callao, I deem them impregnable to any force that Spain will probably send to the Pacific. The combined force of the allied fleet would amount to nothing in contact with the Spanish ships of war that bombarded Callao on May 2d, 1866.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.