Mr. Hovey to Mr. Seward.
Sir: In my late visit to Chili, in conjunction with General Kilpatrick, I had interviews on two several occasions with the secretary of foreign affairs of that government in regard to the propositions for meditation made by the United States. The secretary expressed himself as being entirely willing to accept the first proposition of an indefinite truce, which he stated would be tantamount to peace, as no cause of war would be likely to ensue from the old issues. He further said that personally he could have no objections to adjusting the matter by means of the congress of plenipotentiaries proposed by the United States, but that as a party measure it might materially injure the present administration in Chili.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.