Mr. Hovey to Mr. Seward.
Sir: I regret to inform you that Peru has suffered the greatest calamity which during its existence has befallen it. On the 13th instant, at 5.40 p. m., a very decided earthquake was felt in Lima and Callao, and, although not causing any injury of consequence, was pronounced to be the most severe movement of the earth experienced here since 1860. Following the earthquake, the sea, rising in a great wave, overwhelmed a portion of Callao, inflicting great damage on the town, and but for the protection afforded by the island of San Lorenzo, the city would have been completely destroyed. Upon the succeeding night a disastrous fire broke out in that city, causing a loss of upwards of one million and a half of dollars. During this terrible occurrence, Colonel Balta, the President, and his ministers were present at the post of danger, directing the efforts of the soldiers and firemen, and rendering very effectual assistance. The Chincha Islands were, in part, submerged, but, owing to the speedy retrocession of the sea, suffered little injury; whilst the city of Ica, distant forty miles from the main land, opposite the Guano Island, was completely destroyed. By the steamer which arrived from the south on the 19th of the present month we learn that the cities of Arica, Arequipa, Iquique and Moquegua, and several minor towns, have been reduced to ruins. The loss of life is estimated at one thousand eight hundred, while the damage done to property will not be covered by two hundred millions of dollars. In the bay of Arica, the United States ships Fredonia and Wateree were cast on shore and lost, the first with the loss of thirty-seven men, the second with one. The conduct of Commander Gillis, of the Wateree, and of his officers and crew in alleviating the wants of the people of Arica is highly commended, and the humane services of the physicians of these two ships, Doctors Winslow and Dubois, have been duly appreciated.
These cities are completely destroyed, not one single house remaining. The effect here has been intense, and, urged by myself, Admiral Turner, commanding the naval forces of the United States in the South Pacific, has generously offered to aid the government in its efforts to render assistance to the ruined and starving people of the south. I beg herewith to transmit the copy of a letter from myself to the minister of [Page 871] foreign affairs, (No. 1,) and copies of the correspondence passed between the admiral and myself in relation to this subject, (No. 2.)
The government is busily engaged in equipping vessels and loading them with all necessaries for the distressed people. I sincerely trust that our only ship here, the Powhatan, may be of some service.
The damage done to commercial interests is immense, and cannot be estimated now from the imperfect data at hand.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.