Mr. Perry to Mr. Seward.
Sir:Your instructions to Mr. Koerner, Nos. 112 and 113, of the 11th and 15th July, were received by me on the 1st and 4th of August, and their purport was immediately communicated to Mr. Koerner, in Germany.
I note especially your views upon the present condition of the Peruvian question, based upon the information conveyed in Mr. Koerner’s despatches to you previous to and including his No. 105, of June 22. His subsequent despatches on the subject, Nos. 107 of June 28, 108 of June 29, and 109 of July 2, will vary in some degree the inferences drawn from those first communicated. I am of opinion, nevertheless, that Spain is not desirous of war with Peru, and that the arrival of a special Peruvian envoy at this court is the best step which could have been imagined tending to bring about a satisfactory arrangement of the question. He may find more difficulty than was expected at the date of the earlier despatches, afterwards modified by subsequent developments here, but I trust these difficulties will be overcome.
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With the highest respect, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.