Mr. Perry to Mr. Seward.
Sir:* * * * * *
Nos. 114 and 115, upon the questions pending between Spain and Peru, have crossed in the mail with my Nos. 119, 121, 122, and 123, addressed to you on the same subject, and I am especially gratified to find that the ideas which have guided me are in all respects harmonious with those instructions dictated by your superior judgment.
I have been a little doubtful, after the letter of August 22d from Mr. Barreda, enclosed in my No. 123 to you, whether to wait his arrival, or communicate your No. 115 to him in writing. Knowing, however, the just importance Mr. Barreda attaches to your opinion, I have imagined that perhaps this most opportune despatch might have the effect to bring him to Spain, where you suppose him to be, and where undoubtedly he ought to be at this moment, if he has any power at all to act in the name of his government. I have sent him, therefore, a copy, under the mark of “strictly confidential.”
The indications contained in your No. 16, of August 12, will guide my conduct in the matters to which it relates; and I beg to thank you for the clear and impartial summaries of military events contained in your Nos. 15 and 18, this last of August 15.
I shall wait here the arrival of the next mail steamer from America, and if nothing further should reach me from Mr. Barreda, will then return to San Ildefonso.
With sentiments of the highest respect, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.