Mr. Seward to Mr. Asboth
Sir: I have had the honor to receive from Mr. Flangini, minister of foreign affairs for the Oriental republic, a communication in which, while in the name of that republic he declines the good offices of the United States for the restoration of peace in the countries of the La Plata, he expresses high appreciation of those good offices and assigns the reasons for the course which the Oriental republic feels itself bound to pursue. You will please inform Mr. Flangini that his respected communication has been laid before the President. While he regrets the failure of his efforts to secure the restoration of peace, the President hopes at the same time that that consummation may be speedily reached in some manner which will be honorable and satisfactory to the belligerents, and he will hold himself at all times ready to contribute to that end in any way which shall seem likely to be agreeable to the parties and at the same time effective.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Alexander Asboth, Esq., &c., &c., &c.