Thomas O. Osborn to Melquiades Valderrama, October 6, 1880

Mr. Osborn to Mr. Valderrama.

Sir: Your excellency is aware that on the 6th of August last I approached the honorable President of the Republic of Chili with a view of learning whether the Government of Chili was disposed to enter into a conference with the ministers of the other belligerent republics in the present war, in order to reach an honorable peace under the mediation in the shape of good offices of the United States. Your excellency was pleased to inform me, in our interview of the 10th of August, that the government of Chili would accept the good offices of the United States in the suggested form, if Peru and Bolivia signified on their part their acceptance of this idea.

The conditions indicated by your excellency in this interview having been complied with, I now have the honor to offer formally to the government of your excellency the mediation of the Government of the United States, in order that it may be exercised in the proposed manner.

The form which I suggested in the interview alluded to had in view the celebration of a conference of the ministers duly authorized of the three belligerent republics on board of an American vessel of war, at Arica, in the presence and with the friendly aid and assistance of the representatives of the United States near the belligerent government.

With sentiments of high consideration I have the honor to be, sir, your excellency’s most respectful and obedient servant,