Thomas O. Osborn to Dr. Don B. Zorrilla, June 22, 1880

Mr. Osborn to Don B. Zorrilla.

Sir: The undersigned, minister of the United States, has the honor of addressing your excellency, with no spirit to interfere with the domestic affairs of the country, hut with the object simply of tendering his good offices in the present conflict between the provincial authorities of Buenos Ayres and the national government. In so doing he is prompted not only by the sentiments of humanity inherent in all, quickened not only by the blood already spilt, by the traditions of his country’s policy, and by a conviction that a further sacrifice of life and property may be avoided by an arrangement honorable to both parties, but also by a direct appeal in writing to him by a large and an influential part of the commercial community of all nationalities.

Your excellency is earnestly desired to give such attention to these communications as its object, in your estimation, warrants. Its prompt consideration may probably avert further bloodshed—bloodshed of Argentine citizens by Argentine citizens—and re-establish the harmony of the powers of the nation on a constitutional basis.

At such a moment as your excellency may consider proper and designate, and with the consent of both conflicting parties, to whom the present note is simultaneously proffered, he shall have the greatest satisfaction in making effective this offer of friendly mediation.

The undersigned has the honor to remain, &c., &c., &c.,