Thomas H. Nelson to the Secretary of Foreign Relations of the republic of Chili, February 12, 1866

Mr. Nelson’s note to government of Chili, offering arbitration.

Sir: The government of the United States has followed with the most profound interest the course of events subsequent to the arrival in Valparaiso of the squadron of her Catholic Majesty in September last, and has seen with deep regret the existence of hostilities between the nations towards which it entertains a sincere friendship, and with both of which it cultivates the most cordial relations. Believing, as my government does, that the true interests of Chili, as well as those of Spain, would be promoted by a peaceful settlement of the questions at issue between them, it has instructed me from time to time, both before and since the opening of hostilities, to omit no effort, to lose no favorable opportunity to bring, if possible, the discussion of those questions to the calmer ground of arbitration.

The adoption at this time of a course so eminently prudent and wise can in no manner affect injuriously the interests of either of the belligerent parties. Chili, in the opinion of the government which I have the honor to represent, has already evinced so much chivalry and national spirit in accepting the war, and in the measures adopted for carrying it on, as to render it perfectly consistent with her honor to offer or accept negotiation with a view to peace.

I would, therefore, ask the government of Chili, in the name of that of the United States, to seriously meditate whether it would not be better for the interests of the republic, and for those of the civilized world, that a combat injurious to each should cease, and whatever questions of difference exist be referred to the arbitral decision of some friendly power. And I desire still further to manifest the sincere wish of my government for peace, by hereby tendering to Chili its good offices as arbiter in the premises. The United States have since the beginning of the present conflict, evidenced so deep an interest in the welfare of the contending parties, and have maintained so strict an impartiality, that I cannot but entertain an earnest hope that this offer may meet the cheerful acquiescence both of your excellency’s government and that of her Catholic Majesty, to which I am confident that a similar proposition has been or will soon be made.

It is true mat since the date of the instructions from Washington, to which I have alluded, new complications have arisen, which might, if their consideration were not embraced in the present communication, embarrass the action of the government of Chili to this suggestion. I allude to the treaty, offensive and defensive, between the republics of Chili and Peru, by the terms of which they have agreed to afford to one another mutual aid in the prosecution of hostilities against the forces of Spain. The solemn ratification and promulgation of that treaty render it necessary that, in order to accept the offer of arbitration herein contained, the goverment be also consulted, and the questions of difference between that country and Spain included in said arbitration. Anticipating this possible embarrassment, I do not hesitate to embrace, in this tender of good offices of my government as arbiter, the questions likewise pending between these two nations.

The government of Chili, whose relations with my own have ever been most cordial, will, in accepting this proposition, give a new and gratifying evidence of its sincere desire to strengthen these relations by listening to the friendly voice which counsels the relinquishment of the stern measures of war, and the recourse to the decision of a just and impartial tribunal.

I avail myself of this occasion to reiterate to your excellency the assurances of my most distinguished consideration and respect.