Thomas H. Nelson to William H. Seward, March 1, 1866

Mr. Nelson to Mr. Seward.

Sir: On the 27th ultimo I received a note from the secretary of foregn relations, acknowledging the receipt of my own of the 23d ultimo, which formed enclosure B, in my despatch No. 250. This note brings the negotiation in regard to arbitration, initiated by me on the 12th of February, to a close for the present. (A.) Should the opportunity occur, however, of preventing further bloodshed, and of coming to a peaceful arrangement of the questions pending between Chili and Spain, I entertain an earnest hope that the good offices of this legation may be the means employed to that end.

Having concluded the only negotiation pending with the government of Chili, viz., that of arbitration above alluded to, I have hastened to apply to the secretary of foreign relations, requesting that he confer with his excellency the president, asking that he grant me an interview for the purpose of presenting my letter of recall, and at the same time of presenting my successor for official recognition, as the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States. For that purpose I have to day addressed a note to his excellency the secretary of foreign affairs. (See enclosure B.)

I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,