Watson Webb to Senhor Antonio Coelho de Sa’e Albuquerque, Councillor to his Imperial Majesty the Emperor, January 21, 1867

Mr, Webb to Senhor Albuquerque

The undersigned, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary from the United States, has the honor to enclose to his excellency Senhor Antonio Coelho de Sa’e Albuquerque, councillor to his Imperial Majesty the Emperor, minister and secratary of state for foreign affairs, a copy of a despatch received from the honorable William H. Seward, Secretary of State for the United States, and a proposition forwarded therein from the President of the United States to the respective governments of Brazil, Uruguay, the Argentine Republic, and Paraguay, in the hope of bringing to a speedy and honorable conclusion the pending war between the allies and the republic of Paraguay.

The undersigned indulges the hope that this proposition for a conference at Washington, based upon the wishes of the people of the United States, and in the interest of peace, commerce, humanity, and the progress of civilization throughout the continent, may be accepted by Brazil in the spirit in which it is offered, and he avails himself of this occasion to reiterate to his excellency assurances of consideration and respect.