William H. Seward to Horatio J. Perry, August 5, 1862

Mr. Seward to Mr. Perry.

Sir: I have received and have read with much interest your despatch of the 1th of July, (No. 68,) giving a detailed account of a recent conversation between Mr. Calderon Collantes and yourself on the subject of the affairs of Mexico.

In view of what I have so lately written to you in relation to this subject, I do not deem it necessary or important at this time to do more than assure you of my approval of the part taken by you in the conversation referred to. You were quite right in assuming and in stating, as you did to Mr. Calderon Collantes, that this government has not the least purpose or desire to extend its jurisdiction. It needs no more territory, and it will scrupulously respect the rights of other nations, as it purposes to maintain its own.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,