William H. Seward to Horatio J. Perry, May 29, 1862

Mr. Seward to Mr. Perry.

Sir: Your despatch of April 17 (No. 48) has been received.

It is very interesting as a considerate and guarded exposition of Mr. Calderon Collantes’s views on the subject of Mexican affairs.

I find no occasion to add to the frank and full explanations of the views of this government on that subject I have already given. Matters have indeed assumed a new and unexpected complication. Before we can engage in discussing them under their new aspect, we need to have some more light concerning the probable course of events in Mexico. We the more readily defer the discussion because a hopeful state of affairs at home seems to call for our best exertious to bring our unhappy civil war to an early close. Nations no more than individuals can wisely divide their attention upon many subjects at one time.

On one point, however, you may express yourself as strongly as you think needful, namely: the disposition of the United States to cultivate at home and abroad respect for the sovereignty and the independence of nations as the most effectual security for peace and the progress of civilization.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,