William H. Seward to Judson Kilpatrick, March 27, 1868

Mr. Seward to Mr. Kilpatrick.

Sir: The technical continuance of the state of war between Spain on the one part, and Peru, Chili, Ecuador, and Bolivia on the other, occasions inconveniences to all neutral states, and especially to this country, which it is desirable should be terminated by a formal armistice. You will consequently suggest in the proper quarter that a measure of this character should be adopted by the government to which you are accredited. If your suggestion should be favorably received, you may follow it by another to the effect that all the parties to the war referred to should appoint plenipotentiaries to meet here for the purpose of bringing about a definitive peace. If the advice of this government should be asked, there shall be no want of proper and impartial effort on its part to see that the claims of all shall receive due consideration.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,