[Extract.]
Mr. Wright to Mr.
Seward.
No. 11.]
Legation of the United States,
Berlin,
December 13, 1865.
Sir: Enclosed you will find the second note of
Baron Thile, written under Count Bismarck’s direction, in reference to
the sending of two criminals from Erfurt to the United States. You will
find it more satisfactory than the first.
* * * * * * *
I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Translation.]
Baron Thile to Mr. Wright.
Berlin, Decembers, 5 1865.
Minister Wright: In your letter of the 22d
of November last, concerning the two criminals who had been shipped
from Bremen to the United States, you expressed the wish that
measures should be taken to prevent the repetition of similar acts.
I have already had the honor to inform you, in my letter of November
1st, that it was not the authorities of Erfurt or of Wandersleben
who sent these two individuals to America.
Our legislation does not recognize the penalty of transportation or
banishment. No Prussian official is authorized to send convicts out
of the country.
The before-mentioned Kreunholz and Rödiger had themselves declared
their intention of emigrating to America. To assist them in this
design a manufacturer, living in the neighborhood, had given a sum
of money, and the community of Wandersleben had done the same. It
was only to see that the money was used for the purpose intended
that a member of the police of Wandersleben accompanied the two
individuals as far as Bremen, after they had obtained permission to
emigrate. In acting thus it was not intended to show any disrespect
to a friendly power of Prussia.
I regret exceedingly that the government of the United States should
have given any other interpretation of these acts, and you can rest
assured that in future our authorities will take care to prevent any
procedures which could give umbrage to your government.
Accept on this occasion, Minister Wright, the warmest assurances of
my highest consideration.
THILE, Minister for Foreign Affairs for
the Ministry.
