Alexander Bliss to Von Philipsborn, August 4, 1873

Mr. Bliss to Mr. Von Philipsborn.

The undersigned, chargé d’affaires of the United States of America, has the honor to bring to the notice of his excellency Mr. Ton Philipsborn, in charge of the foreign office, the inclosed letter, signed by Peter Puhl, Johann Wirtz, and Peter Blasius, who describe themselves as being American citizens, temporarily sojourning in the district of Saarburg for purposes of business, and complaining that they have been, without notice and without any reason being assigned, forcibly expelled from German territory. As this legation has received no notice from the imperial government of ah intention to expel from its territory any citizens of the United States, and no information of the grounds for the expulsion of the persons in question, the undersigned entertains no doubt that the proceeding complained of is the unauthorized act of merely subordinate officials, and that the imperial government will take pleasure in restoring his countrymen to the enjoyment of the hospitality which it extends to foreigners within its borders. As the persons in question have been forced to seek temporary refuge in Luxembourg, where they are detained at great inconvenience and loss, the undersigned would be glad to be as early as possible enabled by his excellency to assure them that they may return in safety upon German soil.

The undersigned avails himself of this occasion to renew to his excellency the assurance of his most distinguished consideration.