Bancroft to Bancroft, August 22, 1870

Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Fish.

Sir: The sum of fifty thousand thalers, placed by the royal government at the disposition of our minister at Paris, is designed for the relief, not of Prussians only, but of the poor in Prance of every one of the States of the North German Union. Mr. Washburne is empowered to use it liberally, and has received the assurance that when the first credit is exhausted all further sums that may be necessary will be placed at his disposition. I have great satisfaction in reporting to you that the government is exceedingly well satisfied with the efficient and disinterested manner in which Mr. Washburne discharges his duties. I inclose to you a copy of a letter which I have received from the secretary of state on the subject. I have sent a translation of it to Mr. Washburne.