E. B. Washburne stands for Elihu Benjamin Washburne to William B. Norcott, May 11, 1871

Mr. Washburne to Mr. W. B. Norcott

Dear Sir: I sent to-day a copy of the memorandum of the archbishop of Paris, in regard to his being exchanged for Blanqui, to Monseigneur Chigi, and told him that I would gladly do anything which would be proper, but of course officiously. I think the archbishop put the question very fairly, and I hope his memorandum will be brought to the attention of Mr. Theirs. I can well understand the reasons the Versailles government might oppose to the proposition for an exchange, but it seems to me they might be got over in this case, where the life of such a man as the archbishop is in danger. The French government could lose nothing in placing Blanqui in liberty, and by so doing would probably save the life of the archbishop. I consider his life in the most imminent danger, and for that reason, and with a desire to assuage his sufferings in prison, I have been willing to lend all my good offices in the matter. In your visit to Versailles I hope you will be able to secure the consent of Mr. Thiers to the exchange. I believe the commune have agreed to release several prisoners, including M. Beaujon, besides the archbishop, in case Beaujon could be put in liberty. That might be an additional consideration with Mr. Thiers.

I am, &c.,