E. B. Washburne to the Duke de Gramont, July 22, 1870

Mr. E. B. Washburne to Mr. Fish.

Count Solms, charge d’affaires of the North German Confederation, left here for Berlin on Wednesday night, after turning over to this legation the archives of the embassy to which he belonged. He expressed himself as much gratified with the courtesy which we have extended to him in receiving the archives of his embassy, and in assuming the protection of the subjects of the sovereign whom he represented.

Many subjects of the North German Confederacy found themselves here upon the formal declaration of war, and the count left with me sufficient funds to pay the expenses of a certain number of them, who would be directed to call at this legation to obtain the proper authorization to leave the French territory. Accordingly many have presented themselves during the past three days to receive some proper instrument that will enable them to go out of France. I was unwilling to give any paper or certificate, in the nature of a visa, unless I was satisfied it would be respected by the French military and civil authorities. I therefore went to the Foreign Office yesterday to state the case and to ascertain whether these North German subjects would be permitted to leave, and, if so, upon what kind of a protection, to be issued by me. I was there advised that it was a somewhat serious question, and that it would be best for me to state my object in writing. I then addressed a letter to the Duke de Gramont, a copy of which is herewith inclosed, marked I was promised an answer to this letter before this time; but now, at five o’clock p.m., it has not come, and will not in season to send you a translation of it by the dispatch-bag, which leaves to-night and goes by the way of England.

I send you also a copy of Colonel Hoffman’s letter, marked B, to the Duke de Gramont, in relation to the authorization of our Government to extend protection to North German subjects, with the assent of the government of his Majesty the Emperor; also the reply of the Duke de Gramont thereto.