George Bancroft to Annexed: I. Affidavit of Captain William Filts. II. Report of Prussian pilot commander, September 22, 1870

Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Fish.

Sir: The French blockade of the Baltic ports has existed only on paper. Herewith I inclose a translation of a report which I obtained on the subject through the activity of our consular agent at Königsberg. From this it appears that French vessels of war had been seen off the harbor of Pillau. An answer was given corresponding to the certificate. The American ship accordingly sailed for Pillau, and arrived there on the 20th.

The affidavit of the American captain, of which I inclose a copy, confirms the certificate of the pilot commander. The injury done to American commerce by the proclamation of the pretended blockade in defiance of international law has been very great. Twenty American vessels destined for Pillau or a neighboring port were at the last date lying at Copenhagen, to the great loss of shippers and owners.

I.

On this 21st day of September, 1870, Captain William Filts, of Portland, United States of America, appeared at this consulate and declared on oath that, after having received from Mr. Gustav Moeller, merchant of this place, the information that no blockade exists in the Prussian ports of the Baltic, he set [sic] the resolution to leave Helsinger for Pillau, but communicating that resolution to the American consul, Mr. Higat, at Copenhagen, the latter urged him not to do so, stating that he would not interfere in favor of the ship and her cargo if they should be captured by the French navy.

Captain William Filts started, notwithstanding that admonition, and meeting in the neighborhood of Falsterbo nine French men-of-war, left unmolested, and arrived safe with his cargo at Pillau yesterday (Gez.) William Filts.

{Seal of the Consulate of the United States of America at Königsberg.}