George Harrington to Dr. I. Dubs, President of the Swiss Confederation, May 11, 1868
Mr. Harrington to the High Federal Council.
The undersigned, minister resident of the United States near the Swiss Confederation, begs leave to state to your excellency that it has been represented to him that one Charles Berry, born on the 23d of September, 1825, in Liestal, canton of Basle, some ten years since emigrated to America, served in the armies of the United States, and became a naturalized citizen of those States on the 27th December, 1865. Of all this the proofs are satisfactory.
In the year 1867 the said Berry returned to Europe with his wife, whom he married in the United States, and has since resided in Stuttgart, in Wurtermberg. In the month of April last past, he requested his trustee, Dr. Staehlin, of Basle, in charge of his property, to remit to him at Stuttgart his income to which he was entitled. In reply he was invited to come himself to Basle; Dr. Staehlin stating that he had some important business to talk over with him.
On the 24th of April he came to Basle, in accordance with said invitation, and repaired to the house of his trustee, whom he found absent. On the 25th he again called upon Dr. Staehlin, but instead of receiving his income was arrested and thrown into prison, where he is now, without, so far as the undersigned has been able to ascertain, having committed any breach of the peace, or any offense against the laws of the city of Basle, or of Switzerland.
Herewith will be found his certificate of birth, his certificate of naturalization, and his certificate of marriage.
The undersigned most respectfully prays the high federal council to cause the facts to be investigated at the earliest practicable moment, so that, if found to be herein correctly stated, Mr. Berry may be promptly released from confinement and a proper reparation made therefor by the authors thereof.
The undersigned seizes this occasion to renew to your excellency and the high federal council the assurances of his high consideration.
His Excellency Dr. I. Dubs, President of the Swiss Confederation.