George Harrington to William H. Seward, September 3, 1868

Mr. Harrington to Mr. Seward.

Sir: Under date of the 27th of July, my No. 62, I had the honor to transmit copies of a correspondence consequent upon the arrest of Mr. Charles Berry by the authorities of Basle.

Since that date two communications have been exchanged between this legation and the high federal council, occasioned by a supplementary reply of the authorities of Basle to my communication to the federal council of the 27th of July.

Of this correspondence copies will be found herewith. It presents some curious points. The Basle authorities condemn the trustee, Stehlin, and have, I am informed, reprimanded him. While they claim that the alleged early transgressions of the girl (for the charges appear to be confined to a period long anterior to her marriage with Berry, of which they carefully abstain from alleging that Berry had knowledge) are sufficient to justify their acts against him. Of this, however, I conceive that I have nothing to do.

It is proper to add, that in settling the estate, it was understood that no further claim for damages for arrest and imprisonment should be preferred by Mr. Berry, nor on his account by the government of the United States, Upon this assurance the five thousand francs advanced by his mother will be considered as a gift, and that amount heretofore deducted from the fortune, formerly in the hands of the trustee, will be or has been paid over to him or his agent.

I have given no assurances in the premises, and shall await advices from the department.

I am clearly of the opinion that our position has been fully vindicated so far as Berry is considered, and that hereafter there will be no farther arrests of American citizens without good and justifiable cause.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,