Hamilton Fish to Robert C. Schenck, June 8, 1872

No. 95. Mr. Fish to General Schenck.

The reference to any conversation with Thornton is unjustified. I have invariably told him, as I have told you, that it is useless to discuss amendments to the proposed Article. In my telegram of 31st, I said the British amendment left a large class of very probable cases unprovided for. In conversation with Thornton I told him the same, and indicated some of those cases arising from the use of the word “belligerent,” but I indicated no change that was desired by me or by this Government. I thought the amendment proposed objectionable, and the last suggested amendment in telegram of yesterday does not remove the objection, and I refer to my telegram of 5th and repeat emphatically the last clause.