Monsieur Berthemy to Hamilton Fish, September 16, 1870

M. Berthemy to Mr. Fish.

Mr. Secbetaby of State: The minister of foreign affairs addresses to me, under date of August 31 and September 2, various communications to which he requests me to call the attention of the Government of the United States, and which refute the accusations made by the government of the North German Confederation against the French army, which has been represented by said government, in several official documents, as voluntarily setting aside, in the present war, the rules of international law. Having reason to think that the documents to which I allude have been formally brought to the notice of the Department of State, I take the liberty of laying before you the reply of my government to the allegations which they contain.

Accept, Mr. Secretary of State, the assurances of my very high consideration.