Thile to Wright, November 1, 1865

[Translation.]

The legation of the United States of America, in a note dated 19th of August last, complains that two condemned criminals, George Simon Krumbholz and Ernst Frederick Rödiger, from Wandersieben, province of Erfurt, had been forwarded by a steamer to America, under the conduct and costs of the local authorities. The undersigned has the honor to inform Mr. Wright, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States of America, in reply to this note, that, from the inquiries which have been made concerning this affair, the complaint seems to rest upon erroneous suppositions. Krumbholz and Rödiger, who are in truth condemned subjects, had expressed the desire to seek in America a new home, thinking a continued existence in Wandersieben doubtful. To put this plan into execution, a manufacturer, Lilienthal, living in the vicinity, animated by philanthropic sentiments, had given a considerable sum, and the citizens of Wandersieben had furnished an equal amount for this purpose. These two individuals ask now, in order to accomplish this purpose, their liberation as Prussian subjects. This request, according to existing laws, could not be refused, and, in consequence, the authorities of the province of Erfurt gave them permission to emigrate. Only, in order to see that the money given by Lilienthal and the citizens of Wandersieben should be employed for the purpose proposed, a member of the local authorities of Wandersieben accompanied the two individuals as far as Bremerhafen. This conduct was not in the character of police; it took place only in the peculiar and private interest of Lilienthal and the citizens of Wandersleben, who, in a very generous manner, had offered to these two emigrants the means of seeking a new existence.

In asking Mr. Wright to make this affair known to the government of the United States, the undersigned has no doubt but that this explanation of the case will be sufficient to make the affair appear in its true light.

The undersigned takes this occasion to renew the assurance of his most distinguished consideration.

The minister for foreign affairs, by authority,