V On Bismarck to Elihu B. Washburne, December 15, 1870

[Translation.]

Sir: I had the honor to receive the letter winch you have kindly addressed to me under date 12 December, in relation to the English papers which reach you by the dispatch-bag forwarded from London, and I hasten to assure you that you have misunderstood the bearing of my remarks.

In addressing you my letter of the 6th December last, I only intended to call your attention to the abuse noted by the correspondent of the Daily News, convinced that you were unaware of it, and that this would be sufficient to put an end to it, if it had existed.

But I had no intention to deprive you personally of the English or American papers which you wish to receive, and you are entirely free to have them come for your own private use. I am persuaded that you will take the necessary precautions, so that no inconveniences shall result incompatible with our military interest.

The King’s embassador at Loudon is instructed to inform Mr. Motley that there is no opposition on our side to his continuing sending you the English and American papers which you wish to receive.

Receive, sir, the assurance of my high consideration.