Washburne to John Lothrop Motley, December 12, 1870

Mr. Washburne to Mr. Motley

My Dear Colleague: Count Bismarck writes that my reception of the London journals is incompatible with the interest of their military operations before Paris, and he says you will be conferred with in the same sense. I desire, therefore, that no more London papers be sent to me. I find their reception only a nuisance. It seems now the Prussians object, and some of the French papers have charged that they are sent to me by Bismarck, in the hope that the bad news they contain will demoralize and discourage the Parisians. It is, therefore, best that I should receive no more London papers, but I have written Count de Bismarck that I hope he will not object to my receiving our own home papers, and that he will instruct Count Bernstoff to consult with you on the subject, and if Count B. does not assent to it, you will be good enough not to send me the American papers.

The Prussian authorities having granted me the privilege of having a bag, their understanding of what it should contain must be conformed to, and I do not wish that it should cover anything improper.

Believe me, &c.,