Yon Balan to Alexander Bliss, September 18, 1873

Mr. Von Balan to Mr. Bliss.

The undersigned has the honor to reply to the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States of America, Mr. Bancroft, while returning the inclosure of his letter, in answer to his esteemed notes of the 4th and 9th instant, that according to the report of the royal Prussian administration in Treves, Peter Blasius, John Wirz, and Peter Puhl emigrated some years since from Nitten. Having returned thither, they endeavored, by means of misleading representations and promises, to entice Prussian subjects to emigrate. In concordance with the provisions of the law, the above-mentioned persons consequently received notice to quit the country for enticing Prussian subjects to emigrate. The royal Prussian government, therefore, is not able to permit the return of Peter Blasius, John Wirz, and Peter Puhl to the kingdom.

Referring it to the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of the United States of America to call the attention of the aforesaid three persons to the illegality of their conduct, the undersigned takes this opportunity to renew the assurance of his most distinguished consideration.