Office of the Historian

Mr. Wright to Mr. Seward.

No. 39.]
Legation of the United States, Berlin, June 28, 1866.

Sir: Your despatch No. 36, dated June 7th, is at hand, with the enclosed communication from Eliphalet Price, in behalf of Matthias Weiner, of Iowa. In [Page 31] consequence of the hostile position of the two countries, there is no diplomatic relations whatever between Prussia and Baden. The case will be presented the first opportunity. Mr. Schoenfeld will have to wait some time before he hears from his case at Kurhessen. There is no government there except the military one of Prussia. The electorat is a prisoner at Stettin. Some days since I received the enclosed communication from Mr. Henkel, principal secretary in the state department, in relation to the delay in the case of Mr. Schoenfeld.

It will be seen from the enclosed correspondence that Prussia refuses to give up Francis Benndorf (to use their own language) “for the present.” I am at a loss to know what course to pursue in this case. During the last two months more than one hundred adopted American citizens (born in Prussia) have called on me for advice and information; all of whom are liable (according to the Prussian laws) to be called upon to perform military service. Yet I do not know of another case but this one of Benndorf, and that of Simon Israel, that has been subjected to service. My opinion is that Simon Israel will soon be discharged, as I am sure the foreign office has recommended the King to pardon him.

The primary elections for electors, the past week, resulted in a large majority for the liberal party, as was anticipated. Bulletins are issued and posted every few hours throughout the city on the progress of the War. Up to this time there has been no general engagement between the Prussian and Austrian armies. The Prussians are in high spirits over their success in taking possession of the smaller states without serious opposition. To-day they are rejoicing at their reported victory in some small engagement with the Austrians, upon their own territory. Not a word is known of the movements of the great body of the Austrian army, although the Prussian army is now more than fifty miles inside of Austrian territory, and has taken possession of some important military positions and railroads. Many intelligent Prussians regard this silence as ominous of some energetic and decisive movement on the part of General Benedek, commanding the Austrian troops.

I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOSEPH A. WRIGHT.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

Mr. Henkel to Mr. Wright.

Cassel, June 14, 1866.

Mr. Henkel presents his respects to his excellency the minister plenipotentiary of the United States at Berlin, and begs leave to inform Mr. Wright that the minister of the interior is not yet able to give his opinion on the case of Mr. Schoenfeld, the reports of several electoral authorities that were concerned in the matter not yet being arrived. The minister thinks that he will be able to return an answer in the course of next week or the week after.

Mr. Henkel avails himself of this opportunity of telling Mr. Wright how very sorry he is for this delay, which, as the minister said, could not be avoided.

Mr. Wright to Count Bismarck.

Legation of the United States, Berlin, May 16, 1866.

M. le Count: I have the honor to call your excellency’s attention to the case of Francis Benndorf, a native of Prussia, but now a citizen of the United States. Said Benndorf served one year in the Union army.

He came to Prussia to convey his sister and aged mother to America, and notwithstanding he had his military discharge furnished him by the United States at the expiration of his term of service, he was compelled by the Prussian authorities to enter the army, and is now in the fourth Thuringen regiment, stationed at Torgan.

I doubt not that your excellency will at once use your good offices in order to obtain his release and permission for him to return with his mother and sister to his adopted country.

I take this occasion, &c., &c.

JOSEPH A. WRIGHT.

His Excellency Count Bismarck, &c., &c., &c.

[Page 32]
[Translation.]

Mr. de Thile to Mr. Wright.

Berlin, June 23, 1866.

Sir: Francis Benndorf, in whose favor you interceded in your communication under date of 16th May, 1866, received in the fall of 1862 a simple permit, valuable for eight days, to go to Leipsic. Instead of returning at the expiration of this document, he went to America, whence he returned during the present year. His unauthorized absence having lasted only 3¼ years, he, according to the law of 31st December, 1842, retained his Prussian nationality. He should, therefore, fulfil his military obligations, and I regret exceedingly that I cannot obtain permission for him to leave the army.

I take this occasion to renew assurances, &c.

THILE.

His Excellency Mr. Wright, &c., &c.