Mr. Seward to Mr. Bancroft.
Sir: The only important unsettled question between the United States and Prussia is that relating to the claim of the latter to military service from citizens of the United States born in that country, who may have left Prussia without performing the service there required. The document* herewith communicated contains the most recent correspondence upon the subject. You will notice in the latter pages of the document the proposal made by Count Bismarck for a compromise of the matter and my responses thereto.
It is very desirable that this question should be equitably and definitely adjusted. If Prussia should take that course, probably other German states and possibly the governments of other countries would imitate her example. This would be a great relief to a large number of worthy citizens and to the government, which is bound to advocate their rights and promote their interests.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
George Bancroft, Esq., &c., &c., &c.
- The document referred to is Senate Ex. Doc. No. 4, 1st sess. 40th Congress.↩