No. 163.
Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Fish.
No. 137.]
American Legation, Berlin, September 22, 1870. (Received October
10.)
Sir: The French blockade of the Baltic ports
has existed only on paper. Herewith I inclose a translation of a report
which I obtained on the subject through the activity of our consular
agent at Königsberg. From this it appears that French vessels of war had
been seen off the harbor of Pillau. An answer was given corresponding to
the certificate. The American ship accordingly sailed for Pillau, and
arrived there on the 20th.
The affidavit of the American captain, of which I inclose a copy,
confirms the certificate of the pilot commander. The injury done to
American commerce by the proclamation of the pretended blockade in
defiance of international law has been very great. Twenty American
vessels destined for Pillau or a neighboring port were at the last date
lying at Copenhagen, to the great loss of shippers and owners.
Annexed: I. Affidavit of Captain William Filts.
II. Report of Prussian pilot commander.
I.
On this 21st day of September, 1870, Captain William Filts, of
Portland, United States of America, appeared at this consulate and
declared on oath that, after having received
[Page 209]
from Mr. Gustav Moeller, merchant of this
place, the information that no blockade exists in the Prussian ports
of the Baltic, he set [sic] the resolution to leave Helsinger for
Pillau, but communicating that resolution to the American consul,
Mr. Higat, at Copenhagen, the latter urged him not to do so, stating
that he would not interfere in favor of the ship and her cargo if
they should be captured by the French navy.
Captain William Filts started, notwithstanding that admonition, and
meeting in the neighborhood of Falsterbo nine French men-of-war,
left unmolested, and arrived safe with his cargo at Pillau yesterday
(Gez.) William Filts.
{Seal of the Consulate of the United States of America at
Königsberg.}
J. H. BROCKMANN, United States Con.
Agent
[Translation.]
II.
Pillau,
September 17, 1870
Upon request it is hereby officially certified that the port of
Pillau during the war with France, from the 18th of July up to
to-day, the 17th of September, has been blockaded by no French
vessel of war, and that no blockade here has been officially
announced; the port of Pillau accordingly has been during the whole
time free for the passage of vessels without hinderance, both in and
out.
{Royal Prussian pilot commander’s official seal.}
CLAASSEN, Pilot
Commander.
