No. 51.
Mr. E. B. Washburne to Mr. Fish.
No. 235.]
Legation of the United
States, Paris, July 26, 1870. (Received Aug.
11.)
I have the honor to inclose a copy of the correspondence bearing upon the
protection afforded by the Government of the United States to the
subjects of Hesse Grand-Ducale, resident in France, who, owing to the
alliance formed between the government of the North German Confederation
and that of Hesse, have become the enemies of France in the war declared
on the 19th of the present month.
The correspondence embraces,
1st. A translation of a letter from Count d’Euzenberg, minister resident
of Hesse Grand-Ducale at Paris.
2d. A copy of a letter addressed by myself to the Duke de Gramont asking
the assent of the government of the Emperor for such protection, and
3d. The translation of a letter from the Duke de Gramont giving the
assent desired.
[Page 80]
[Translation.]
Count d’Euzenberg to Mr. E. B. Washburne.
Legation of Hesse
Grand-Ducale,
Paris, July 23,
1870.
Mr. Minister: My government having informed
me of the fact of the declaration of war by France against the North
German Confederation, of the date of July 19, current, the alliance
under the military convention concluded between the two governments
of Hesse and the North German Confederation still exists.
In consequence I am instructed to address your excellency without
delay, in order to inform you of the desire of my government that
you will take all the subjects of Hesse residing in Paris and in
France, as well as the archives of the legation, under the
protection of the United States.
I hasten to obey this order, and I beg your excellency to be assured
of the high estimate which my government attaches to this
protection; and already in advance, and in my own name, I pray your
excellency to be pleased to accept my heartfelt thanks as a
testimony of courtesy and international good will, and I take this
occasion to renew the assurances of the high consideration with
which I have the honor to be, Mr. Minister, your excellency’s humble
and devoted servant.
EUZENBERG,
Minister Resident.
His Excellency E. B. Washburne,
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister
Plenipotentiary.
Mr. E. B. Washburne to the Duke de Gramont.
Legation of the United
States, Paris,
July 23,
1870.
Sir: The Grand Duke of Hesse Grand-Ducale
has directed Count d’Euzenberg, hisminister resident near the court
of his Majesty, the Emperor of the French to address himself to me,
with the request that the Government of the United States should
permit all subjects of Hesse finding themselves in Paris or in
France, together with the archives of Hesse Grand-Ducale, to be
placed under the protection of the United States. I have to state to
your excellency that I shall feel authorized to assume such
protection, with the assent of the government of his Majesty the
Emperor. I would be pleased, therefore, if you would advise me, at
your earliest convenience, if such assent will be given.
I take the present opportunity, &c., &c.,
His Excellency the Duke de Gramont,
Minister of Foreign Affairs.
[Translation.]
The Duke de Gramont to Mr. E. B. Washburne.
I hasten to inform you, in answer to the letter you did me the honor
to write to me on the 23d of this month, that the government of the
Emperor gives its entire assent in order that you may assume, during
the war, the protection of the subjects of Hesse Grand-Ducale,
residing in France.
Receive the assurances of the high consideration with which I have
the honor to be, sir, your very humble servant,
Mr. Washburne,
Minister of the United States, Paris.
