Office of the Historian

No. 477.
Mr. Peixotto to Mr. Hunter.

Consulate of the United States of America,
Bucharest, February 9, 1872. (Received March 5.)
No. 21.]

Sir: Since writing dispatch No. 20, of yesterday morning, I have received several letters and telegrams from the Jewish communities of Ismail and Vilcovu, imploring the good offices of this consulate with the central government in behalf of the defenseless and wretched Jewish inhabitants, who appear to be still suffering from outrages and exposed to violence. A deputation of the Jewish community of Bucharest has also waited upon me with a like prayer in behalf of their unfortunate co-religionists.

I immediately called on the authorities and made known the contents of these communications.

Similar appeals were made to other consuls. At 2 o’clock to-day a meeting of the representatives of all the foreign powers was held at the British consulate-general, when it was resolved to address a note identique to the Roumanian government.

I have the honor to inclose a copy of said note. It was concurred in by all the consul-generals present. In the absence of the consul-general of Prussia, the vice-consul telegraphed to Prince Bismarck for instructions.

Later I had an interview with the prince and the ministers of interior and justice, from all of whom I received assurances that effective measures were being taken, and that the ends of justice would be subserved.

I am, sir, &c.,

BEN J. F. PEIXOTTO,
United States Consul.
[Page 683]
[Translation.]

Mr. Minister: I have learned with regret the deplorable scenes which are said to have taken place some days since in the towns of Ismail and Cabool.

The population had rushed upon the Israelites, devastated their homes, and blood had been shed.

I beg to call without delay the attention of the actual government on the serious dangers which would arise if these troubles should be renewed or extended, and on the necessity of punishing the authors and repressing all interior disorders, and particularly the arbitrary violences to which the Israelite race has so often been subjected, and which have several times justified the remonstrances of the European governments.

I am convinced that the Princier government will prevent, by its energy, the recurrence of all vexations against the Israelites, and vindicate thus the principles of humanity and civilization.

Receive, Mr. Minister, the assurance of my high consideration.

BENJ. F. PEIXOTTO.