Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress with the Annual Message of the President, December 2, 1872, Part II, Volume V

No. 14.

[Extract.]

Mr. Bancroft to Mr. Fish.

No. 410.]

American Legation, Berlin, October 4, 1872. (Received November 7.)

Sir: The papers relating to our Arbitration were completely finished last week and forwarded to the Emperor at Baden for his final action and signature. Just as they arrived, the death of his youngest brother was announced to him by telegraph, and he hastened to Berlin before declaring his opinion.Announcement of award delayed by death of Prince Albrecht.

His deceased brother, Prince Albrecht, more than twelve years younger than himself, was buried on Saturday with the honors paid to a field-marshal, a rank which he had received from the Emperor of Russia only a few hours before he was struck down by apoplexy.

We are daily, I might almost say hourly, expecting to be summoned to receive the award. I have taken measures—I hope they will prove sufficient—to give you the decision by telegraph twenty-four hours before it is made known to the telegraphic bureau in this city.

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I remain, &c.,

GEO. BANCROFT.