No. 256.
Mr. Fish
to Mr. Bancroft.
Washington, February 18, 1874.
Sir: I learn from a source entitled to respect that a statement has been recently published by the Ulmer Schrellpost, and other German newspapers, to the effect that one Rohrer, who nine years ago had been convicted of a triple murder in the kingdom of Würtemberg, was now offered his discharge upon the condition that he should emigrate to the United States.
You will please make inquiries in the proper quarter to ascertain the truth of this report, and if it should be verified on good authority you will represent the matter to the proper authorities, and, on the part of the United States, protest against the granting of pardons on these or similar conditions.
I am. &c.,