File No. 763.72111Ap4/6
The German Ambassador (Bernstorff) to the Secretary of State
Mr. Secretary of State: I have the honor to inform your excellency that the British steamer Appam, captured by the German naval forces, arrived at Newport News, Va., on the 1st of this month under the command of Lieutenant Berg of the Navy. The commanding officer intends, in accordance with Article 19 of the Prusso-American treaty of September 10, 1785, to stay in an American port until further notice.
[Page 724]The Appam has not been converted into an auxiliary cruiser, is not armed, and has made no prize under Mr. Berg’s command. She carries on board the crews of seven enemy vessels taken by H. M. S. Moewe who have been transferred to her by that ship.
There is on board a locked-up military party of the enemy whose internment in the United States I request.
The crew of the Appam tried to offer resistance when the ship was captured, as the guns at hand were already in place and trained on the German warship. The members of the crew are therefore to be looked upon likewise as combatants, and I have the honor to ask of your excellency that they too be detained in the United States until the end of the war.
Accept [etc.]