New-York tribune., 1870-12-13
AMERICAN NEUTRALITY.
OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE ON THE FRENCH
BLOCKADE OF NEw-YoRK HARBoR.

OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE ON THE FRENCH
BLOCKADE OF NEw-YoRK HARBOR.
WASHINGTON, Dec. lit appears from the
official correspondence that on tho 4th OF October,
Secretary Fish wrote to Minister Washburne expressing
the friendly but strictly neutral position OF the United
States toward France and Prussia, adding:
"But this hospitality Is liable 10 abuse, and circun-
stances have arisen to give rise in the minds of some
persons to the apprehension that the attempts at such
abuse have taken place am not In possession OF iacs
to Justify in saying that such has been the case but
have deemed myself justified in calling the attention OF
NJ Bertherny the French representative at ts capital
TO the current runors, sustained as they are by the
presence OF large number OF French vessels upon te
coast OF the Unit II States These vessels nave apeafea
at the of the harbOr OF Newfork, on
Sandy Hook at entrance lof Long lsland Sou Sound, o.
s represene TO have been anchored not ar rom
Sandy Hook (tho main entrance TO New YORK narb0r)
and there difference OF statement as 70 the precise
distance at which lay from the shore some claiming
that she within marine league. But Of this there
IS positive evidence. She has entered the port OF
New.YOrk (as claimed by some) for the purpose OF
watching German steamer about TO sa thehee Ihfee
OF them have put into the harbOr Of NewLOndon (Which
looks out upon Long Island Sound the eastern entrance
TO New-York barborl, avowedly for some small re
pairs. One recently asked permission. which was
granted make some repairs at the Norfolk Navy ard
near the entrance Of Chesapeake Bay All TINS may pc DC
consistent with intention of perfect obsr OF inc
neutral character OF waters ana jurisdiction ana
with entire absence OF undertaking any hostile move
ment against the vessels OF North Germany from those
waters, or that Jurisdiction.
"a large trade has carried from the ports OF the
United States approached by the waters in winch these
vessels have thus appeared by vessels belonging TO Norh
immediate neghbOThoOds in such numbers and force does
fail excite thc alarm Of these vessels, and must
have the effect to greater or less degree 10 ophsh
that trade.
"The United satc not prepared at present to say
that any actual violation Of international law has been
committed that the ospitabity OF these waters has
been positively abused. But the lowering OF the vessels
of war a begerent the coast near the entrance OF
the principal ports u friendly power does interfere
with the trade OF the friendly power. -
The Interruption Of the regular communication win
you 10y OF the investment OF Paris has ed ne 70
represent TO NJ Berthemy our views on TINS anu
that, although the vessels OF either begcrent
NAV not actually shelter within the jurisdiction OF the
United States and proceed thence against the vessels OF
its enemy. this Government would regard as on uf-
friendly the lowering OF such vessels upon the coast
the United States its shores III the neighbOrhOod
ports and in the track ~ the ordinary commerce OF
these ports with intent Ia intercept the vessels OF trade
OF its enemy.
have requested Mr.. Berhemy TO make known these
views 10 the French Government, and TO express the
confident hope OF the President that there may be no
cause OF complaint the part OF this Government by
such lowering by the vessels OF the french
Government. You will be pleased 10 take an early
opportunity 10 present the same view 10 the Minister or
Foreign Affair." which you may do by ftadlnS 10 MIN
this dispatch"
NJ. Berthemy subsequently called at the Department
of State and showed the Secretary letter addressed
to him by the French commander in the port Of New
York. stating that his vessels had put into port only
under OF weather and for repairs having nten
ton 10 watch for the German steamers.
from Secretary Fish, addressed TO Minister Washburne
by telegraph:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, Nov. Is.
wasHBURSE Paris: The President instructs me 10 say
that whenever you and Read either desire or nnd ~
convenient TO leave Paris you are NJ liberty 10 90 So IN
municate with the proper officials there Inform Read
of this FISH, Secretary.