The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-12-13
TIE UNITED STATES AND FRANCE.

French War Vessels ON Our Coast-Sccrctnry
Fish's Protest and the Response Minister
Washbnrue nj Liberty 10 Leave Paris.
WASHINGTON December H. 1870.
1t appears from the official correspondence that
on the Ith OF October Secretary Fish wrote to Min
lister Washburne, expressing the friendly but strictly
neutral position OF the United States towards France
and Prussia, addiDg:-A
Put this hospitality is liable to abuse and circum-
stances have arisen 10 give rise in the minds OF some
persons to the apprehension that the attempts at
such abuse have taken place. ] am not IN posses
sion OF facts 10 justify me in saying that such has
been the case but have deemed myself justified In
representative TO this capital TO the current rumors
sustained as they are by the presence OF large num-
Der OF French vessels upon the csast OF the United
the entrance OF the barber OF New Ysrh, on Sandy
Hook; at the entrance Of the Long Island Sound; at
or near the entrance OF the Chesapeake Bay. Ons
Tor morel Is represented have been anchored not
lar from Sandy Hook 1.-THE main entrance to New
York harbor and there Is difference Of statement
as to the precise distance AT winch she lay from the
shore, some claiming that she was within marine
league but of this there Is no positive evidence; she
has entered the port Of New York las claimed
a German steamer about to sail thence
OF New London (which looks out upon Long Island
Sound, the eastern entrance TO the New York har-
bor) avowedly for some small REPAIRS one recently
asked permission, which was granted, TO make
some repairs at the Norfolk Navy Yard. near the
entrance Of Chesapeake Bay. All this may be con-
the neutral character OF our waters and jurisdic-
ton ana with an entire absence OF undertaking any
hostile movements against the vessels Of North
Germany from those waters or that jurisdiction
large trade has been carried on from the
ports OF the United States, approached by the
waters In which these vessels have thus appeared,
by vessels belonging to North Germany. The APP
pearance Of French vessels in this immediate neigh
borhood In such number and force does not fail 10
excite the alarm OF these vessels and must have the
effect TO greater or less degree,tto diminish that
trade. The United States are net prepared at pres
Qf tpfp or Ions nj
law has been committed or that the hospitality OF
these waters has been positively abused But the
on the coasts near the entrance or the prin-
cipal ports OF friendly Power does inter-
1ere with the trade OF the friendly Power. The In.
terruption Of the regular communication with you
by reason OF the investment OF Paris has ed me to
represent to M. Berthemy our views on this subject
and to say that although the vessels OF either belger
ent may not actually shelter within the Jurisdiction
OF the United States and proceed thence against the
as an unfriendy act the lowering OF such vessels
upon the coast OF the United States near Its shores
IN the neighborhood Of its ports and in the track
Of the ordinary commerce Of those ports with intent
to intercept the vessels OF trade OF its enemy.
have requested M. Berthemy to make known
press the confident hope Of the President that there
may be no cause OF complaint on the part OF this
government by reason OF any such lowering by the
vessels of the French government.
You will be pleased to take an early opportunity
to present the same view 10 the Minister OF Foreign
Affairs, which you may 90 by reading to him this
despatch.
NJ. Bertbemy subsequently called at the Depart
meQ OF State and showed to the Secretary letter
addressed to him by the French commander in the
port OF New York. stating that his vessel had put
into port only under stress Of weather and for re-
pairs, having intention to watch for the German
steamers.
Among the many other documents Is the follow.
ing nom Secretary Fish, addresse d to Mr.. Wash
burne, by telegraph
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
WASHINGTON, Now 16, 1870.
WAsHBURNE Paris
The President lHsructs me to say that whenever
You and Read, or either desire 1nd 1t convenient
to leave Paris you are at liberty do So In that
event he or you, or both will to Tours and com.
muncatc with the proper authorities there. Inform
Read OF this. FISH, Secretary.