No. 82.
Mr. E. B. Washburne to Mr. Fish.
Sir: Late on Sunday evening last a gentleman, having intimate relations with the government of the national defense, called upon me at my residence to know if I would not unofficially, and simply as a private individual, put myself in communication with the Prussian government, for the purpose of ascertaining its views in regard to peace. I told him I did not see how I could draw a line of demarcation between my unofficial and official character in a matter of that kind, and that I would [Page 120] not presume to take a step of that importance without instructions from my Government. I said to him further, however, that if the government here would intimate its wishes in that respect, I would put myself at once in telegraphic communication with you.
Early yesterday morning I received a note from M. Jules Favre, thanking me for my offer to communicate with you, and expressing a hope that I might obtain your authorization to take the step indicated. I therefore telegraphed you at noon yesterday, and received your reply at 10 o’clock last night. On coming to my legation at 10 o’clock this morning, I found M. Jules Favre awaiting me to ascertain the character of the dispatch I had received from you. I read it to him and explained to him fully how our Government stood in the matter. While he seemed to appreciate our position, he was evidently a good deal disappointed, and was surprised to learn of the action of the Prussian government, as communicated by Mr. Bancroft, in rejecting intervention. On leaving, he thanked me cordially for what I had done, and said he hoped that while our Government could not intervene officially, it would give the new republic of France its moral support.