No. 147.
Mr. Schlözer to Mr. Fish.
Washington, Dec. 9, 1872. (Received Dec. 9.)
Sir: A few months ago the rumor was circulating in the American press that in several parts of Germany the custom was still existing to pardon criminals upon the condition of their emigration to the United States.
As an instance it was told that the government of Gera had pardoned in such manner the barber Sonnewend, a murderer, the laborer Peter Bender, a robber, both sentenced to the penitentiary for life, and that these two criminals were transported the 5th of last September from Gera in chains to Hamburg to be transported to New York.
This news originated from a paper called “The Gera Advertiser.” I asked immediately my government to clear up this matter.
Prince Bismarck has now communicated to me that a barber Sonnewend and the laborer Peter Bender are completely unknown in Gera-and that, in consequence, such persons have not been pardoned and have not been transported from Gera to Hamburg.
Besides, a newspaper of the name, “The Gera Advertiser,” is not existing.
I believe it to be my duty to acquaint you respectfully with the foregoing facts.
Accept, &c.