"MONACO, _Oct. 22nd, 1914_.
"SIRE:
"I forward to Your Majesty several documents relating to a very grave
and urgent matter.
[Sidenote: Prince of Monaco writes Emperor William.]
"The General von Bülow has caused to be occupied since one month and
a half my residence of Marchais, situated at five kilometres from the
village of Sissonne. The general has levied upon the fifteen hundred
inhabitants of this poor ruined village a war contribution of five
hundred thousand francs, of which they are unable to pay more than
one-quarter. Moreover, he has sent to me two emissaries bearing a
document in which he threatens to destroy my property and the village
of Marchais, over and above that of Sissonne, in the event of my not
disbursing myself the sum in question before the end of the month of
October.
"That is how a Prussian general treats a reigning Prince who for 45
years has been a friend to Germany, and who in all the countries of
the world is surrounded with respect and gratitude for his work.
"In reply to the summons of the General von Bülow I have given my
word of honor to complete the above contribution in order to avert
a horrible action accomplished in cold blood, but adding that as a
sovereign Prince I submit this matter to the judgment of the Emperor
by declaring that the said sum shall be paid when the Château de
Marchais will be free from the danger of intentional destruction.
"I am, with great respect, Your Majesty's devoted servant and cousin,
"ALBERT, _Prince of Monaco_."