Konstantin Catacazy arrived in Washington in late 1869. His diplomatic background was, however, mainly linked to the diplomatic relations of Russia with the Balkan States, where Russian envoys were frequently involved in intrigues in order to influence the internal policies of countries in which they were accredited. Catacazy tried to use the same diplomacy in the United States. He resisted a personal claim of an American citizen against Russia trying to force through various methods to withdraw his claim. During the negotiations which were in progress through the British and American Joint High Commission for the settlement of the Alabama claims, Catacazy made free use of the newspapers in an attempt to prejudice and defeat the negotiations. He also attempted to influence the decision of various members of Congress. Secretary of State Hamilton Fish warned him repeatedly that his conduct was not acceptable, but he continued his actions. Catacazy became personally abusive of the President and members of his Cabinet and denied any guilt when confronted with his acts.John W. Foster A Century of American Diplomacy s:A Century of American Diplomacy/Chapter XI
