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By 1810 the population of Danzig had reduced to 37,131 The French garrison, however, was strengthened to 23,000 men for the campaign against Russia and in June Napoleon visited the city again to inspect his troops BUrgermeister Ilufeland was replaced in office by Senator Wernsdorf

Due to the participation of Danzig in the Continental Blockade, commerce with England was forbidden This and other restrictions imposed under the terms of the Treaty of Tilsit had a severe effect on the city’s trade Furthermore commodities that were traded with Amsterdam. Bordeaux and Norwegian ports were liable to 7Y2% ad vak.r’m duty, payable to the French administration The port channel silted up because it was not properly maintained and dredged due to the recession in trade.

The number of vessels calling at the port prior to 1807 was around 1200 annually whereas in the year 1812 the number was just fifty. Before the blockade some 90% of all grain handled by the port was exported to England. The blockade ruined the grain merchants. Many merchants resorted to blockade running smuggling and bribery in order to survive.

 

Danzig Report Vol. 1 - Nr. 112 - July - August - September - 2001, Page 25.