Diary of Edward Bates, Wednesday, June 15, 1859

[Rights of Naturalized Citizens Abroad.

 

Secretary Cass renders the following decision, in answer to a communication of a naturalized citizen who is desirous of visiting his native land:

Department of State, 

Washington, May 11, 1859.

 

To Mr. Felix LeClerc, Memphis, Tenn.:

 

Sir: Your letter of the 13th instant has been received. In reply, I have to state that it is understood that the French Government claims military service from all natives of France who may be found within its jurisdiction. Your naturalization in this country will not exempt you from that claim if you should voluntarily repair thither.

 

I am, sir, your ob't ser't,

Lewis Cass.]

I read in the Nat[ional] Intel [ligence]r.⁸⁵ recd, to day, that this letter of Mr. Cass has called forth much comment, in so much that the Adm[inistratio]n. deems an explanation necessary, and so, it is announced that a full statement of the views of the Govt, will soon be made[.]

(See Forward, 3 pages for 2d. letter)⁸⁶

(See Forward, 6 pages)⁸⁷

Horse Railroad — To day they began to lay down the rails in Olive Street, along the square next East of Lucas Market. They expect to complete it, from 4th. St. to 17th. St: by the 4th. July.

This day I took up my note to Peter Lindell⁸⁸ for $1000 and interest at 6 pr. ct: for a little over 2 yrs. He refused to charge more than 6 pr. ct: and seemed quite willing for me to keep it as long as I pleased.

He holds another note of mine for $500.⁸⁹

Fleming⁹⁰ and his wife and child came out, and are with us tonight.

Carlisle's [sic] Frederick the Great— vol 2. p 308 [.]

Election of the Kings of Poland — Worth reading, for comparison with some of our own elections.⁹¹

_______________

⁸⁵ June 14, 1859.

⁸⁶ The parenthetical note was added later in red pencil. It refers to the entry of June 20.

⁸⁷ In black ink again. It refers to the entry of July 19.

⁸⁸ Supra, May 3, 1859, note 44.

⁸⁹ After Mr. Lindell's death his heirs embarrassed Mr. Bates by calling this note.     See infra, Oct. 18, 1865-.

⁹⁰ The third of Mr. Bates's living sons — later a Confederate officer. See supra, " Introduction."

⁹¹ This Carlyle entry is in red pencil.

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, Annual Report of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930, Vol. 4, The Diary Of Edward Bates, pp. 24-5