William Seward to Richard Yates

Department of State,

Washington, 26th August, 1862.

To

His Excellency

the Governor of Illinois,

Springfield.

Sir:

I Subjoin a copy of a note of the 20th instant, addressed by this Department to the Honorable William Stuart, the Charge d' affaires of Her Britannic Majesty, expressing an opinion as to the liability of aliens, who have merely declared an intention to become citizens of the United States, to serve in the militia.

I have the honor to be

Your obedient Servant,

William H Seward

DEPARTMENT OF STATE,

Washington, August 20, 1862.

Sir: Having informally understood from you that British subjects who had merely declared their intention to become citizens of the United States had expressed apprehensions that they might be drafted into the militia under the late requisition of the War Department. I have the honor to acquaint you, for their information, that none but citizens are hable to militia duty in this country, and that this Department has never regarded an alien who may have merely declared his intention to become a citizen as entitled to a passport, and consequently has always withheld from persons of that character any such certificate of citizenship.

I have the honor to be, with high consideration, sir, your obedient servant

WILLIAM H SEWARD.

To Hon. William Stuart, &c. &c.

Drafting

Department of State Washington Aug 26th

Enclose note to Hon Wm Stuart in regard to liability of unnaturalized residents, to draft.

Drafting