Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons.
My Lord: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 10th instant, relative to the cases of Michael Meehan, Robert Hargrave, and other persons, natives of her Britannic Majesty’s dominions, who have been drafted into the militia of the State of Wisconsin, which has been called into the service of the United States.
The designation of persons who shall serve in the militia of one of the United States, or exercise the elective franchise therein under some restrictions, is essentially a function for the authorities of the State itself to discharge. Militia service has been required of the individuals referred to on grounds which it must be presumed were deemed sufficient by the authorities of Wisconsin to consider them as citizens of that State, especially as it is understood that they have voted at the State and federal elections. The elective franchise is a high privilege, which is liberally extended in this country to persons from abroad, but cannot be expected to have been conferred or to be enjoyed without corresponding obligations on the part of those who may accept and exercise it. So far as the executive authority of the United States is concerned, no foreigner who has not been naturalized, or who has not exercised the right of suffrage, has hitherto been required to serve in the militia. This is considered to be a fair rule, and must, under existing circumstances, govern the cases referred to in your note, and any others which may affect British subjects.
Pursuant to your request, the marriage certificate of Mr. Hargrave is herewith returned.
I have the honor to be, my lord, your very obedient servant,
Right Hon. Lord Lyons, &c., &c., &c.