Lord Lyons to Mr.
Seward.
Washington,
July 27, 1863.
Sir: With reference to my note of the 21st
instant, and to your answer of the 24th instant, I have the honor to
transmit to you a letter which I have received from a Mr. George
Kilpatrick, and which appears to confirm the allegation that aliens are
held by the federal officers at Louisville, in Kentucky, to be liable to
perform military service.
I trust that you will deem it right to call the attention of the proper
authority to the subject without delay, and to inform me of the
result.
I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, sir, your most
obedient, humble servant,
Hon. William H. Seward,
&c., &c., &c.
George Kilpatrick to Lord Lyons.
Louisville,
July 20, 1863.
My Lord: I have been for the past four
months residing in the United States and in the city of Louisville,
State of Kentucky. This city is now under martial law, and, by a
military order, all the “citizens” are ordered to enrol
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and drill, under penalty
of incarceration in case of non-compliance. Offices were established
at which “aliens” could procure certificates of exemption, one of
which I obtained. A subsequent order revoked all such exemptions,
and said that only the “following persons” should be entitled to
exemption, among which class aliens are not included. I desire to
know whether I am in any way liable for not complying with said
order.
I have not been interfered with so far, but there are British
subjects here who have applied for exemption papers and have been
refused, and told them, as Great Britain does not afford them
protection from the rebels, they are liable in connexion with
citizens for the defence of the city and State.
If interfered with, what protestation is it advisable to make, and
what course proper to pursue]
An early reply solicited. I have, &c,
Lord Lyons,
G. C. B., &c., &c., &c.
