Mr. F. W. Seward to Mr. Winthrop.
No. 75.]
Department of State, Washington,
October 16, 1862.
Sir: Your despatch, No. 50, in regard to the
employment of foreign officers in our service, has been received.
The course which you have adopted does not meet with the approval of the
department.
[Page 1331]
Its views upon this subject were communicated to you and the other
consular officers of the United States in circular No. 11, on the 8th of
May last. A copy of that circular is herewith again transmitted, by
which you will be careful hereafter to be guided.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
F. W. SEWARD, Assistant
Secretary.
W. Winthrop, Esq., United
States Consul, Malta.
[Circular to Consular Officers, No. 11.]
Department of State, Washington,
May 8, 1862.
Sir: You are doubtless aware that since the
outbreak of the rebellion in this country, many military officers
who have served with distinction in the armies of Europe have
arrived here for the purpose of offering their services to this
government.
Some of those who brought testimonials from United States ministers
abroad have been furnished with commissions.
As, however, it is not now in contemplation to increase the number
either in officers or soldiers already in the field, you will inform
all such foreign officers as may apply to you for service in the
army of the United States, that the government, while grateful for
such offers, must, for the future, decline accepting them, as the
list of officers is complete, and recruiting for the rank and file
has been ordered to cease.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
W. Winthrop, Consul
of the United States, Malta.
