Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part II

Mr. Burnley to Mr. Seward.

Washington, September 1, 1864.

Sir: I have the honor to bring under your notice the enclosed copy of a letter from a Mr. A. N. Thompson, which has been forwarded to me by her Majesty’s consul at New York, relative to the liability of British subjects to military service, from the mere fact of their having voted at school meetings.

I should be glad to be informed, at your earliest convenience, whether a State election and a school meeting are to be considered to be on the same footing as regards citizenship.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

J. HUME BURNLEY.

Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.

Mr. Thompson to British Consul, New York.

Norfolk, St. Lawrence County, New York, August 29, 1864.

Sir: I write at the solicitation of several British subjects resident in the United States with their families. The United States government claims from them military service because they have assumed to be citizens by voting in school meetings. You will understand that these British subjects sent their children to those schools, and were taxed for their support. I will be greatly obliged if you will have the kindness to reply at your earliest convenience. Can they be held ?

Respectfully yours,

A. N. THOMPSON.

British Consul, New York.