[Translation.]
Mr. Geofroy to Mr. Seward
Legation of France to the United
States,
Washington,
October 10, 1864.
Sir: I received a fresh letter, an extract from
which I hasten to place before your eyes, and which, in picturing to me
the distress in which many of the Emperor’s subjects find themselves at
the south, makes it my duty to press the verbal note I had the honor to
address to you on the 2d of this month, the reception of which your
excellency acknowledged on the 7th, and in which I suggested to you the
sending to Charleston of one or two of his Majesty’s ships-of-war to
receive these unfortunates, with their families. There is in this a duty
of humanity to fulfil, which accords also, I think, with good policy. I
therefore do not doubt that the government of the United States will
give its assent. I will only take the liberty to observe to your
excellency that the circumstances are pressing to these poor people.
Admiral Reynaud, on his part, would desire not to lose time.
Therefore, I pray your excellency to be so good as to issue for me,
without the least delay, the needful orders; and, in any case, it would
be very gratifying to me that you could give me this morning the formal
assurance that I would transmit to Paris by the mail of to-day.
Accept, sir, the assurance of my high consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.
[Translation.]
Consul Lanen to the Consul General
[Extract.]
Mon’r the Consul General: * * * * * *
You have, without doubt, seen in the journals that the governor of
Georgia published, towards the close of last month, a proclamation
which placed all foreigners in the alternative of enrolling
themselves, or leaving the State within ten days time. I went to
Milledgeville, but could only obtain from Governor Brown an
extension of time in special cases. Most of the French, driven out
of Georgia, call aloud to get away from the confederation. Mr.
Benjamin, the confederate secretary of war, replies that they can
only pass through the blockade, which costs 300 or 400 dollars in
gold, or to embark in a French ship-of-war; but none arrives. Why, I
know not. The governors of Florida and Alabama have, as well as
Governor Brown, recently ordered foreigners to enroll themselves or
leave the State. It seems to be feared that the governor of South
Carolina may imitate their example. I received yesterday a petition,
signed by thirty-three French subjects, to beg me to get them away
from the confederacy. They are furious, and complain that the French
government does nothing for them. I will be much obliged to you to
bring these different facts to the knowledge of those in proper
quarters.
A. LANEN, Vice-Consul at
Charleston.
The Consul General
at New York.
