Mr. Fogg to Mr. Seward.
Sir:Accompanying I herewith transmit copies of correspondence exchanged with the federal council in regard to the case of one John Zweifel, alleged (I suppose truly) to be a naturalized citizen of the United States, now sick and poor in his native canton of St. Gall, whither he returned and married some five years since.
In my two notes to the federal council, herewith subjoined, I have ventured to give my construction of article 3 of the treaty existing between the United States and Switzerland, which evidently differs from that of the authorities of St. Gall, and according to which they make the reclamation, to which my notes are in reply.
I will not repeat what I have there written, but will ask the attention of the State Department to the correspondence, and your approval of, or dissent from the views I have expressed. To me it is clear that the demand in relation to Zweifel is unwarranted by the terms of the treaty, and inadmissible on general principles. But, perhaps, you may think differently, and in such case, or in any case, I shall be content to follow instructions, and thankful for suggestions in relation to the true course to be pursued in this and similar cases.
With sincere respect, I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State of the United States of America.