Mr. Seward to Mr. Hovey
Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of July 16th, No. 82, and I reply to the questions therein propounded.
This department understands that you are entitled to wear the uniform of a major general on state occasions, or days of ceremony, in Peru, and understands also that you are entitled to describe yourself, and that you may properly be addressed, as Brevet Major General, which was the proper appellation of the military office you held with so much distinction in the volunteer service of the United States, and that these privileges are in conformity with the laws of the United States.
In addressing or mentioning the civil officers of the government of the United States, this department, for itself, complies with the practice which has been constantly pursued since the foundation of the government. It addresses and speaks of the President as President of the United States, without any complimentary title. It applies to the Vice-President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, heads of departments, members of the Senate, and members of the [Page 775] House of Representatives, the designation of “The Honorable;” to the justices of the courts of the United States the title of “His Honor;” to all diplomatic agents of the United States in foreign countries the title of “Esquire ;” to the governors and functionaries of the several States, the titles which are ascribed to those officers by the constitutions and laws of the State in whose service they are. The department concedes to foreign sovereigns, their representatives and agents, the titles prescribed respectively by the customs and laws of the countries concerned.
In the cases of persons actually engaged in the military service of the United States, the department recognizes their proper military rank.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Alvin P. Hovey, Esq., &c., &c.,&c.