Mr. Johnson to Mr. Seward
No. 111.]
Legation of the United States,
London,
February 15, 1869.
Sir: As soon as I was informed that her Majesty
would probably hold a court during the coming season, I addressed to
Lord Clarendon an
[Page 410]
official
note communicating to him the resolution of Congress of the 27th March,
1867, and inquiring whether the members of this legation would be
authorized to appear in any other than a uniform and official costume.
That if not so permitted it would not be in their power, because
contrary to their duty, to be present and show their respect and that of
our government for her Majesty.
On the 10th instant I received an answer from his lordship, a copy of
which is enclosed.
As her Majesty has consented to my request, I have advised his lordship
that the arrangement she has sanctioned is satisfactory. It will of
course be observed by myself and the members of the legation.
I am gratified to be able to give you this information, as it shows her
Majesty’s desire to comply with the wishes of our government and
indicates the friendly feeling which she entertains for it.
A copy of my letter to Lord Clarendon of the 27th of January and of the
one of to-day are inclosed.
Hoping that what I have done in the matter will meet the approval of
yourself and President,
I remain, with high regard, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
Mr. Johnson to Lord Clarendon
Legation of the United
States, London,
January 27, 1867.
My Lord: I beg leave to call your
lordship’s attention to a resolution of the Congress of the United
States of the 27th March, 1867, prohibiting persons in the
diplomatic service of my government “from wearing any uniform or
official costume not previously authorized.”
As no authority has been given to the members of this legation
excepting them from this positive prohibition it is our duty to
comply with it. Your lordship will oblige me, therefore, by letting
me know if we can appear in plain citizens’ dress at the court
ceremonials which her Majesty may hereafter have?
I sincerely hope that this privilege may be allowed us, and am sure
that it would be regarded by my government with gratification. As I
see that her Majesty is to hold a court on the 2d of March your
lordship will please favor me with as early an answer as you
conveniently can.
Inclosed you have a copy of the resolution referred to.
I pray your lordship to accept the assurance of the highest
consideration with which I have the honor to remain, my lord, your
lordship’s most obedient servant,
The Eight Honorable Earl of Clarendon,
&c., &c., &c.
Lord Clarendon to Mr. Johnson
Foreign Office,
February 10, 1869.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your note of the 27th ultimo inclosing copy of a
resolution of the Congress of the United States of the 27th of
March, 1867, prohibiting persons in the diplomatic service of the
United States from wearing any uniform or official costume not
previously authorized.
You add that no authority has been given to the members of your
legation excepting them from that positive prohibition, and you
therefore request to be informed whether you and the gentlemen of
your legation can appear in plain citizens’ dress at the court
ceremonials which her Majesty may hold.
Having laid your note before the Queen, I have received her Majesty’s
commands to acquaint you that her Majesty will receive yourself and
members of your legation in evening dress without cocked hats and
swords—breeches being worn on full dress occasions.
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With regard to all other American citizens, who are not affected by
the resolution of Congress, they will of course conform to the
custom of her Majesty’s court, and they will appear in uniform, or
court dress, or in the dress agreed to with Mr. Dallas in the year
1858, namely: At levees in a suit of black evening clothes, with
white neckcloth, sword, and cocked hat, and at drawing rooms or
other full-dress occasions with breeches and buckles.
I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your
most obedient humble servant,
Reverdy Johnson, Esq., &c., &c.,
&c.
Mr. Johnson to Lord Clarendon
Legation of the United
States, London,
February 15, 1869.
My Lord: I have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt of your lordship’s answer to my official note of the
27th of January. As the arrangement which her Majesty has sanctioned
in relation to court costume in no way conflicts with the resolution
of Congress of March, 1867, it is entirely satisfactory and will be
complied with by myself and the other members of this legation.
I have the honor to remain, with high regard, your lordship’s most
obedient servant,
The Right Honorable Earl of Clarendon,
&c., &c., &c.
