Should the result of your inquiries appear to justify such a course, you are
authorized to use your good offices with the proper authorities with a view
of obtaining the man’s discharge.
[Inclosure in No. 587.]
Mr. Onesti to Mr.
Evarts.
San
Francisco, July 11,
1877.
Sir:
* * * * * * *
In the month of October, 1875, he arrived at Torreni, Italy, intending to
spend a year in his native land, and at the expiration of that time to
return to the United States and to remain there.
In a few days after his arrival he was officially notified that he was
drafted to serve in the Italian army. Claiming to be a citizen of the
United States, he refused to obey the summons, and was subsequently
arrested upon the charge of being a deserter from the Italian army.
He immediately protested against both the draft and the arrest, and
contested the right of the government to force him to serve as a
soldier, in the appropriate courts, until, upon appeal, it was decided
by the highest tribunal at Rome having jurisdiction of such matters that
the charge of desertion be dismissed, but that Felice Largo-marzino must
be remanded to take his place in the army.
Further resistance being useless, he entered the army against his will.
He was assigned to the twenty-sixth regiment, in the commissary
department, at Florence.
Although his duties are not so irksome as those performed by a common
soldier, yet he desires, if it be possible, to be released from the
service, and permitted to return to the United States.
Having related the facts of my brother-in-law’s impressment into the
Italian army, I most respectfully ask you to use your kind offices with
the Italian Government for the purpose of effecting his discharge from
the army, and, as a consequence, his return to the United States.
I am aware that no convention between the United States and the King of
Italy has ever been arranged to effect a treaty of naturalization; but I
am strongly impressed with the belief that if you shall deem it proper,
in your official capacity, to interpose on behalf of Mr. Felice
Largomarsino, the Italian Government will, with due respect to the
nation and people you represent, consider your appeal, and restore him
to the society of his family and his friends, and also to the country of
his adoption.
Allow me in addition to say that any effort on your part to obtain the
object so much desired will be highly appreciated not only by myself,
but also by the Italian population residing here and throughout the
United States.
