The Prince de Chimay, in his note informing me that the Government accords
the authorization requested by the Guard, observes that “the best welcome
will be reserved for them.”
[Inclosure 1 in No. 186.]
Mr. Tree to Prince
de Chimay.
Legation of the United States,
Brussels, December 14,
1886.
Your Excellency: I have the honor to inclose to
your excellency herewith a copy of a letter from Capt. J. F. Burke,
commanding the Gate City Guard, of Atlanta, Ga., addressed to his
excellency the Hon. John B. Gordon, governor of the State of Georgia,
one of the States, as you are doubtless aware, composing the American
Union.
This volunteer military organization, which is highly commended by his
excellency the governor of Georgia, is said to be distinguished for its
perfection of drill and discipline.
It would appear from the letter of Captain Burke that the Gate City Guard
contemplates making a visit to Europe.
The organization will include about seventy-live members, and will also
be accompanied by a number of ladies and gentlemen who are friends and
relatives of its members.
[Page 30]
The
object of the visit is recreation and the pleasure and instruction
incident to travel.
They expect to sail from New York for Antwerp about the 1st of July next,
and to include Brussels, Paris, Switzerland, and Italy in their route of
travel.
In order that they may travel under discipline they wish to preserve the
distinctive character of a military organization in wearing their
uniforms and carrying their arms when on parade.
I am instructed by my Government to obtain early information as to
whether the Government of His Majesty the King is willing to give the
necessary permission for this American volunteer military organization
to wear their uniforms while in Belgium and parade with arms, and under
what, if any, conditions.
Thanking your excellenlcy in advance for any information on the subject,
which I may communicate to my Government, I avail myself, etc.,
[Inclosure 2 in No.
186—Translation.]
Prince de Chimay to
Mr. Tree.
Ministry of Foreign Ace airs,
Brussels, December 31,
1886.
Mr. Minister: You have kindly informed me by
your letter of the 10th instant of the project of a voyage to Europe of
a detachment of seventy-live men of the Gate City Guard, of Atlanta.
These volunteers who will visit Belgium desire to be allowed to wear
their uniforms and carry their arms on parade.
I hasten to infom you that the necessary authorization is accorded and
that the best welcome will be reserved for them.
It is well understood Mr. Minister, that the detachment will be required
to observe the measures of order which might, the case happening, be
prescribed.
Please accept, etc.,
