Office of the Historian

No. 32.
Mr. Tree to Mr. Bayard.

Legation of the United States,
Brussels, March 28, 1887. (Received April 11.)
No. 224.]

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that a Mr. Charles G. Richte called at the legation this morning for the purpose of obtaining a passport. In his application he stated that he was born in Prussia; is 67 years of age; emigrated to the United States in 1857; was naturalized in the city of New York in 1865; came to Europe in 1871 with his wife [Page 35] (he has no children), and has not returned since to the United States, nor has he any fixed intention of returning at any time in the future. His return will depend on circumstances. He is the bearer of passport No. 9197, issued by the Department of State on the 9th of December, 1870.

In this state of the case Mr. Richter, claiming to be a naturalized citizen of the United States, and having continuously resided beyond its limits for the period of sixteen years, and having, as appears from the statement in his application, no fixed intention of returning thereto, I have decided not to issue a passport to him, unless the Department should instruct me to the contrary; I have also retained possession of his old passport, which has expired.

I transmit to you herewith Mr. Richter’s sworn statement.

I have, etc.,

Lambert Tree.
[Inclosure in No. 224.]

naturalized.

No. ______. Issued, ______ ______, 18_____.

Applicant: Charles G. Richter.

I hereby apply to the legation of the United States at Brussels for a passport for myself, and my wife.

In support of the above application I do solemnly swear that I was born at Wesal, Prussia, on or about the 6th day of February, 1821; that I emigrated to the United States on or about November, 1857, sailing on board the Africa from Liverpool, and arriving at New York in November, 1857; that I resided five years uninterruptedly in the United States, from November, 1857, to April, 1871, at New York and other places; that I was naturalized as a citizen of the United States before the ____court of common pleas at New York in the year 1865; that I am the bearer of passport No. 9197, issued by Hamilton Fish, Secretary of State, on the 9th day of December, 1870, which is returned herewith; that I am the identical person referred to in said certificate and passport; that I last left the United States April, 1871, on board the Wesa, arriving in Bremen April, 1871; that I have resided in Europe since April, 1871; that I am now temporarily residing at Brussels; that I have no fixed intention of returning to the United States. My return will depend on circumstances.

I desire the passport for the purpose of traveling in Europe.

Oath of allegiance.

Further, I do solemnly swear that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without mental reservation, or purpose of evasion. So help me God.

Charles G. Richter.

Legation of the United States at Brussels.
Sworn to before me this 28th day of March, 1887.

Lambert Tree
,
Minister.

Description of applicant.

  • Age: 67 years.
  • Mouth: Medium, with moustache.
  • Stature: 5 feet 10½ inches.
  • Forehead: High.
  • Eyes: Gray.
  • Nose: Large.
  • Mouth: Medium, with moustache.
  • Chin: Medium.
  • Hair: Gray.
  • Complexion: Light.
  • Face: Oval.

Identification.

Brussels, March 28, 1887.

I hereby certify that I know the above-named Charles Richter personally, and know him to be the identical person referred to in the within-described certificate of naturalization, and that the facts stated in his affidavit are true, to the best of my knowledge and belief.

F. W. Müser.