Alexander S. Asboth to Madison E. Hollister, January 29, 1867

Mr. Asboth to Mr. Hollister

Sir: I have this day received from our fellow-citizen, Mr. Harry C. Albee, a communication, copy of which I beg herewith to enclose, marked A, complaining that you refuse to grant him a duplicate of his “protection paper,” issued by your predecessor Mr. Helper, September 19, 1866, and recorded accordingly in your office, and that you disclaim any obligation on your part to protect United States citizens here, on the ground that all United States citizens voluntarily residing in a foreign country lose, as such, their claim to the protection of the United States government.

Mr. P O. Gondon, also a citizen of the United States, and registered as such at your office under No. 990, has made a similar complaint this day, copy of which you will find enclosed, marked B.

Although I am inclined to believe that both these gentlemen are laboring under misapprehension as to your above decision, still I deem it necessary to ask your explanation upon this subject, referring you at the same time to the act of Congress approved February 10, 1855, Chap. 71 of the Laws of the United States, by which it is enacted that even the sons of United States citizens born abroad shall be considered and are declared citizens of the United States, and thereby entitled to all the rights as such, and most certainly to the protection of the United States government and its agents all over the world.

I therefore confidently hope that you will consider, in obedience to our laws, both the complaining gentlemen as citizens of the United States and give them all the protection to which they are entitled. You will also be pleased to give the same protection to all other citizens of the United States who in future may apply to you for it.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,