Alexander S. Asboth to William H. Seward, February 2, 1867

Mr. Asboth to Mr. Seward

Sir : I have the honor to enclose herewith for your information copies of a correspondence that has taken place between Consul Hollister and myself, viz :

1. My letter relative to Consul Hollister’s refusal to give protection papers to United States citizens here, on the ground that all United States citizens in a foreign country lose, as such, their claim to the protection of the United States government, and in which I refer the consul to an act of Congress, (approved February 10, 1855,) whereby it is enacted that even the sons of United States citizens born abroad shall be considered citizens of the United States, and are 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.

2. Consul Hollister’s reply, explaining that he had refused “protection papers” to United States citizens residing in this country, because they sought such papers to protect themselves from military service here.

3. My reply, with a printed copy of the treaty between the United States and the Argentine Confederation, (July 27, 1853,) which expressly exempts United States citizens from compulsory military service in the Argentine Confederation. * * * * * * *

Confidently hoping that you will approve of the views taken by me on these subjects, in support of my fellow-citizens here, I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,