[Circular No. 55.], January 14, 1865

[Circular No. 55.]

To the consular officers of the United States in conterminous British provinces :

Consular officers in territories conterminous with the United States on their northern and northeastern frontiers are hereby authorized to receive United States currency in payment for passports, so long as the order of December 17, 1864, shall remain in force, bearing in mind that the law requires five dollars as a fee for issuing a passport, which amount is payable into the United States treasury, and in foreign countries a consular fee of one dollar in addition. The existing regulation, by which consular agents were forbidden to give passports, is hereby rescinded for the period above mentioned. If any person shall have been charged more than the legal fees, as they are herein mentioned, the excess will be refunded to him by the consul to whom the sum has been paid, such repayment to be reported to this department. A uniform rate of charge is expected and enjoined. Passports to enter the British provinces and return thence will be promptly issued by this department, on application, in accordance with the passport regulations.