FERDINAND VOGELER, Consul-General to Sargent, February 21, 1883

Mr. Vogeler to Mr. Sargent.

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herein copy of a letter addressed to me by L. Staarbach, of Strasburg, Alsace, dated February 21, and two orders, inclosures to said letter, commanding Rudolph Staarbach and Julius Staarbach, sons of L. Staarbach, to report on the 26th instant in person to the military recruiting commission for the district of Strasburg.

In transmitting the request of Mr. Staarbach, as expressed in his letter, I beg to state the case of Rudolph and Julius Staarbach, as I understand it from verbal statements heretofore made to me by Mr. Staarbach and sundry written communications received from him.

Mr. L. Staarbach lived in the United States many years, and did business there, and in due time became a naturalized citizen. His said sons were born after his naturalization. While these sons were minors Mr. Staarbach returned with them to Alsace.

This took place, I think, before the annexation of Alsace to Germany. Mr. L. Staarbach, while his sons were still minors, surrendered his American citizenship and elected to and did become a German subject. He is doing business at Strasburg, his said sons, who have both passed the age of majority, being associated with him. They have declared to the German authorities that they intend to remain American citizens; also that they intend to return to the United States for a permanent residence,’ but being pressed by the authorities have failed to fix a time for their return. The authorities have deferred action, but have from time to time importuned them to fix a time for their departure. They now take a definite step.

Pursuant to Mr. Staarbach’s request, and without exprssing any opinion in the matter, I submit the case to your consideration, feeling confident that you will take such action in the premises as the nature of the case requires.

I am, &c.,