FLEUROT, United States Consul to John Bigelow, March 30, 1866

Mr. Fleurot to Mr. Bigelow

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 29th instant, with enclosure, a copy of a dispatch addressed to you from the minister of foreign affairs; and in compliance with your request I hasten to enclose the following documents relating to the subject referred to, the same being copies of the originals on file and in the records of this office, viz:

No. 1. Copy of a printed circular from the Department of State, (Bureau of Immigration.)

No. 2. Copy of my predecessor’s letter to Mr. le Senateur, (26th February, 1866.)

No. 3. Copy of a letter from Mr. le Senateur to myself, (27th March, 1866.)

No. 4. Copy of letter, my reply to Mr. le Senateur, (29th instant;) and, finally, the “two” copies of the pamphlet, with annexed copy of explanatory remarks, (A,) referred to in the correspondence of my predecessor.

I believe these copies embrace all the proceedings, and will, perhaps, more satisfactorily explain the subject than any other form of statement transmitted.

Any instructions or opinion you may deem expedient or advisable to transmit in aid to the subject, will receive my close and immediate attention.

I am, sir, with great respect, your very obedient servant,

[Printed circular.]

Sir: Pursuant to the act of Congress entitled “An act to encourage immigration,” approved July 4, 1864, a copy of which I enclose, as well as of other acts having the same tendency, I have the honor to transmit to you copies of a compilation of these acts, and of the “homestead act” and other documents relating to the same subject, in the language of the country to which you are accredited; and I have the authority of the Secretary of State to request of you to distribute these copies to individuals interested in the subject of emigration, and to disseminate, by all means at your command, a knowledge of the inducements offered by this country to foreign emigrants, as contained in those documents.

The provisions of the laws of pre-emption, and other local technicalities, render the language of the “homestead act” peculiar and ambiguous to the unprepared mind, and you will confer an additional favor on this “bureau” if you would accompany the distribution of the pamphlets with such explanations as will elucidate that important act to parties interested therein. But in all your proceedings you will studiously take care not to contravene the laws, policy, or sentiments of the government to which you are accredited, or to excite any unkindly feelings on the part of the government or the people of that country.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,