Francis to Count Szögyényi, April 3, 1885

Mr. Francis to Count Szögyényi.

Your Excellency: Referring to my note F. O. 39, dated March 7, in reference to the arrest at Lippa, Hungary, of Harry Rice, a citizen of the United States, charged with owing military service to the imperial royal government, I have this day received from him a letter dated April 1, saying that he applied that day to the “Solga Bird” for his naturalization certificate that had been taken from him at the time of his arrest, and was informed that the paper had been sent to the mayor of Temesvar, and he could not do anything in the case until he gets answer from there.

Mr. Rice desires to leave Lippa for the United States during the present month. He cannot do so until the naturalization certificate is restored to him and he is relieved from the bail bond exacted in this case at the time of his arrest.

A citizen of the United States and owing no military service to the imperial royal government, I respectfully repeat the request that he may be promptly relieved from arrest, the bail bond given by him canceled, and his naturalization certificate returned to him. I make the request with urgency in order that he may not be put to the inconvenience of delay in returning to his adopted country and the personal sacrifice which postponement may involve.

I inclose herewith a memorandum in the Hungarian language, referring I think to the naturalization certificate, which, after observation by your excellency, I would be glad to have returned to me.

Trusting this case, about which I believe there is no question, may have a speedy decision, I embrace the occasion to renew to your excellency assurances, &c.