George Harrington to William H. Seward, February 17, 1866

Mr. Harrington to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit herewith copy of a communication addressed to me by Mr. J. Allemann, the president, and Mr. Charles Beck, the secretary of a Swiss society of emigration located in Berne, formed for the laudable purpose of facilitating the movements of such worthy persons as may desire to emigrate to the United States, but who are without the means necessary for that purpose.

It will be perceived that the communication embraces two distinct propositions, the first, to enter into direct communication with the government of the United States, or with its officer the Commissioner of Immigration; and second, to obtain from the government a repayment, in part at least, of the passage money of such emigrants as may emigrate under the auspices of that society.

I transmit also copy of my reply thereto, which I trust will meet the approval of the department.

The spirit of emigration is rife throughout Switzerland, and the passports which I am daily called upon to verify indicate that a very substantial class of Swiss are seeking homes in the United States. There are many others, skilled artisans and agricultural laborers, robust, and of sober, industrious habits, who are restrained for want of the necessary means to defray the expenses of the voyage, and it is to this class that the society making the communication has reference, and whom it is their desire to aid.

I have observed in the newspapers, and have been otherwise unofficially informed, that societies have been or are being formed for the development of the resources of the country, both agricultural and mineral, by the aid of foreign labor sought and contracted for in the country of their nativity, such societies advancing in whole or in part the expenses of the passage, to be repaid by the labor of the emigrant after arrival, as contemplated by the act of July 4, 1864.

I have frequent applications for assistance or for the course of procedure to obtain assistance for emigrants, to which I can only reply that the country is open to all industrious persons desiring and able to reach our shores.

As indicated in the conclusion of my reply, I should be glad to receive from the department, or, with its sanction, from the Commissioner of Immigration, any regulations issued by him under the act of July 4, 1864, and any other information that will enable me more effectually to co-operate with the society referred to, or any other responsible parties that may hereafter apply to me for information or direction.

I take this occasion to acknowledge, under cover of despatch No. 6, the receipt of my commission, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for which I beg you to receive and to convey to the President my profound thanks.

I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, your obedient servant,