H. Pinckney Walker to J. H. Burnley, March 7, 1865

Mr. Walker to Mr. Burnley

SIR: I have the honor to submit for your consideration some remarks in reference to the requirements of an oath of allegiance to the United States government from her Majesty’s subjects before permiting them to pursue any business whereby they may obtain a livelihood.

This practice affects all; no exceptions whatever are allowed; employment i, even denied to the common laborer, unless he can produce a certificate that he has taken the oath. Permission, however, will be given to all to leave the port, but I humbly beg of you to consider how very inadequate the remedy is to the evil complained of, by presenting to your notice how very many there necessarily must be whose circumstances will not admit of their removing themselves.

From the registration that has been made at this consulate during the last fortnight under the circumstances mentioned in my former despatch No. 3, I am enabled to form an estimate of the number of British subjects now remaining in the city. Up to this time 352 names have been registered, and of these 188 are laborers and draymen, and many of the others are persons without the command of means in ordinary times, and at present quite destitute.

I enclose herewith an analysis of the register for the purpose of showing the occupations, &c, of several persons registered, making due allowance for wives and children. I imagine this British population may number as many as 1,500.

Analysis of register showing the occupations, &c., of the British subjects at Charleston.