John Bigelow to Drouyn de Lhuys, March 29, 1866

Mr. Bigelow to Mr. Drouyn de Lhuys

Sir: Recalling the note which I had the honor to address your excellency yesterday in reference to the reclamation of one François Pierre, a naturalized citizen of the United States, detained in prison at Metz under pretext of liability for military service, I beg to invite your excellency’s attention to another case of similar character which has been brought to my notice to-day. The particulars of this, so far as they are known to me, are recited in a note from the party complaining, who calls himself Frederick Todry. He states that he left France when only seventeen years of age; hat he has resided in the United States since 1853; that he was naturalized there in 1858; that he returned to France in February last, when he was arrested, deprived of his naturalization papers, and placed under military arrest in the fortress of Besançon, from whence he writes.

Permit me to express the hope that this case also may occupy the early attention of your excellency, and that it, as well as those already referred to your excellency, may receive such a disposition as the principles of humanity and the comity of nations may dictate.

I avail myself of this occasion to renew to your excellency assurances of the high consideration with which I have the honor to be your very humble and very obedient servant,