Kasson to Count Hatzfeldt, October 24, 1884

Mr. Kasson to Count Hatzfeldt.

The undersigned, envoy, &c., has been advised, through the American consuls at Munich and Nuremberg, of certain proceedings taken by the royal police boards of those cities, and the chief magistrate of the latter city and by the royal Bavarian government of Mittelfranken and the royal Bavarian state ministry of the interior for church and school affairs for putting an end to the efforts made by certain Mormon missionaries, called Hafen, Jennings, Smoot, and Lyman, to persuade men and women in that province to emigrate to the region of Utah, in order to join there the so-called Church of the Latter-Day Saints. The doctrine of polygamy there inculcated and practiced is in direct violation of the laws of the United States, and that unlawful system is recruited chiefly by inducing foreigners to join them in their criminal habits.

In view of this fact the undersigned is instructed to request the mediation of his excellency Count Hatzfeldt, imperial secretary, &c., to convey the thanks of the Government at Washington to the authorities named for their efforts to stop this unlawful and injurious recruiting for purposes which violate alike the usages of Christian civilization and the provisions of American law.

The undersigned assures, &c.,