Charles C. Marsh to the minister of foreign affairs, October 6, 1866

Note addressed to the minister of foreign affairs.

Mr. Minister: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a circular note from the ministry of foreign affairs, under date of the 5th of October, 1866, in relation to the liability of the subjects and citizens of foreign states residing in Italy to assessment for the national loan ordered by royal decree on the 28th of July last, and I have lost no time in transmitting a copy of the note to my government. The case not having been foreseen, I am without special instructions on the subject, and it is of course out of my power to bind the government of the United States by a formal pledge which would exceed the usual limits of diplomatic prerogative. At the same time I have no doubt that my government will be entirely ready to secure to Italian citizens residing in the United States complete reciprocity of treatment in this as well as in all other particulars, and I trust that his Majesty’s government will, with its accustomed liberality, direct proceedings against American citizens residing in this kingdom, for the enforcement of assessments under the decree, to be stayed until the legation shall receive instructions on the subject from the government of the United States.

I pray you, Mr. Minister, to accept the renewed assurances of my most distinguished consideration.