Mr. Onesti to William M. Evarts, July 11, 1877
Mr. Onesti to Mr. Evarts.
Sir:
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In the month of October, 1875, he arrived at Torreni, Italy, intending to spend a year in his native land, and at the expiration of that time to return to the United States and to remain there.
In a few days after his arrival he was officially notified that he was drafted to serve in the Italian army. Claiming to be a citizen of the United States, he refused to obey the summons, and was subsequently arrested upon the charge of being a deserter from the Italian army.
He immediately protested against both the draft and the arrest, and contested the right of the government to force him to serve as a soldier, in the appropriate courts, until, upon appeal, it was decided by the highest tribunal at Rome having jurisdiction of such matters that the charge of desertion be dismissed, but that Felice Largo-marzino must be remanded to take his place in the army.
Further resistance being useless, he entered the army against his will. He was assigned to the twenty-sixth regiment, in the commissary department, at Florence.
Although his duties are not so irksome as those performed by a common soldier, yet he desires, if it be possible, to be released from the service, and permitted to return to the United States.
Having related the facts of my brother-in-law’s impressment into the Italian army, I most respectfully ask you to use your kind offices with the Italian Government for the purpose of effecting his discharge from the army, and, as a consequence, his return to the United States.
I am aware that no convention between the United States and the King of Italy has ever been arranged to effect a treaty of naturalization; but I am strongly impressed with the belief that if you shall deem it proper, in your official capacity, to interpose on behalf of Mr. Felice Largomarsino, the Italian Government will, with due respect to the nation and people you represent, consider your appeal, and restore him to the society of his family and his friends, and also to the country of his adoption.
Allow me in addition to say that any effort on your part to obtain the object so much desired will be highly appreciated not only by myself, but also by the Italian population residing here and throughout the United States.