Peiroleri to Charles C. Marsh, March 26, 1879

Mr. Peiroleri to Mr. Marsh.

Mr. Minister: I have received your note of the 15th instant, by which you call upon me again to use my good offices for the release from military service of Giovanni Felice Largomarsino, at present in the Italian army, on account of the serious injury to his private affairs resulting from his continuing there.

I regret very much being unable to second your request, but in the face of the laws of Italy it is not possible to make an exception in favor of Largomarsino. Article 12 of the civil code of the kingdom explicitly enacts that the loss of citizenship does not carry with it exemption from the obligation of military service.

Matters of private interest, which, in fact, are common to all Italian citizens on whom military service is incumbent, are not taken into consideration by the laws on conscription. The royal government cannot, therefore, hold them of any weight. Nevertheless, as I learn that Lagomassina was enrolled on the 8th of January, 1877, I think it will not be very long before he will be granted unlimited leave of absence, as the term of service for the infantry in time of peace is only three years.

Trusting that you will recognize the justness of these reasons which prevent me from replying in a more favorable sense to your note, I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you, Mr. Minister, the assurance of my high consideration.

For the minister: