Pinckney Walker to The Secretary of her Majesty’s Legation at Washington, D. C, March 7, 1865

Mr. Walker to Mr. Burnley

Sir: I have the honor to report the adoption of a regulation by the military authorities now holding this city, which bears with cruel hardship upon many of her Majesty’s subjects.

The regulation is that no one shall be permitted to conduct any kind of business here without first taking out a license for the purpose, and that licenses shall only be granted to those who will swear allegiance to the government of the United States.

I had previously become aware of the fixed determination of the commandant to take this step, but the fact was first formally brought to my notice by John Fitzgerald, a copy of whose statement, under oath, I herewith enclose. I transmit also a copy of an affidavit to the same effect, taken from William F. Paddon, corroborated by the oaths of George Dowie and William McComb, all British subjects.

In consequence of Fitzgerald’s complaint, I addressed a despatch to the commandant of the city, pointing out that the general adoption of the regulation referred to would preclude every British subject from practicing his calling. That to expect British subjects to be so regardless of their duty to her Majesty as to take any oath of allegiance to a foreign government was not reasonable. Although, during the necessity for martial law, to expect the-granting of privileges to those whose perfect amity had not been tested might also be regarded as wanting the force of reason, while the refusal of such privileges would, undoubtedly, bring upon her Majesty’s subjects much distress and suffering, and therefore I inquired of him whether an option might not be allowed to her Majesty’s subjects to return to her Majesty’s dominions by (taking passage upon) the vessels which would be constantly leaving this port, and as to the regulations he might adopt on the subject. I have the honor to enclose a copy of my despatch.

I have this day received Colonel Woodford’s reply, whereby he consents to grant papers to British subjects who have done no act affecting their neutrality, allowing them to proceed to other ports in the United States by vessels leaving this port, in order to return to her Majesty’s dominions.

A copy of Colonel Woodford’s reply is also enclosed herewith.

I have, &c.