Letter

Reverdy Johnson to The Eight Honorable Earl of Clarendon, January 27, 1867

Author

Reverdy Johnson

Recipient

The Eight Honorable Earl of Clarendon

Date

January 27, 1867

Type

Letter

Language

English

Mr. Johnson to Lord Clarendon

Legation of the United States, London, January 27, 1867.

My Lord: I beg leave to call your lordship’s attention to a resolution of the Congress of the United States of the 27th March, 1867, prohibiting persons in the diplomatic service of my government “from wearing any uniform or official costume not previously authorized.”

As no authority has been given to the members of this legation excepting them from this positive prohibition it is our duty to comply with it. Your lordship will oblige me, therefore, by letting me know if we can appear in plain citizens’ dress at the court ceremonials which her Majesty may hereafter have?

I sincerely hope that this privilege may be allowed us, and am sure that it would be regarded by my government with gratification. As I see that her Majesty is to hold a court on the 2d of March your lordship will please favor me with as early an answer as you conveniently can.

Inclosed you have a copy of the resolution referred to.

I pray your lordship to accept the assurance of the highest consideration with which I have the honor to remain, my lord, your lordship’s most obedient servant,

REVERDY JOHNSON.

The Eight Honorable Earl of Clarendon, &c., &c., &c.

Topics

19th Century Diplomacy Reconstruction

Sources

FRUS u2014 Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Third Session of the Fortiet View original source ↗

U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian. Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Third Session of the Fortiet.