William H. Seward to John Bigelow, May 18, 1866

Mr. F. W. Seward to Mr. Bigelow

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch of the 23d ultimo, enclosing a passport purporting to have been issued by the governor of Louisiana, which was presented at the legation in Paris to be visaed. Your proceedings in declining to recognize this instrument are, as a matter of course, approved.

The governors of the several States have been notified by circular that the granting of passports by them, or by any other State authorities, is in contravention of the Constitution and laws of the United States, and of the law of nations, and that such instruments will not be recognized by this department, or by the governments of foreign nations.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,