William H. Seward to Charles Francis Adams, Esq. (Same to all of the diplomatic and consular agents of the United States.), March 17, 1862

[Circular.—No. 9.]

Sir: I am directed to inform you that the regulation of the department of the 19th of August, 1861, by which “no person was allowed to go abroad from a port of the United States without a passport either from this department or countersigned by the Secretary of State, nor any person allowed to land in the United States without a passport from a minister or consul of the United States, or, if a foreigner, from his own government, countersigned by such minister or consul;” also, the regulation requiring the “loyalty of all Americans applying for passports or visas to be tested under oath,” are hereby rescinded; the causes which required the issue of the above regulations having, it is to be hoped, ceased to exist.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,