William H. Seward to Joseph A. Wright, July 25, 1866

Mr. Seward to Mr. Wright.

Sir: Herewith I transmit a copy of a letter of the 17th instant, addressed to this department by Mr. Montgomery Blair, together with a copy of its accompaniment, a letter addressed to him by Mr. John B. Olfers, a resident of Maryland, whose son, John Henry Olfers, a native-born citizen of the United States, as appears from the certificate of baptism enclosed with Mr. Olfer’s communication, is now compulsorily performing service in the Hanoverian army.

As the facts set forth in the letter of Mr. Olfers, senior, would seem to be undeniable, you are instructed to make a representation of them in the proper quarter, and to request the immediate discharge of his son from the Hanoverian service, unless the government of the kingdom of Hanover should be able to give satisfactory reasons for his detention.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,