William L Dayton to William H. Seward, June 29, 1863

Mr. Dayton to Mr. Seward

Sir: The proclamation of the President subjecting to conscription foreigners who have not yet been fully naturalized, has seriously attracted the attention of foreign governments. The minister from Switzerland at this court, (supposing doubtless that the French government had already complained,) sought explanation of me about this matter, and I believe he said at the instance of his government. He did not seem to feel that the option given by the President to foreigners to leave the country within the time specified was any just answer to their complaint, more especially to a complaint from Switzerland. The case of this country, he says, is exceptional. He suggests that the treaty stipulations between the United States and Switzerland expressly protect the citizens of the latter country from military conscription, and to compel them either to military service or to break up their business and leave the country at a heavy sacrifice, is, therefore, a violation, as is contended, of their treaty rights. Permit me to ask what view of this question has been taken by the President?

I am, sir, your obedient servant,