Insurrectionary assemblages avow the fact that they are sending Agents to Europe on errands hostile and injurious to the peace of the country and dangerous to the Union. Fuch agents ought not to be allowed to pervert the authority of the Government their proceedings. You are so as to sanction you therefore strictly enjoined to grant no passport whatever to any person of whose loyalty to the Union have not the most complete and satisfactory evidence. You will further immediately make report to this Department in passport granted, and the evidences on which the every instance of the grant is made. Consuls are expected to report to the Ministers nearest their agents, is found negotiating with Governments or individuals for purposes hostile to the Republic: and Ministers as well as Consuls will be vigilant in counteracting such proceedings. I am, sir, very uspectfully. Your bedient servant, Courtesy: National Archives Exhibit 98. Secretary Seward's circular instructions, May 6, 1861 Exhibit 100. Secretary Seward's regulation requiring passports to pass Union Army lines, November 12, 1861 ( CIRCULAR.) No. 18. 91428 TO THE DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR OFFICERS OF THE UNITED STATES IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES. Department of State. Washington, August 8–1862. It is expected that, until further notice, you will not issue a passport to any citizen between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, and otherwise liable to the performance of military duty, who, you may have reason to suppose, shall have left the United States subsequently to this date WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Courtesy: National Archives Exhibit 101. Secretary Seward's circular No. 18 prohibiting issuance of passports abroad to citizens liable for military duty, August 8, 1862 |