Insurrectionary assemblages avow the fact that they are sending Agents to Europe on errands hostile and injurions 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 уси 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 every instance of the passport granted, and the evidences on which the grant is made. Consuls are expected to report to the Ministers nearest their where every Consulates case any American citizen, personally or by 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 obedient servant, Courtesy: National Archives Exhibit 98. Secretary Seward's circular instructions, May 6, 1861 (CIRCULAR.) No. 18. 2942-8 TO THE DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR OFFICERS OF THE UNITED STATES IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES. you may have reason to suppose, shall have left the United States subsequently to 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 |