Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the First Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part II

Mr. Seward to Mr. Marsh

No. 59.]

Department of State, Washington, November 18, 1862.

Sir: Your despatch of the 21st ultimo (No. 54) was duly received, and the proposal of Colonel Cattabene to organize four battalions of experienced soldiers, and to embark them for the United States, for service in the army of the Union, has been submitted for consideration to the Secretary of War, from whose department a letter declining the offer has just been received. In communicating to Colonel Cattabene the decision contained in this letter, of which I annex a copy, you will at the same time assure him that his generous proposal is properly appreciated, and will always be gratefully remembered by those who are battling in the sacred cause of liberty and Union.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

George P. Marsh, Esq., &c., &c., &c., Turin.

[Untitled]

War Department, Washington City, D. C., November 15, 1862.

Sir: In reply to yours of the 13th instant, transmitting a copy of a despatch from Mr. Marsh relating to the offer of Colonel Cattabene to organize four battalions, of 500 each, of experienced soldiers, and join the Union army, if provision is made for their transportation, I am directed to say that the law does not authorize the organization of troops on the plan proposed by Colonel Cattabene.

By order of the Secretary of War.

C. P. BUCKINGHAM, Brigadier General and Assistant Adjutant General.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.