Mr. Clay to Mr.
Seward
No. 116.]
Legation of the United States,
St. Petersburg, Russia
,
July 14, 1866.
Sir: By note No. 4345, July 12, N. S., from his
excellency M. de Westmann, of the imperial ministry, I am informed that
Stanislas Pongoski, a Russian Pole and naturalized citizen of the United
States, has been proved to have become our fellow-citizen without leave
of the Emperor of Russia, and “by the article 367 of the penal code” he
has been deprived of all the rights of Russian citizenship, and banished
forever from the Russian empire, and this sentence has been put into
execution. I don’t see that we can complain, as it settles the debatable
question of denaturalization virtually in our favor; and avoids
unpleasant issues.
I am, truly, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.
[Translation.]
His Majesty the
Emperor to the President of the United States of
America.
Peterhof,
August 17, 1866.
I have received from the hands of Mr. Fox the resolution of the
Congress of the United States of America on the occasion of the
providential grace of which I have been the object.
That mark of sympathy has moved me sensibly. It is not alone
personal; it attests once more the sentiments that bind the American
nation to that of Russia.
The two peoples have no injuries to remember, but only good
relations. Under all circumstances new proofs of mutual benevolence
are added.
These cordial relations are as conducive to their reciprocal
interests as to the good of civilization and humanity, and answer
the designs of Divine Providence whose will is peace and concord
among all nations.
It gives me a lively pleasure to see these ties constantly
strengthened more and more. I have imparted my sentiments to Mr.
Fox. I pray you to be my interpreter to Congress and the American
people, whom it represents. Tell them how much I appreciate—and with
me the whole of Russia—the testimonies of friendship they have given
me, and how happy I will be to see the American nation grow in
strength and prosperity by the union and constant practice of the
civic virtues that distinguish it.
Accept, at the same time, the assurance of the high consideration
with which I am your good friend,
