No. 501.
The Postmaster-General to the President.
Washington, D. C. , November 17, 1873.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th August, asking the opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the Executive Departments upon certain questions, therewith submitted, relating to the expatriation of citizens of the United States, and the relations between the Government and expatriated persons who may claim its protection by virtue of restored citizenship.
After giving the subject such study and deliberation as its importance demanded, I cannot find any ground to differ from the views of the Attorney-General of the United States, given in his well-considered and very able opinion in answer to the same questions, also submitted to him.
The conflict of opinion heretofore expressed by eminent statesmen and jurists upon some of the points raised by the questions; the tide of immigration flowing to, and the facilities of travel from, this country; the prolonged and sometimes permanent residence of our citizens in foreign countries—all induce me to unite earnestly with the Attorney-General in the recommendation that some positive legislation be invoked to put at rest, so far as legislation can do so, these delicate international questions, which may at any time involve us in serious complications with foreign powers.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Postmaster-General.
His Excellency U. S. Grant,
President of the United States.