No. 504.
Mr. Fish to Mr. Marsh
, (same
to Mr. Washburne and to Mr. Bancroft.)
Washington , August 11, 1873.
Sir: It is desirable to know with a reasonable approach to accuracy the number of American citizens resident or temporarily sojourning in Italy.
If practicable you will ascertain—
- I.
- The number of Americans whose residence in Italy has been of long continuance, or seems to be indefinite in its intended duration.
- II.
- The number sojourning or traveling and temporarily abiding in the country, and you will consider and report whether the number to be stated in your return may be regarded as above or below the average number of such Americans for a series of years.
- III.
- The number of children born in Italy (annually) of fathers who claim to be American citizens.
- IV.
- The number of Americans who may have been naturalized as Italians, or otherwise formally disavowed American citizenship.
I wish also to know whether any record or registration is made, or any notice is generally filed, either in the legation, or at the consulates of the United States in Italy, of the birth of children born in Italy of fathers who claim to be American citizens.
It is understood that some American citizens have registered the births of children born to them out of the United States, either as those of subjects of the country in which they were born, or so as to entitle them to the option of claiming citizenship in that country. It is reported that instances of this kind were quite frequent during the rebellion in this country. You will endeavor to ascertain whether this be so, and, if it be, whether you can obtain a list of those who were thus registered and the names of the parents or others who registered them.
I desire the information asked, especially that under the four enumerated heads, with as little delay as possible.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
George P.
Marsh
, Esq.,
&c.,
&c., &c.
[Same mutatis mutandis to the ministers of the United States at Berlin and Paris.]