Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-09-17
TO THE EDITORS.

WASHINGTON, SEPTEMBER IA, 1853
GENTLEMEN: The g Intelligencer' of yesterday con-
tains article, the signature of al T. P D. :" con-
corning the affair connected with the American Consulate
at Constantnope in the year 1851 is another attempt
to sustain the perpetrators Of that outrage and is simply
reproduction of the statements made days since in
evening paper of this city, The allegations contained
in these several articles untrue, affirmed in
my note published in the Union of the Sls ultimo to
which invite the attention of your readers
1t not my intention Messrs Editors, to give any
further notice to these misrepresentation but the pub
cty andimportance impaired them by their appear
in your paper, well of justice myself
and others engaged in this affair." induce me to ask your
publication of this note.
First, Messrs. Editors, the statement that I am an
Austrian subject is false lam such neither by BIRTH by
descent, by adoption by allegiance by political SYM
pathies. Abundant proof Of this fact is ie in the
Department of State and at proper time will be fur
nished to the public. claim, Messrs. Editors TO be
american citizen and officer of the Government TO
which allegiance, have used my humble but
nest endeavor to resist the aggression of the House
Hnpsburg by doing all in my power to aid succor and
maintain the unfortunate refugees from its injustice The
official correspondence between myself and the agents
Austria at Constantinople mostly published in the
Southern Press Of the 23d Of January 1882 copy OF
which send you BY il you will perceive that apphca-
ton made by Mr. Dragoman Brown to them for aid
in taking forcibe possession Of the American Consulate
tend TO claim any authority Austrian sub
jc and that most unequvocay denied their right as
Ausrtdns, to have any participation in the matter.
have my possession undenied and undenabe evidence
(which is also file in the Department of State) that
the violation OF the Consular Office effected during my
temporary absence by Homes and the Austrians the
request of Mr. Dragoman Brown and the door and win
dows sealed after taking whatever it pleased them
take) with the double-headed eagle of Austria.
Again. Messrs. Editors the statement that was re-
moved from the office Of Vice Consul by the power
that appointed me- is another untruth The facts
follows to wit: | was appointed Vice Consul in May
l649 by George A. Porter, then Consul In July 1850
recognised and addressed by the Department of
State Acting Consul, and commissioned full
Consul in February 1852. From July, 1850 to Februa-
ry 1882 other person recognised by the Depart
Of State in the position Of Acting Consul and no
other person received the pay The drafts Of Mr. Homes
protested and his pretensions the position which
he had usurped totally dsallowed. was, therefore,
removed from the Vice Consulate, Acting Con-
sulate, by any person power whatever but pro-
NOTED by degrees to the full Consushp, received the
emouments during the entire period performed the
duties until forcby elected under the threat of the
Austrians and by their troops.
But it will be remembered MesSrs Editors, that in
the neutral land Of Turkey residents amennbe to
any foreign authority which may h exercise power
over them. Even if Messrs. Brown and Homes had the
right possess themselves the Consular property they
should have used American forces accomplish it or If
those not to be had should have applied to the local
authorities The Ausrians, Of all Others should not,
under the peculiar feelings existing betwc the Go
vernments, have been called upon to punish contuma
cous officer But they found the Ausrians willing abet
tors Of their outrage, and would have found all other
Powers adverse to any participation in such schemes
In conclusion, permit me TO add that it would be
folly in TO put forth these statements facts If they
that examination OF the evidence wbent shall be pro-
perly brought before the public, win fully justify my
claims and sustain my assertions.
Yours, very respectfully,
II. M. Il