The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-06-13
TIRE PgEMIER'S FIRST DIPLOMATIC NOTE

~ Inv u ~ n II.
DEPARTMENT OF STAT

DEPARTMENT
WASHINGTON June l. 1853 (
In addition TO the personal Instructions the Dipo
matte Agents of the United States in Foreign Countries
the following are Hereafter 10 be observed:-
In performing the ceremonies observed upon the occa
sion of his reception the Of the United
States will conform far IS is cons stent with inst
OF his devotion to republican institutions TO
the customs OF the conntry wherein lie is reside.
and ~ith the rules prescribed for representatives Of
his rank; but the department would encourage far
ss practicable without imparng his usefulness to his
country his appearance at court in the simple dress Of
an American citizen. Should there be where
this cannot be done ing to the character OF the
foreign government without detrment to the public in
terest the nearest approach to it compatible with the
due performance Of his duties earnestly recommend
ed. The simplicity of usages and the tone of feel
ing among people is much more in accordance with
the example of first and most distinguished repre-
sentative at royal court than the practice which has
since prevailed 1t is to be regretted that there
any departure IN this respect from the example Of Dr.
Franklin history has recorded and commended this
example, congeDal TO the spirit Of political nst
tutions The department Is dssrous of removing ali OBJ
staces 70 return to the simple and unosten atious
course which deemed so proper, aud was so much
approved In the earliest day Of the republic II Is our
purpose to cultivate the most amcable relations with all
countries and this we believe be efectually done
without requiring diplomatic agents abroad depart
IN this respect from what is suited to the general sent
mente OF our fellow citizens at home Al instructions
in regard to what is called diplomatic Uniform court
dress being withdrawn each Of representatives in
other countries wl be lett to llate this matter
cordng to his Of ptoprety, and with due
spect to the views OF his government herein expressed
1t Is desirable that the minister charge daffairs
should establish the legation in central position
may be convenient of the metropolis the govern
ment TO which he is sent 1T will be his duty to that
it kept open every day except Sunday And se days
from O'Clock in the forenoon until o'clock in the after
noon The secretary attached it. if there be one must
perform in person all the services which properly
volve upon him. except of Sickness leave Of
absence In such cases 1t is ensined upon the minister
appoint American citizen represent him.
be done. There is obvious improperly in deyoyins
upon foreigner the duties which belong 70 the secretary
1t necessary TO be thus specific in these Instructions,
for it has frequently occurred of latter years that
taries of legation have this department Is informed
dispatches and do other Off ;s duties which peraned
Themselves This practice, which, 1t is feared is u9on
the increase SO obviously wrong thai the President is
resolved TO cause 1T 20 he d continued The correspond
enoe between the government and the legations of the
United States must be guarded with the utmost secresy
even as relates to citizens To submit it to the
amna ton of foreigner wilt be regarded an nds
creon in the offender, demanding immediate deprivation
Of Office The first duty Of subject ! considered to be
regarded unsafe depotsres of the secrets Of d.
plomacy in the legation where they are employed The
possibility that revelation OF secret state papers
in this manner ia sufficient to excite fears
the subject and require the strict observance Of the
above Instructions
Ministers OF the United States and charges daffairs
requested authenticate by their signatures,
with the seal Of the legation the passports of American
czens and not permit secretaries to perform this duty
w. L. MARCY
CIRCULAR.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
WASHINGTON, June /, 1853 (
SIN Tho President having thought proper to appoint
at you will find it useful entering on this new
career to be made acquainted with the general duties
ara obligations which you undertake. though they
from their nature little susceptible Of minute definition
and must. therefore, in great measure be determined
by circumstance sscertsned by the growing expert
ence Of the minister at the head of the legation and
yourself In the official and private intercourse between
them, whilst Is Of the first duties Of minister Of
The United States Of any other country to observe
courteous frank and kind dsmeanor towards his secrs
tary So the part Of the secretary 1t ia less duty
to fulfil with aacrity and promptude in tie best man
that he can the general and occasional instructions
Of the minister relation to the affairs of the legation
and to maintain his with him all the marks
OF poet which should charaeese the intercourse of
subo dnats with his superior II would be to place
false estimate your discretion to suppose you capable
d. closing TO any the least information requiring
esc.sey coAccrning the sfsirs Of the legation.