Memoir and Letters of Jenny C. White Del Bal

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1868 edition. Excerpt: ...in Behalf of Americans abroad----The Inhabitants of the Country--The Political State--Its Products--Cause of the Elevation of Mosquera--I-Iis Despotism--Our Slaves sent to Chiriqui. SnNrmoo, February 22a', 1864. DEAR SIR,--When my husband and I called in August, 1862, to pay our respects to Mrs. Lincoln and yourself, before leaving the country for a few years' residence in New Grenada, you, dear sir, requested me to write to you from my new home,--a request to which I accede gladly, and with more pleasure, as you jestingly added, "I will read every line of your letters." In consequence of the unsettled state of the government, our departure from,New York was delayed until the following June. I now trespass on your valuable time from a twofold motive: first, to accomplish my promise; secondly, to say a few words to you, dear sir, on a subject touched upon in your message of December last, which interests me deeply, as I am now included among the "American citizens abroad," and my husband is one of its most devoted and loyal naturalized citizens. VVe, as well as a large number of American citizens residing in this State, Isthmus of Panama, feel grieved that we, who are unwilling exiles from home, may also be deprived of our title of American citizens, to defend which, I am sure, many, if not all, abroad, would cheerfully sacrifice their fortunes and lives, if necessary. Permit me to say, dear sir, I think you misjudge the absent citizens of both classes alluded to in your message. They are, I think, wanting in neither patriotism nor loyalty. You say, dear sir, that the privilege has been abused. The simple fact that a foreigner testifies his love and admiration for our government by renouncing his...