Page:Immigration and the Commissioners of Emigration of the state of New York.djvu/231

Rh (among others from the United States Consul at Havre) that an organized system of imposition exists at the principal points of emigration from Europe, in the ports of Great Britain and Ireland, as well as those of the Continent, by which great and frequent frauds are committed in relation to the passages of emigrants to the interior of the United States. A circular has been accordingly prepared, under the authority of this Board, with the design of exposing these frauds, thus setting the emigrants on their guard against them. (A printed copy is herewith enclosed.) It has occurred to the Commissioners that this communication would be far more likely to promote its objects if it received the aid and sanction of the Government of the United States.

This being a subject strictly relating to our intercourse with foreign nations, and in which other States must feel as much interest as that which first receives the emigrant; it appears to be legitimately within the constitutional sphere of the General Government. It is, therefore, respectfully suggested that copies of the enclosed circular should be transmitted to the several consuls of the United States, at all the points of great emigration to this country, with a note from the Department of State, recommending the subject to their especial attention, and requesting them to give publicity to the information and advice of the Commissioners.

Should this suggestion meet your approval, printed copies of the circular will be furnished and forwarded as the Department may direct.

I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,

G. C. VERPLANCK, Pres't of Comm'rs of Emigration.

Washington, November 6, 1848.

Hon. G. C., New York:


 * I have received your letter of the 2d inst., addressed to me on behalf of the Board of Commissioners of Emigration of the State of New York, referring to the existence of "an organized system of imposition at the principal points of emigration from Europe, in the ports of Great Britain and Ireland, as well as those of the Continent, by which great and frequent frauds are committed in relation to the passages of emigrants to the interior of the United States, together with a printed copy of a circular, prepared under the authority of the Board, with the design of exposing these frauds, thus setting the emigrants on their guard against them."

In the promotion of an object so honorable and benevolent, your Board may fully rely upon all the aid and support which this Department can properly afford.

In reply to your suggestion that copies of this circular be transmitted to the several consuls of the United States, at all the points of great emigration to this country, and your offer to furnish them for that purpose, I have to state that I will, with great pleasure, cause them to be so addressed, with such instructions as may be best calculated to ensure the results you have in view.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obt. servant,

JAMES BUCHANAN.