Mr. Phelps to Mr. Blaine.

No. 418.]

Sir: I have the honor to report for the consideration and decision of the Department, the facts respecting an application for a passport made by Mr. Ludwig Henckel.

The statements made by Mr. Henckel are as follows: He was born in St. Louis, Mo., January 10, 1874, and in 1875 was taken to Venezuela by his father, who claims to have previously taken out his “first papers” and to have renounced his German allegiance, and who subsequently, under date of January 13, 1882, was appointed Consular Agent of the United States at San Cristobal, Venezuela.

After thirty years’ absence, the older Henkel returned to Hanover, his native city, taking his son Ludwig with him, where he now resides. Owing to his long absence he states that, while having assumed no other nationality, he is recognized by the local authorities as a foreigner, and that he has been informed that his son is not liable for military service.

The son Ludwig, who is now serving an apprenticeship in Hamburg—at the expiration of which, in about three years, he declares it to be his intention to return to America to reside—and who is in need of some papers showing his nationality, has now laid claim to American citizenship, and has made application for an American passport.

While awaiting the Department’s decision, I have, etc.,

Wm. Walter Phelps.