Amos T. Akerman to C. Lewenhaupt, 5 December 1870

December 6, 1870. Count C. Lewenhaupt, Swedish & Norwegian Chargé d'Affaires. Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 29th ult. making inquiries in reference to the law of The United States on the subject of labor contracts concluded in a foreign county, and to be executed here. Under the established usage of the Government of the United States, this Department is not at liberty to hold communication with the Representatives of foreign powers except through the Department of State, and therefore I am under the necessity of declining to answer your question. With great respect, I have the honor to be, your ob't serv't, A. T. Akerman, Attorney General.