Mr. Chase to Mr. Seward.
Sir: The necessity of new methods of protecting the interests of the revenue in the transit of goods entering our ports for Canada, makes it desirable that I should be possessed of the methods adopted in England, France, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria, in the transhipment of goods across the frontiers or into their ports, for export to a foreign land, with all the forms used, and all the fees charged.
I have the honor to request that you will send me such information as may be in the Department of State; and if this information is not in your possession, I shall be glad if it may be obtained from our ministers and consuls abroad. With great respect,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.