Mr. Seward to Lord Lyons,.
Department of State,
Washington,
August 12, 1864.
My Lord: Referring to your communication of the
30th ultimo, in regard to large purchases of cotton said to have been
made under Treasury regulations by the Messrs. McDonald Brothers &
Co., of Montreal, so far as it relates to the effect of the recent act
of Congress upon such purchases, I have the honor to enclose,
[Page 682]
in reply, a copy of a letter
from George Harrington, esq., the Acting Secretary of the Treasury, and
four printed copies of the rules and regulations to which it refers.
I have the honor to be, with high consideration, my lord, your obedient
servant,
Right Hon. Lord Lyons,
&c., &c., &c.
Mr. Harrington to Mr. Seward.
Treasury
Department,
August 11, 1864.
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 6th instant, transmitting copy of a
communication from Lord Lyons, and enclosure, relative to certain
cotton alleged to have been purchased by Messrs. McDonald Brothers
& Co., of Montreal, under treasury permits.
The regulations of this department of the 29th July concerning
commercial intercourse (copies of which are enclosed herewith)
provide for the transportation to the market of products purchased
in good faith under proper authorities, and paid for prior to the
date thereof, in the same manner and subject to the same conditions
as products raised by the labor of freedmen, (see pages 30, and
24-5.)
No information is furnished in regard to the location of the cotton
in question; but if it is within the lines of military occupation by
the national forces, it is believed the provisions above cited will
remove all ground of complaint so far as this department is
concerned.
The order of General Washburn referred to, and the action in regard
to it, desired by Messrs. McDonald Brothers & Co., are matters
exclusively within the jurisdiction of the War Department.
With great respect,
GEO. HARRINGTON. Acting Secretary of the
Treasury.
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
