Papers Relating to Foreign Affairs, Accompanying the Annual Message of the President to the Second Session Thirty-eighth Congress, Part III

Mr. F. W. Seward to Mr. Stoeckl

Department of State, Washington, August 30, 1864.

Sir: Referring to your note of the 13–25th ultimo, in regard to a new regulation of the imperial government of Russia, removing, on certain conditions the tax heretofore imposed upon the exportation of the property of foreigners who after having become naturalized in that country, subsequently renounce the character of Russian subjects, I have the honor to enclose, in reply, a copy of a letter of the 18th instant from the Secretary of the Treasury, from which it appears that the United States have fulfilled in anticipation the conditions referred to, there being no law in force which imposes any such tax in this country.

Accept, sir, a renewed assurance of my high consideration.

F. W. SEWARD, Acting Secretary.

Mr. Edward de Stoeckl, &c., &c., &c.

Mr. Harrington to Mr. Seward

Treasury Department, August 18, 1864.

Sir: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of August 11, enclosing a copy of a communication from Mr. De Stoeckl, minister of Russia, who inquires whether persons of Russian birth, who have been naturalized as American citizens and subsequently returned to Russia, are required to pay any impost in order to obtain the privilege of exporting their property.

In reply I have to state that there is no law imposing any such tax as that referred to.

With great respect,

GEO. HARRINGTON, Acting Secretary of the Treasury.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.