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

Mr. Sanford to Mr. Seward.

No. 183.]

Legation of the United States, Brussels, January 25, 1864.

Sir:The Moniteur of the 23d instant publishes the tables of the “indirect” revenue of the state for the year 1863 compared with the revenues from similar sources in 1862.

The total in 1863 amounts to 116,750,364 francs, being an augmentation of 2,860,465 francs upon that of 1862, and about five and one-half million francs more than the estimates.

This increase arises principally from spirits, beer, and vinegar, inheritances, stamps, railroads, and telegraphs. There is a diminution in receipts from customs, registry, conveyances, and steam lines between Ostend and Dover.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your most obedient servant,

H. S. SANFORD.

Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, &c., &c., &c.