Mr. Harvey to Mr. Seward.
Sir:My No. 245, of the 20th of December, presented to your view, by means of the copy of a note which I had addressed to the Duke de Soulé, various embarrassments to which our trade with the African ports of this kingdom had been subjected in consequence of certain prejudicial discriminations imposed by the provincial authorities of his Majesty’s government in levying duties upon American merchandise.
As soon as the minister for foreign affairs informed me that the subject would be referred to the general council of the customs at Lisbon to determine upon the construction to be given to that clause of our treaty under which this question had arisen, I felt it necessary and proper to address him a second note, of which a copy is now transmitted, setting forth very plainly that if the rigid and forced interpretation adopted by the provincial authorities to the detriment of our commerce was sustained, we should be obliged to apply a similar rule to the production and manufactures of Portugal.
I have now the pleasure to communicate a note from the Duke de Soulé, in which he informs me that the general council of the customs has given a decision conforming to the views expressed by, and the representations made from, this legation, and that two-thirds of the full duty only will be assessed upon all merchandise from the United States which may be entitled to claim that advantage under the treaty as it is now clearly understood.
This decision is of importance to large interests in the New England States connected with the regular and legitimate African trade, and which have been much deranged for a year past by the proceedings of officials who applied the revenue regulations illiberally and arbitrarily. A fresh and favorable impulse will now be given to enterprise in that direction by the removal of obstacles which crippled the expansive energies of commerce.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State.