Mr. de Stoeckl to Mr. Seward
Mr. Secretary: Captain Pestchourooff, commissioner of the imperial government for the transfer of our former possessions in America, informs me that the Russian ship Czaritsa is expected at Sitka with provisions and goods for the Russian American Company.
As this vessel left Europe at the beginning of the year, before the conclusion of the treaty of cession, it is but just that the cargo of the Czaritsa be admitted free of duty in case it reaches its place of destination after the establishment of the United States custom-house system at Sitka.
I take the liberty, Mr. Secretary of State, to recommend this affair particularly to the benevolent courtesy which the federal government has always exercised in its transactions with the imperial government.
Please accept, Mr. Secretary of State, the assurance of my very high consideration.
Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.