Mr. Burlingame to Prince Kung
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Highness’s despatch of the 22d instant, and its enclosure, relating to three regulations which the inspector general of customs has drawn up for the regulation of trade at the ports, calculated to facilitate the collection of duties, while they will not interfere in the transaction of business. I have carefully examined these three regulations for passengers, luggage, duty-free goods, and steam tugs, and find them to be carefully drawn up in conformity to the stipulations of the supplementary treaty, and calculated to promote the easier management of general traffic. I have, therefore, made them known to the consuls of the United States at the ports for their information, and the observance of all others who require it.
I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,
His Imperial Highness Prince Kung, &c., &c., &c.