Abraham Lincoln to Angell, November 2, 1880

Mr. Lincoln to Mr. Angell.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch No. 4, of the 22d ultimo.

In reply I have to say that during my administration of this office I have never known of an instance at this port wherein higher tonnage dues have been exacted from merchant vessels of the United States than are prescribed by the treaty of 1858 (article 16), or than are paid by merchant vessels of other foreign countries. The same remark applies to duties on imports and exports in foreign craft.

I cannot state positively whether the tonnage dues exacted from native merchant sailing-vessels are the same or not, as it is impossible to obtain reliable information from the authorities at the native custom-house, where all such craft enter and pay dues and duties. It is, however, firmly believed by foreigners that the tonnage dues on native craft and duties on goods imported in them are at least 30 per cent. less than on foreign vessels and their cargoes. This remark does not, however, apply to the Chinese Merchants’ Steam Navigation Company’s steamers as they enter and pay dues and duties at the foreign customs.

I regret that I do not clearly comprehend your meaning as to “what answer to these inquiries will describe not only the law, but also the practice of the authorities, &c.” The foregoing, I think, is as descriptive of the practice at this port as I am at present able to give.

I have &c.