Benjamin F. Butler to [For inclosure, see Mr. Bartlett to Mr. Russell, p. 380 .], June 8, 1873

General Butler to Mr. Fish.

Sir: Inclosed I send to the State Department a copy of a letter to the Hon. Thomas Russell, collector of the port of Boston, from one of our successful and best merchants, in relation to the action of the British officials on the coast of Africa, imposing tariffs upon merchandise there in contravention of the commonest rights, and as it seems to me, from my limited knowledge upon the subject, without due authority.

You will observe from the statements of the letter, to which most implicit credence may be given, that very large American interests are being thus sacrificed to the supposed necessities of an Ashantee war. I believe, after reading the communication, duplicate of which has been referred to the State Department by the honorable the Secretary of the Treasury, you will have no difficulty in coming to the conclusion that the resources of diplomacy, most energetically applied, should be brought into requisition in this behalf.

I have, &c.,