William H. Brooks to Benjamin F. Butler, June 6, 1873

Mr. Brooks to General Butler.

Dear Sir: Referring to a letter handed you yesterday by Collector Russell, written by Mr. Matthew Bartlett, a copy of which I herewith inclose, I have to request that if there is any way the matter can be presented to the English government so that it will afford relief to our merchants engaged in trade with the people of the Gold Coast, West Africa, that you will have the kindness to bring all possible influence to bear. The matter is a very serious one to me, having the whole of my property invested in vessels and cargoes now there and on the way.

The English government officials on the Gold Coast have been and are constantly doing all in their power to kill off what little American trade there is left, and the present action in placing equal to an embargo on the trade seems, to say the least, very unjust. I am not sufficiently well informed whether anything under the circumstances could be done by the administration that would prove of benefit, but am satisfied that if you can see any chance to help us you will, as you always have, do all that can be done.

I have, &c.,