Carl Schurz to William H. Seward, July 22, 1861

Mr. Schurz to Mr. Seward.

Sir: I have the honor to enclose a copy of the royal order of the 16th of May last, addressed to the captain general of Cuba, and published in the Gazette of the Havana on the 16th June, just published in the official Gazette of Madrid.

It provides that, during the fourteen months after its publication at the Havana, all hard biscuit should be admitted free of duty in Cuba, no matter whence it come; and also the duties on Indian corn, and Indian meal and flour, potatoes, and beans, should be reduced one-half during the same period.

I suppose your attention will have been drawn to this order by the consul of the United States at Havana, and its provisions published for the benefit of our commerce.

It is another indication confirmatory of what has been said by Mr. Perry, in his despatch No. 13, and by myself, in my No. 3, of 18th instant, as to the apparent disposition of the Spanish government to listen favorably to any propositions for a change in the restrictive system of duties upon our commerce with their colonies.

With the highest respect, sir, your obedient servant,