DAVIS, Acting Secretary to F. J. Packenham, September 23, 1871

Mr. Davis to F. J. Packenham

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 18th instant, informing me that you are instructed to submit for the consideration of this Government a proposal, on the part of the government of Newfoundland, that American fishermen should be admitted to the right of taking seals within the territorial jurisdiction of Newfoundland, and of making outfit in the ports of that island, on the condition of the admission of the produce of the Newfoundland seal-fishery into the United States free of duty. You, at the same time, inform me that Her Majesty’s government would be glad if the above proposal could be acceded to.

In reply, I have the honor to inform you that the subject will receive consideration, but that the proposal is one which needs congressional approval before it can be definitely accepted by this Department.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your obedient servant,