De Geofroy to William H. Seward, April 17, 1864

Mr. Geofroy to Mr. Seward

Sir: The direct importation of brandies and spirits is prohibited at New Orleans as contraband of war, and yet some arrive every day indirectly by way of the north for the market at that city, where its sale, wholesale and retail, is permitted without the least restriction.

This anomaly causes to foreign commerce, and especially to French commerce, an unfavorable condition, which nothing seems to me to justify. Permit me, sir, to call your attention to this unjust difference, and to beg you to see if there is not some way of bringing it to a close.

I seize this occasion, sir, to renew to you the assurances of my high consideration.