De Geofroy to William H. Seward, August 28, 1864

Mr. Geofroy to Mr. Seward

Sir: The French firm, Brulaton & Co., of New Orleans, remonstrates against a payment of duties exacted from it by the custom-house at that place on merchandise entered at that custom-house, the 2d of May last, and sold in regular manner on the 4th, on the basis of the tariff then recognized—that is to say, five days before the decision of the Secretary of the Treasury of the 30th April was known at that city.

I have the honor to send herewith to your excellency the letter which these merchants have addressed upon this subject to his Majesty’s consul at New Orleans, begging you to be so good as to transmit this reclamation to the Secretary of the Treasury, and to ask him if it is right, as I think it is, to issue orders to the collector of the customs at New Orleans to desist from his claim.

Accept, sir, the assurance of my high consideration.