James Hunter & Co to E. M. Archibald, February 6, 1864

Messrs. Hunter & Co. to her Britannic Majesty’s Consul, Archibald.

Sir: We have been engaged for this last twenty-five years in the transaction of business with Halifax, N. S. and other ports in the British provinces.

We have been in the habit of shipping American produce, &c., mostly required for the consumption of the fisheries. Since the 1st January last the custom, house authorities required bonds of the shippers, with two real estate owners for double the amount, to produce landing certificates of captain, mate and consignees, that the goods were intended for consumption. Yesterday a new order was made by the custom authorities, requiring the captain of the vessel to give a bond for double the amount of the cargo, with two real estate owners in the district.

This new regulation will, in our opinion, put an efficient stoppage to the trade, which is a valuable one for this country, and annually increasing. It will drive the trade from this port to Montreal, Hamburg, &c. It is of great interest to the farmers, millers, and receivers of produce. The two latter would willingly unite in a memorial to withdraw the restrictions as far as we are concerned. We know the goods go into most respectable hands, and are intended for the trade of the provinces; we also know that the goods shipped to Nova Scotia are generally of a coarser description than are used in the insurgent States.

We are ,dear sir, &c., &c., &c.,