John Sherman , Secretary of Treasury to William T. Sherman, July 3, 1878

Mr. Evarts to Mr. Sherman.

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 18th ultimo, regarding the practice of the customs officers at Richmond, Va., with respect to the retention of the manifests of cargoes of vessels arriving there, which had been taken on board of such vessels at another port of the United States, and the objection to this practice on the part of the Brazilian vice-consul at Richmond.

It has occurred to me that the subject might possibly be presented to the minister of Brazil in this country more satisfactorily if the department were enabled to inform him of the general practice of customs officers of the United States in the regard stated, and whether there exists any special regulation in the premises. I return the inclosure of your letter as requested.

I have the honor, &c.,