LOUSADA, Her Britannic Majesty’s Consul to Sir Frederick Bruce, G. C. B, May 9, 1865

Mr. Lousada to Sir F. Bruce

Sir: I beg to bring to your notice, with a view to obtain redress, the practice of the United States custom-house at the ports within this consulate with regard to the taxes imposed on British vessels; a tax being levied of thirty cents a ton, and the measurement being taken under the old system, whereby the British registrar tonnage is increased nearly one-third, causing the greatest dissatisfaction.

The enclosed correspondence with the collector at this port will explain the matter morefully; and as the “tort” is persisted in, to the cost and detriment of our shipping, I now report it, in order that it may be brought more authoritatively to the notice of the authorities at Washington, should you think proper.

I have, &c.