Packenham to Jefferson Davis, September 18, 1871

Mr. Packenham to Mr. Davis

Sir: I am instructed by Earl Granville to submit, for the consideration of the Government of the United States, a proposal, on the part of the government of Newfoundland, that American fishermen should be admitted to the right of taking seals within the territorial jurisdiction of Newfoundland and of making outfit in the ports of that island, on the condition of the admission of the produce of the Newfoundland seal-fishery into the United States free of duty.

I am to add that Her Majesty’s government would be glad if the above proposal could be acceded to.

I have the honor, &c.,