Partridge to Hamilton Fish, January 19, 1875

No. 64. Mr. Partridge to Mr. Fish.

Sir: Referring to my No. 218 (by the last packet) in relation to the probable effect here of the proposed re-establishment in the United States of the duty on coffee, I have the honor to transmit hereto annexed a translation of a note I received from the Viscount de Caravellas in relation thereto, in which he expresses the hope that the exemption of coffee from any duty will be maintained; and copy of my reply thereto, in which I have stated that in case Congress should deem proper to re-impose a duty on tea and coffee, it would be done because of the necessity of additional revenue, and not at all by way of retaliation on Brazil for not having abolished or sufficiently reduced her import-dues on articles of American production.

I am, &c.,