Robert H. Pruyn to William H. Seward, July 2, 1862

Mr. Pruyn to Mr. Seward

Sir: The teas of Japan are brought to market in a condition which forbids their export. At first they were sent to China to be refined and placed in suitable boxes. Then the necessary materials, such as lead, rosin, iron hoops, hooks, &c., &c., were imported, and the work done here. No duties were charged on these articles, nearly all of which were exported with the teas, until about a year ago, when a duty of twenty per cent. was demanded as for non-enumerated articles. It was claimed, on the other hand, that at the most, five per cent. was chargeable. In this position the subject has continued till this time, British merchants, however, paying the duties to her Britannic Majesty’s consul, who holds the money to await the final decision. I am informed by our consul that he thus holds a large amount of money, paid to him by American merchants.

The first importation of these articles made by an American since my arrival was by R. B. Smith, the agent of Messrs. A. A. Low Brothers, of New York; and our consul for nearly a month endeavored, but ineffectually, to procure, first, their entry free of duty; and failing that, their admission on payment of the duties to him, to abide the event.

He then brought the case to my notice, and I thereupon addressed two letters to the minister of foreign affairs, copies of which I enclose, (enclosures Nos. 1 and 2.)

One of the governors immediately waited on me, and I am happy to say that the articles were at once admitted on payment of duty to our consul.

I think I have succeeded in satisfying the ministry that no duties should be charged on such articles. But it is feared that their free admission may be made a precedent for claims for the admission of other non-enumerated articles.

I have therefore proposed that an additional or explanatory article of the treaty be agreed on, and though there is an evident unwillingness to make any change in the treaty, except to postpone the opening of other ports, I indulge the hope that in some way I shall succeed in finally settling this question, and also in procuring the assent of the government to the employment of Japanese sailors in American ships, which is exceedingly desirable, and which subject I have brought to the notice of the ministers.

I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,