Letter

Purrington , Chargé d’ Affaires United States, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Purrington, September 4, 1875

Author

Purrington , Chargé d’ Affaires United States, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Recipient

Purrington

Date

September 4, 1875

Type

Letter

Language

English

[Inclosure 1 in No. 297.]

Rear-Admiral Le Roy to Mr. Purrington.

United States Flag Ship Brooklyn, 2d Rate, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, September 4, 1875.

Sir: The inspector of customs of this port has refused to pass free of duty 4,000 cigars which belong to the officers of this squadron; according to the laws of this country, and precedent, all articles for the use of the diplomatic corps and for the squadrons of friendly powers shall pass free upon application of the minister or chief of squadron. As this vessel is to leave this port at an early day, these officers preferred paying the duty of Rs. 101||620 rather than leave their property behind; but I have to ask your attention to the matter, that the money may be refunded. I should also be obliged to you if you will have the question whether or not the officers of the Navy of the United States can have their property pass free of duty at all times definitely determined.

In my absence, I would be obliged to you if you will communicate any information you may obtain regarding the matter to Paymaster Bacon, who is familiar with the subject.

Very respectfully,

WM. E. LE ROY, Rear-Admiral Commanding U. S. Naval Force South American Station.
Hon. W. A. Purrington, Chargé d’ Affaires United States, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Topics

19th Century Diplomacy Reconstruction

Sources

FRUS u2014 Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the P View original source ↗

U.S. Department of State, Office of the Historian. Papers Relating to the Foreign Relations of the United States, Transmitted to Congress, With the Annual Message of the P.