RICHARD GIBBS, United States Consular Agent to H. R. de La Reintrie , Vice-, February 29, 1868

Mr. Gibbs to Mr. de La Reintrie.

* * * * * * *

I beg leave to call your attention to certain charges made on American vessels, which go to augment the very heavy expenses already paid by American tonnage in Cuban ports, not only as a charge but, an act of severity to those who are now American citizens. I refer to colored seamen arriving at Cuban ports under the American flag.

All vessels having colored men or women that may act as stewardesses aboard, the authorities here exact from the consignee a bond of one thousand dollars that such colored people will not come ashore during the stay of the vessel in port; if such bonds are not given, the police go aboard of the vessel and the parties are taken and placed in prison until the vessel leaves. When the bond is given, the fees of bond and copy, ordered on stamped paper, amount to $5 25. I inclose a copy of the bond. This charge comes directly on the vessel, and is paid by the captain, who prefers paying it to having his men taken from aboard.

It is an old law, and in this port had not been carried into effect for some time, until about four years ago, when they have again placed it in operation, and is now vigorously carried out. Some of the captains inform me that it is not so in other parts of the island.

* * * * * * *

Your most obedient servant,