ROUSE, Acting Charge d’ Affaires to William H. Seward, December 14, 1866

Mr. Rouse to Mr. Seward

Sir: I have the honor to inform you that on the 10th instant I received a despatch from his Hawaiian Majesty’s minister of foreign relations regarding the discriminating duties collected by the United States government upon goods imported in vessels bearing the Hawaiian flag. Accompanying the same was a copy of a letter addressed to his Hawaiian Majesty’s consul at San Francisco. That you may take the matter under consideration I have the honor to enclose you herewith copies of the same; the despatch marked A, the letter marked B.

I beg leave to call your attention to the fact that his Majesty’s minister of foreign relations officially informs me, and requests me to notify the government of the United States, that no discriminating duties of tonnage or impost are imposed or levied in the Hawaiian ports upon vessels wholly belonging to citizens of the United States, or upon produce, manufacture, or merchandise imported in the same, from the United States or from any foreign country.

The object of this notice is clearly set forth in the despatch, the copy of which is enclosed.

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,