William H. Seward to Abraham Lincoln, February 5, 1878

Mr. Seward to Mr. Lincoln.

Sir: By an assay made at your port in 1873, the trade-dollar was declared to be 8961 fine, and 111.9 taels weight of them to be equal in value to 100 taels Haikwan (or pure) sycee. In point of fact, however, the trade-dollar is 900 fine, and 111.11 taels weight of them should be equal to 100 taels Haikwan sycee. By the same assay 100 trade-dollars were found to weigh 72 taels 6m. 8c. The Haikwan tael is declared to weigh, however, 1 oz. 4 dwts. 3 84/100 grains, or, say, 579.84 grains. The trade-dollar weighs 420 grains, and its weight by the Haikwan standard should be 72.4.3.2 taels.

Please be so good as to inform me whether, looking to the facts recited above, and to the course of exchange and any other considerations which may be involved, it is worth while for us, in your opinion, to ask for another assay of the trade-dollar.

Please advise me also whether any official action may be taken which, in your opinion, will tend to increase the demand for trade-dollars in this country.

I am, &c.,