William H. Seward to Joseph Bailey, December 5, 1879

Mr. Seward to Mr. Bailey.

Sir: I have had the honor to receive your dispatch No. 730, with which you have transmitted a letter addressed to me by the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, dated November 22, and having reference to the case of Duff and David versus The Swatow Guild and the danger growing out of the alleged committal to the guild of the collection of lekin taxes on opium.

Other allegations of the same kind, notably in reference to the piece-goods trade at Ningpo, having fallen under the observation of my colleagues and myself, the subject will doubtless be presented to the government in as forcible a manner as the evidence will warrant.

Please be so good as to transmit the substance of this note to the chamber with an expression of my thanks for the information contained in their communication.

I am, &c.,