Viscount de Caravellas to Partridge, December 21, 1874

Viscount de Caravellas to Mr. Partridge.

To His Excellency James R. Partridge, &c.:

The minister of finance has called my attention to the statement lately appearing in the papers, that the Government of the United States intended to re-establish the duty, and a heavier one, as it seems, than before, on coffee, from which it was taken oft not long ago.

The conversations we have had on this important matter had left me with the conviction that you, entertaining liberal views, had expressed the wish that the productions of your own country should not be heavily charged here, as was natural, and would therefore (admit) recognize that the American Government should continue to Brazilian coffee the exemption it now enjoys from any duty.

There is no necessity, therefore, that I should enlarge upon the subject, and I am sure you will do all in your power to promote the commercial relations between the two countries.

I embrace with pleasure the opportunity to renew to you the assurances of the cordial esteem with which I remain your excellency’s most obedient, humble servant,