Wells Williams to William H. Seward, June 8, 1868

Mr. Williams to Mr. Seward

Sir: Referring to my dispatch No. 3, of January 11, 1868, relating to the reduction of the duty on tea-dust, I have now the honor to send you an additional correspondence supplementary to that, (inclosures A, B.) It appears that a question was started as to what was properly included under the term tea-dust, and in order to obviate any further doubt the Chinese government has reduced the limit under which the half duty is to be levied, from that costing 15 taels per pecul to that costing 10 taels. However, as no tea-dust has been in market for many years whose cost has reached 10 taels, the change has no practical bearing. It is said it has been customary at some ports to admit tea-dust from Japan at an ad valorem duty of five per cent., but the import is trifling. At Tientsin 765½ peculs of tea-dust and tea stalks entered last year, valued at 3,033 taels, or four taels per pecul.

I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant,