William A. Bartlett to I have sent a printed copy of the ordinance to Judge Russell, who will forward it to Washington to-day, June 5, 1873

Mr. Bartlett to Mr. Richardson.

Esteemed Friend: You have been so kind to send me statements of the condition of your finances, which show a gradual reduction beyond what could be expected with the increased expenses of carrying on, and it looks now you have matters on a good basis.

I have a matter come up on the coast of Africa which, if carried out, would prove very disastrous.

The English government some few years since made a purchase from the Dutch, by exchange of territory and cash, of certain towns on the Gold Coast. Daring the last four months the Ashantees have been at war with the Fantees, living in the so-called English settlements, of which the object is to get a foothold in Elmina. Before the English got possession of Elmina and other towns, the Dutch paid the king of Ashan-tee a certain annuity, but since the English have ruled they have stopped this subsidy, which is a part reason of the war.

In 1867 the English commenced agitating the duty, and gave notice of a duty of 6d. (sixpence) per gallon on rum, to commence one year from notice. Last year they put on one shilling on rum, and one penny per pound on tobacco. Both were more than the natives could pay, and this last was done without notice.

During the month of April, 1873, (this year,) the administrator, without any notice, called his council together and made the duty two shillings and sixpence (2s. 6d.) per gallon on rum, and on tobacco sixpence (6d.) per pound, which is about sixty (60) cents per gallon on rum, and twelve (12) cents per pound on tobacco.

At this time I had four vessels on the coast with cargoes averaging nearly full, and have one here just ready to leave. This duty puts an embargo on the whole, and my grievances are that if proper notice had been given, as is customary, I should not have been liable to this loss, which, under the present duty, will be disastrous.

General Butler is here, and Judge Russell thought he would interest himself, and with you see if the matter could not be brought before the home government, to allow time for such an event, as with this duty the government will not gain, but lose; besides injuring the commerce. My whole business is now at a stand-still on the coast, and what is done, you see, should be at once, as my interest is suffering, and will be until some relief is given, and if you will be kind enough to help the matter along you will be doing me great service.

Allow me, &c.,