William H. Seward to Edward de Stoeckl, June 13, 1864

Mr. Seward to Mr. Stoeckl

Sir: Referring to your note of the 20th of May (1st instant) relative to a decision of the council of the empire concerning vessels driven into the ports of Russia under stress, and to your inquiry whether a similar law exists in the United States, I have the honor to transmit herewith, for your information, a copy of a letter upon the subject, of the 6th instant, from Mr. Harrington, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, together with a copy of the act referred to, from which it will be seen that a similar exemption from navigation dues is extended, by existing laws, to all foreign vessels in ports of the United States. Accept, sir, the renewed assurance of my very high consideration.