William H. Seward to The Marquis de Motholon, & c ., & c ., & c, December 18, 1866

Mr. Seward to the Marquis de Montholon

Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 15th instant, recalling the attention of this department to your communication of the 13th of October last, respecting a proposition on the part of the government of France for a reciprocal arrangement between the two countries, having for its object the abolition of tonnage dues now enforced on the merchant marine of France and the United States, and in reply to enclose a copy of a letter of the 11th instant upon the subject from the Secretary of the Treasury.

I take great pleasure in assuring you of the earnest desire of this government to enter into an arrangement with that of France, with the view to securing the reciprocal privileges referred to.

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