William M. Evarts to Noyes, September 28, 1878
No. 131. Mr. Evarts to Mr. Noyes.
No. 89.]
Sir: Owing to the very general misapprehension shown by tourists returning to the United States with respect to the dutiable or non-dutiable character of their personal effects, the Treasury Department has prepared an explanatory circular on the subject, a copy of which, with the form of the custom-house declaration therein mentioned, is herewith transmitted to you.
The circumstance that large numbers of American travelers abroad are understood to visit your legation, makes it an appropriate channel for bringing to their knowledge the regulations of the Treasury and the laws of the United States in the matter of personal luggage applicable to them on their return to this country. With that object in view, two aditional copies of the circular and declaration are herewith inclosed. They may be mounted in any convenient manner on a single sheet, so as to be read as a whole, and posted in a conspicuous place in your offices, with a prominent heading, inviting attention to the regulations as of interest to American travelers about to return to the United States.
I am, &c.,
Entry of baggage imported by—— ——, a passenger in the steamer ——, whereof —— —— is master, from ——, port of ——, 187-.
| Marks. | Numbers. | Packages and contents. |
| Trunks, | ||
| Boxes, | ||
| Bags, | ||
| Parcels, | ||
| Other packages, viz: |
Port of——:
I do solemnly swear that this entry contains, to the best of my knowledge and belief, a just and true account of the contents of the several packages mentioned in the entry, and that such packages contain no merchandise whatever other than wearing apparel, personal baggage, or tools of trade specified in said entry; that they are all the property of myself and members of my family, who have lately arrived in the vessel above named, and are not, directly or indirectly, imported for any other person or intended for sale.
—— ——
Subscribed and sworn to before me this — day of ——, 187-.
—— ——, Deputy Collector.
Examined.—No dutiable articles found, except as stated and entered.
Inspector.,
Statement and entry of dutiable articles imported by —— ——, a passenger in the steamer ——, whereof —— —— is master, from ——, port of——, 187–.
| Description of articles. | Actual cost, or foreign market value. | Rate of duty. | Duties. |
Port of——:
I do solemnly swear that it is impracticable for me to produce a certified invoice of the articles mentioned in this statement and entry for the reason that they were purchased at different times and places while traveling,——and that the prices above set forth show the actual cost or foreign market value of the articles named, to the best of my knowledge information, and belief.
—— ——
Subscribed and sworn to before me this — day of —— day of ——, 187-.
Appraiser
—— ——,
Deputy Collector.?
—— ——,
Collector’s Clerk.
—— ——,
Naval Office Clerk.