WURTS, Secretary of Legation to The Noble Chevalier Visconti Venosta, July 20, 1871

Sir: In my notes of the 9th and 15th instants I had the honor to call your attention, to the unjust loss which would be occasioned to merchants engaged in the petroleum trade by the new duties embodied in the law recently passed, and levied on consignments of that product exported by bona-fide shippers from the United States before the existence of that law could have been known there. In connection with the facts then stated, I inclose herewith a copy of a communication from the agent in this city of Messrs. Fabri & Channey, of New York, and beg for information whether any measures have been taken by His Majesty’s government for the protection of the interests of this important branch of the commercial relations between the United States and Italy.

I avail myself of this occasion to renew to you the assurance of my distinguished consideration