Mr. Rouse to Mr. Seward
Sir: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 20, addressed to the United States minister resident in this kingdom, dated 5th of February last, and in relation to the proclamation of the President suspending the levying of discriminating duties on vessels of Hawaii or the goods imported therein, and the enclosed copy of the proclamation.
Pursuant to your instructions, I transmitted a copy of the despatch and of the proclamation to the minister of foreign relations, the receipt of which he has acknowledged, adding further in his note, “I pray you to convey to the honorahle Secretary of State the well-founded convictions entertained by his Majesty’s government that this act of reciprocal justice will prove highly beneficial to the commercial and maritime intercourse of both countries.”
I have the honor to be, with very great respect, your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.