Count Reventlow to Mr. Gresham.
The Danish minister has the honor to state that, according to reports from His Majesty’s consuls in British ports, the shippers of live cattle from the United States to Great Britain—mainly from New York and Boston—appear to be in the habit of employing as cattlemen on board the steamers destitute paupers, giving them free passage but no pay whatever, and leaving them behind without any means of existence. If these men happen to be of Danish nationality by birth, they recoil upon the Danish consuls, to considerable annoyance for these.
Count Reventlow learns that the American commercial agent at Swansea, Wales, has recently reported in similar manner to the United States Government, and that is why he should think it likely that the proper authorities might have taken the matter into consideration and possibly have suggested some steps to prevent the malpractice in question so that, at all events, a reasonable pay may be secured to the men in charge of the cattle.
In case of such measures being contemplated, the Danish minister would be exceedingly obliged to the honorable Secretary of State if the latter would kindly apprise him thereof and eventually furnish him with a copy of the regulations which may be issued on the subject.
He avails, etc.,