signed unbound
1842 · Washington
by FORWARD, Walter (1786 - 1852)
Washington, 1842. unbound. 2 pages (front and back), 9.75 x 7.75 inches, Treasury Department, Washington, June 11, 1842, written during the Northeastern boundary disputes between the United States and Great Britain and only two months before the signing of the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, to C.J. Abbott, Collector of Customs in Penobscot, Maine, in part: "...In reply to your letter...I have to state, that it is not deemed expedient at this time to incur the expense to sending an Agent, or authorizing you to proceed to Fish River in the disputed territory to make examination in reference to smuggling, as suggested by you owing to the sparse settlement of that region of your District and the consequent facilities afforded for such practices, it is not thought that the placing of any reasonable number of Inspectors there would materially, if at all, check the illicit introduction of goods from the British Provinces..." As an alternative in dealing with the smugglers, the Secretary suggests: "...You can doubtless find trusty persons residing in the District of County mentioned to watch for, and give you information of the illegal introduction of merchandise, in consideration of the share of the forfeiture of such goods which would accrue to them under existing provisions of law..." Signed "W. Forward." Mild yellowing at one of the folds, but still in very good condition. American politician who served as Secretary of the Treasury under President John Tyler (1841 - 1843).
(Inventory #: 273297)