A person in England engaged as a professor for our University, writes to enquire of me whether he shall have to pay duty on his books on arrival here, and that if he has, he shall be obliged to leave most of them. altho these books are not the property of the University, they will be employed for their use and will be a real loss to it. and so far too they are within the equity of the exemption of books imported for a seminary of learning. I had an idea that emigrants coming to this country paid no duty on their clothes, baggage, furniture or books. but looking into the Tariff law I do not find such an exemption the tools Etc. will you be so good as to enable me to answer the letter of the Professor, who consults me? it will be equally important to all the others. Accept the assurance of my great esteem and respect.

Th: J.