I beg leave through you to communicate to Congress that in a late Instruction from the Royal Board of Commerce of Sweden to me as Consul of the Swedish Nation at Boston and for the northern States, I am directed to assure Congress of the sincere friendship, which his Swedish Majesty entertains for the United States, and of his disposition to comply with and fulfill in every particular the Treaty of Amity and Commerce subsisting between the two Nations.

As a proof of His Majesties friendly disposition I beg leave to remark that Vessels belonging to Citizens of the United States have been and continue to be admitted into the ports of Sweden upon the same conditions as those of the Swedish Nation, that no higher or other Duties are imposed upon the importation or exportation of goods by American Vessels than those imposed upon like importations and exportations in the Ships of the Country. The Vessels of the United States being in every respect treated as Swedish Vessels, a privilage not granted to any other foreign Nation.

As the Basis of the Treaty between his Majesty and the United States is declaired to be the mutual interest of the two Countries, it numbers with the Duties of my Appointment to regard this principle of mutual benefit, and by every proper measure to attempt its preservation. Under these impressions I must solicit the attention of Congress to certain Commercial Laws lately passed in Newhampshire, and Massachusetts restraining the Commerce of Foreigners to particular ports in those States and imposing double Duties upon goods imported in foreign bottoms, and heavy Tonnage Duties upon all Foreign Vessels. The Laws of New York likewise establish a difference between the Duties paid by the Citizens and foreigners unfavorable to the latter.

How far these Regulations will interrupt the Commerce of the two Nations is uncertain; but this is clear, the Swedish and American Merchant in future must enterprize upon equal terms; the latter enjoys in Sweden all the advantages of the former, while the Swedish Merchant in certain Countries of the United States is subjected to heavy impositions from which the American Merchant is free.

As the Commerce of the two Countries has been formed advantageous to both; it must give uneasiness to each, that the good Correspondence between them should be interrupted.

If upon examination, the Laws referred to, shall be found injurious to that principle of reciprocity which runs through the Treaty between Sweden and the United States, I am persuaded Congress will take measures to rectify the inconvenience.1 With the highest consideration and respect I have the honour to be Sir Your most Obedt Hble. Serv