Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 8 x 10.5, August 9, 1854. President Pierce directs the Secretary of State to “affix the Seal of the United States to the ratification of the treaty between the United States and Great Britain extending the right of fishing, and regulating the commerce and navigation between H. B. M.’s Possessions in North America and the United States, of the 5th of June last.” Signed nicely at the conclusion by Franklin Pierce. In fine condition, with some faint toning along the folds.
This document pertains to the Canadian-American Reciprocity Treaty of 1854, which was negotiated by the British on behalf of its North American colonies and was intended to promote free trade between Canada and the United States. The basic terms provided for mutual free trade in all natural products, allowed U.S. vessels to use the St. Lawrence River for the same tolls as Canadian vessels, and bestowed some mutual rights in regard to fishing in coastal waters. Although the treaty was regarded as a major political action when undertaken, dissatisfaction with its terms—mainly by unprotected groups in the United States in response to Canadian decisions to try to increase exports while limiting imports—and Canada's introduction of tariffs on manufacturing after 1858, led to U.S. abrogation in 1866.
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