Mr. McCulloch, collector, to Mr. Lowry, surveyor.
Collector’s Office, November 15, 1819.
Sir: Please to direct two officers of inspection to examine, visit, and report to this office all and every privateer or ship of war under foreign colors. Take an account of every particular of armament; the number and description of crew—that is, what countrymen; under what commission they sail, and whether their commission is lodged at the customhouse, and, if not, demand it for depository here. From this last direction the brig Independencia, Gunnalds, commander, is to be excepted, as I have lately had his commission and know her to be a national vessel.
The officers will please to report, with as much expedition as possible, adding any remark of their own on the appearance or conduct of their crews or commanders.
Collector.
Wm. Lowry, Esq.,
Surveyor Port of Baltimore.