Mr. McCulloch, collector, to Mr. Glenn, district attorney.
Collector’s Office, January 11, 1820.
Sir: I have directed a number of men, who have declared themselves to be citizens of the United States, to be landed from the South American brig Congressio de Venezuela, Richard Nivon, commander, who say they were shipped by certain persons for the service of that country against Spain, with whom we are at peace. They appear previously to have made oath, before justices of the peace for this city, that they were severally foreigners; but they now say that other men made oath for them; and they have enlisted under this simulated proceedings, as above said. *They will be brought to your office this afternoon, that you may take such testimony as you see needful, and prosecute the men who enlisted thus feignedly. [136]
A paper containing the names of seamen and shippers, authenticated by the oath of Captain Daniels and the certificate of Captain Webster, of the cutter, as well as the magistrates’ certificate of the oaths taken by the sailors before them, are all sent herewith.
Elias Glenn, Esq.