Mr. McCulloch, collector, to Mr. Crawford, Secretary of the Treasury.
Collector’s Office, October 3, 1821.
Sir: Since writing this morning by Captain Dieter on the subject of a South American vessel, which has been reported to you before, [Page 507] the Spanish *consul ad interim has addressed me a note respecting her, which I beg leave to transmit for your inspection. As he called on me himself I had the opportunity of finding that his statements are made on the reports carried to him, as was to be expected. As to her taking guns or men within our waters, that shall be guarded against by the fullest inspection here and sending the cutter to accompany her to sea. But the officers of the vessel, knowing the suspicion entertained here, have not only made the strongest assurances of their fair intentions, but have requested that an inspector should attend at the taking in of every article permitted, saying that, if wanted, her old armament remains at Margueritta, and they have no occasion for anything but what can be supplied there for military purposes. They wanted a new cam-house, which they did not offer to take until they applied for permission, which was granted after the ruined state of the old one was ascertained. No extraordinary supplies of any kind will be allowed to her here, but the matter is submitted to your judgment upon all the representations. [148]
Wm. H. Crawford, Esq.