Mr. McCulloch, collector, to Captain Webster.
Collector’s Office, August 9, 1824.
Sir: It seems necessary that you should proceed with the cutter to accompany the South *American brig Aguila or Eagle down the bay to the capes. You will, with the inspectors of the customs, who are directed in the business, visit and examine the vessel to see that she has not made an addition to her armament or warlike stores or equipments, of which an inventory at her entry is sent by the inspectors. The crew must also be examined, and any that appear to be Americans taken out and brought here, that they who shipped them may be dealt with according to law. You will then please to accompany the vessel and prevent all boats from boarding her unless with provisions and refreshments. [157]
You are acquainted with the reasons that make this necessary under the laws of neutrality, for the observance of which our Government and all its agents are answerable. We have certainly suffered by the irregular conduct of many of these cruisers heretofore, though Captain Cottrell, I trust, has not nor will not intentionally infringe our regulations. But the temptations to enlist men are such that the people he employs may care but little what becomes of the peace of the country or for the safety of our people who visit the ports of Spain and her colonies. [Page 511] The vexation given to us and myself, as*much concerned personally in the execution of the laws, has determined me to exact a rigorous compliance with them in all cases. [158]
- J. H. McCULLOCH.
- Captain John A. Webster.