Office of the Historian

Mr. Hammond, collector, to General Hitchcock.

Custom-House, San Francisco,
Collector’s Office, September 30, 1853.

Sir: In acknowledging the receipt of your letter of September 22, 1853.

I beg to inform you that the English-built brig Arrow, now lying at the foot of Clay-street wharf, is fitting up to accommodate a large number of men on board, and is supplying herself with water and sea-stores in such quantities as may induce suspicion to the object of her intended voyage. She has been in the trade between this and Guaymas, and is evidently arranging to make her next voyage for purposes other than the *mere transport of freight and an ordinary number of passengers. I have not been able to ascertain that any arms have been carried on board. She will leave this port between this and the 5th proximo. I deem it proper to direct your attention to the vessel, as the circumstances which attach to her may authorize your proceeding under the instructions of the President of November 18, 1851, referred to in your letter to myself. [171]

I inclose also a letter written by me to Commodore Dulancy, of the United States ship Saint Lawrence, now at Acapulco. Should you approve the purpose of that letter, may I suggest that you will join in the communication to that officer, or correspond with him by the mail tomorrow.

Very respectfully, &c.,

  • RICHARD P. HAMMOND,
    Collector.
  • Brigadier-General Hitchcock,
    Commanding.