Mr. McCulloch, collector, to Captain White.
Collector’s Office, August 20, 1816.
Sir: You will please to proceed as expeditiously as possible with the United States cutter Active under your command to the river Patuxent, near the mouth of which it is said that a vessel captured from a Spanish subject, unlawfully, is at anchor as a prize, and from which goods are apprehended to be taken out with a view of introducing them into the United States. If you find the vessel seize her and bring her up to this port for legal examination, and at the same time observe if you meet with any goods taken out of her. If you discover, upon good information, that any goods not having been regularly entered according to law are lodged at any dwelling-house, barn, or store, it is necessary that you make oath before a magistrate and obtain a search-warrant, which can only be executed in the day-time. You may seize vessels in your way and examine their lading, giving as little trouble as possible. If they are from a foreign port, demand their manifest and indorse it agreeable to example given you. But as you are sent on a special business, stop nowhere going down, and as little as may be coming back, as you are not fitted tor a cruise, and will be at considerable expense. *Be very cautious and steady, as well as vigilant and active; being new in your office much prudence is required, and I hope it will appear in the testimony that all shall render with whom you treat in any manner. Be courteous, but firm; cool, but determined; and much success attend this and all your attempts. [33]
- J. H. McCULLOCH.
- Stephen White.