Mr. Valentine,
assistant district attorney, to Mr. Field, Acting Attorney-General.
Office of United States
Attorney, Eastern District of Pennsylvania,
[137] *Philadelphia, August 16,
1869.
Sir: I have the honor to state that,
immediately on the reception of your telegram of the 14th instant, I
requested United States Marshal Gregory to prevent the sailing of
the steamer Hornet until an examination could be made, as directed
Joy yourself.
[Page 829]
These instructions were given to the marshal on yesterday evening
about 5 o’clock. He immediately took steps to see that the vessel
did not escape.
Yesterday, Sunday morning, about 10 o’clock, the revenue cutter,
Captain James commanding, brought the Hornet to, when she was about
forty-seven miles below the city.
I inclose herewith a copy of his letter, giving a statement of his
action in the case.
I have requested the marshal to have a thorough examination made of
the vessel and cargo. This he will have done immediately.
I also inclose a copy of a letter from him, giving a report of his
action thus far.
Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
JOHN K. VALENTINE,
Assistant United
States Attorney.
Hon. W. A. Field,
Acting Attorney-General.
[138]
*[Inclosure No. 1.]
Mr. Gregory,
United States marshal, to Mr. Valentine, district attorney.
United States Marshal’s
Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, August 16, 1869.
Sir: In accordance with your letter of
Saturday, the 11th instant, requesting that I should detain the
steamer Hornet, I have the honor to make the following report.
On Saturday, from information obtained, I found that the said
steamer had made arrangements to sail during the night or Sunday
morning. I at once employed a tug, and proceeded down the river,
with a view to intercept the revenue cutter Miami, Captain Jones
commanding. I succeeded in communicating with him about 6.30
a.m., below Reedy Island. After giving such instructions as were
necessary, I returned to the city, meeting the Hornet on the way
down. Captain Jones has since informed me that he arrested her
about 10 o’clock Sunday morning, and brought her to this port. I
am now making a thorough examination, and will forward full
report as soon as concluded.
Very respectfully, &c.,
E. M. GREGORY,
United States
Marshal, Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Hon. John K. Valentine,
Assistant United States Attorney.
[139]
*[Inclosure 2.]
Captain Jones
to Mr. Valentine, assistant
district attorney.
Revenue Cutter
Miami, August 16,
1869.
Sir: In reply to your letter of this
date in regard to the steamer Hornet, I have to state that
yesterday, Sunday, morning, at about 6.30 a.m., United States
marshal Gregory visited my vessel; I was then at anchor between
Reedy Island and Liston’s tree. The marshal requested
[Page 830]
me to prevent the
steamer Hornet from going to sea. At about 10.10 a.m. I
discovered this vessel coming down the river under a full head
of steam. I cleared away the starboard battery, fired blank
cartridge, and shotted the gun, prepared to fire unless she came
to anchor. She immediately rounded to. I then sent an officer on
board and directed him to take charge of the vessel. In order
that there might be an examination by the proper officers of the
Government, I have brought her to this city, where she now lies
anchored at the navy-yard under the guns of my ship.
Very respectfully,
JOHN M. JONES,
Captain United
States Revenue Steamer Miami.
John M. Valentine, Esq.,
Assistant United States Attorney.
