Mr. Valentine, assistant district attorney, to Mr. Field, Acting Attorney-General.

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.

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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.

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.

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.