Mr. J. H. McCulloch to Captain Beard.
Collector’s Office, May 2, 1817.
Sir: Information given to-day states that a number of negroes, taken in some unknown vessel, have been landed on the lower end of Kent Island, or in the bay in Talbot County, some of whom are at present in the possession or employ of a Mr. Haddaway, in one or other of these places. It is not unlikely that goods *of some sort are also landed in the same manner, supposed from the privateer Fourth of July, reported to be in the Chesapeake. You will please to proceed immediately to ascertain the truth of these declarations, taking with you blank warrants of search, which will be furnished here if you are without them. Be sure, in case of sufficient information being given you, to obtain warrants from a magistrate, and seize the goods or negroes so landed against law and bring them to this place for trial, unless circumstances require trial in the district1where they may be taken, of which you may be informed, if in the neighborhood of any judge of a court. [66]
It is likewise necessary to make inquiry after the privateer, bringing the persons or goods above mentioned, and if proof of her being landed by her, or by a prize of her, can be obtained, it is necessary to detain and bring here that vessel or vessels, if your force is adequate. Application may be made to commander of the militia of the United States for assistance, if needed. But if resistance unequal to your force be offered, it will be proper to run to Norfolk and obtain the aid of any naval or military force there for the purpose of overcoming any unlawful opposition. The revenue-cutter of Norfolk, with you, maybe enough, but you can better judge. It is *preferable by a superior force to awe into submission rather than by attempting seizure with a smaller force to occasion a conflict, even though you should think it probable it would end successfully. Circumstances may, however, even require that to be hazarded, but then it must be gone through with a determination that will leave little to chance. Remonstrance and warning must be previously employed in the worst case supposed. [67]
Hastily, yours,
- J. H. McCULLOCH.
- Captain Alex. Beard.
- Maryland is comprehended in one law-district. Of course all offenses committed therein are to be tried in Baltimore.↩