Office of the Historian

[95] *Mr. Swift, Portuguese consul, to Mr. McCulloch, collector.

Vice-Consulate of Portugal,
Baltimore, October 29, 1818.

Sir: I beg leave to call your attention to the affidavit that I have the honor to inclose. I would further inform you that from my own knowledge the commander of the armed brig alluded to arrived here this morning preparatory to his departure for a cruise on which I learn he intends to proceed immediately, which is confirmed by a communication I have received from one of his officers.

Under these circumstances I have to respectfully request you will, by virtue of the power invested in you, cause the said armed vessel to be detained forthwith, until at least the pleasure of the President of the United States can be known.

I make this appeal in great confidence, from my knowledge of your [Page 485] disposition for justice, and that with every good citizen you will unite in showing your disapprobation of acts fraught with so much evil and injustice, which are so likely to entail disgrace on our city, and to disturb that tranquillity which our country now happily enjoys.

I have the honor to assure you of the great respect and consideration with which I am, sir, yours, &c., &c.,

W. B. SWIFT.

James H. McCulloch, Esq.,
Collector of the Customs, Baltimore.

[96] *Baltimore, ss:

On this 29th day of October, 1818, personally appeared before me, the subscriber, a justice of the peace for the county aforesaid, John M. Guss, who made oath on the Holy Evangels of Almighty God that he has every reason to believe, and is confident in his own mind, that a certain brig or vessel formerly called the Iowa Lento, and captured under the Portuguese flag by the private armed brig La Fortuna, under a commission from Artizas, is now fitting or fitted in the Chesapeake Bay (and at present in or near Patuxent) for the purpose of cruising against the commerce of nations in amity with the United States, and that part of said equipment has been furnished at or from the neighborhood of Baltimore.

Sworn to before

AUG. FISQUITH.