No. 229.
Sir L.
West to Mr. Bayard.
Washington, November 1,
1886. [Received November. 2.]
Sir: With reference to your note of the 9th of
August last, respecting the treatment of the United “States fishing boat
Rattler by the
[Page 424]
Canadian
authorities, I have the honor to inclose to you herewith, in obedience
to the instructions of the Earl of Iddesleigh, copy of a dispatch from
the administrator of the Government of Canada together with copy of the
report of the collector of customs at Shelburne.
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure 1 in note of November 1,
1886.]
Halifax, Nova Scotia, September 21, 1886.
Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith a
certified copy of a minute of my privy council embodying a report of
the minister of customs in relation to the alleged improper
treatment of the United States fishing schooner Rattler in being
required to report to the collector of customs at Shelburne, Nova
Scotia, when seeking that harbor for shelter.
The reply of the collector to the inquiries addressed to him in
respect to this matter is appended to the minister’s report, and in
it the facts of the case as set forth in my telegram of the 14th
instant, are given.
I have communicated your dispatch No. 195 of the 1st inst. forwarding
Mr. Bayard’s protest concerning this case to my ministers and
requested to be furnished with a report thereon, which I shall
forward for your information as soon as it has been received.
I have, &c.,
[Inclosure 2 in note of November 1,
1886.]
Custom-House, Shelburne, September 6,
1886.
Sir: I have to acknowledge receipt of your
telegram of 4th instant, relative to schooner Battler, and I wired
an answer this morning, as requested on the morning of the 4th
ultimo. Chief officer of Terror, accompanied by Capt. A. F.
Cunningham, called at this office. Captain Cunningham reported his
vessel inwards as follows, viz: Schooner Rattler of Gloucester, 93
tons register; 16 men from fishing bank, with 465 barrels mackerel
came in for shelter. I was afterwards informed by the officers of
cutter that they found the schooner the evening before at anchor off
Sandy Point, 5 miles down the harbor, two men from cutter were put
on board, and the master required to report at customs in the
morning. I was also informed thai the master, Captain Cunningham,
made an attempt to put to sea in the night, by hoisting sails,
weighing anchor, &c., but was stopped by officers from
cutter.
I am, &c.,
W. W. ATTWOOD, Collector.
The Commissioner of Customs, Ottawa.
