[Inclosure 1.]
Statement of Capt William H. Farris, master of
schooner Jennie and Julia, of Eastport.
I, William H. Farris, master of the schooner Jennie and Julia, a
vessel of the United States hailing from Eastport, Me., cleared from
Eastport on 17th inst., taking out a register, crew list and all
papers required for a foreign voyage. I left Eastport at about 4
o’clock, p.m., arriving at Digby, Nova Scotia, at about 10 o’clock
of the forenoon of the 18th inst., dropping anchor in Digby Harbor.
I immediately went ashore and reported to United States Consular
Agent Stewart, and delivered all my papers to him. After looking
over the papers Mr. Stewart informed me that he did not think he
could do anything for me, except if my vessel was seized or cast
away, he could send myself and crew home. He further said that he
did not know whether he was reappointed under this new
administration or not.
I then took my papers from the consul and went to the custom-house
and found the door locked. Turning from the door I met the
collector, Veits, and his son coming to the office. He asked if I
was Captain Farris. I answered that I was. He said, “What are you
here for—bait?” I answered, “I am here for fresh herring.” He said,
“You can’t have any.” I then asked him to look at my papers. He
examined them and asked what I had this kind of a register for. I
answered, “After stating to the collector at Eastport what I wanted
to do, he gave me these papers as the proper ones.” The collector,
Mr. Veits, then said, “You can’t buy fresh herring here for any
purpose.”
I said to him that I had two smoke-houses at home empty, and I would
like to buy fresh herring to fill them up. He answered, “You cannot
buy herring for any purpose.”
I then said to him, “If I can’t buy herring I will take my papers and
go home”; and the collector said, “No; wait till afternoon and then
I will let you know.”
At about 3 o’clock I went to the custom-house again, when the
collector told me that he had telegraphed to headquarters, but had
received no answer.
About 7 o’clock p.m. the collector informed me that he could allow me
to enter my vessel but could not give a clearance. I then said to
him, “If I buy one barrel of fresh herring I am liable to seizure”
and the collector answered, “Yes.”
I then went on board my vessel and started for home.
W. H. FARRIS,
Master Schooner
Jennie and Julia.
Subscribed and sworn to this 2d day of May,
1886.
Before me.
[
l. s.]
GEORGE H. HAYES,
Notary
Public.
[Inclosure 2.]
Statement of Arthur Farris, mate to the schooner Jennie and Julia.
The Jennie and Julia sailed from Eastport, May 17, for Digby, N. S.,
arriving there about 10 o’clock of the morning of the 18th.
Immediately after dropping anchor, the captain went on shore. About
half an hour after a steam tug came alongside, and a man on board,
whom I afterwards learned was the collector of the port of Digby,
took out a note-book and wrote something in it; then threw a line
aboard, to which I paid no attention. He then asked, “What are you
doing here?” I answered, “We are here to buy herring.” He then asked
me, if I did not know we were violating the law. I answered, “No, I
think not.” He then asked me if I did not know we were liable to
seizure. I then told him that we were under register, and had
cleared for Digby, to return to Eastport when we left Digby. He then
asked if I was captain. I told him no, the captain had gone ashore
to the custom-house. He then asked me what we were doing with
fishing-gear on deck. I told him to ask the captain and he would
tell him. The collector then said, “I warn you not to buy
herring.”
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 20th day of May,
1886.
[
l. s.]
GEORGE H.
HAYES,
Notary
Public.
