By the President. Daniel Webster to Joseph D. Webster, November 15, 1821

Mr. McCulloch, collector, to Captain Webster.

Sir: In consequence of directions received from the Department of the Treasury the cutter Active is to proceed, in company with the South American brig San Jose, down the bay till she meets the cutter from Norfolk, which is ordered to be in readiness near that station, and which will then relieve you of the charge, both as to the vessel and the marines put on board of you there. You* will afterward continue to cruise in the neighborhood of the capes for the purpose of intercepting any vessel having on board men, arms, or munitions of war intended for that vessel. But, as the season is uncertain, and your vessel small, the time employed in the latter service must be ordered with discretion, and the cutter preserved from the casualties of seas and weather as far as possible. [151]

The papers of the vessel and the clearance from this port are handed you herewith. You will deliver them to the captain of the San Jose at parting, or rather to the commanding officer of the United States marines if he should go on board when you leave the brig, but not otherwise, that she may not be exposed without papers by accidental parting from the Norfolk cutter, as first directed. This is added, as I am ignorant of the orders given to that vessel.