JOHN HARLEY, Collector to the Receiver General, December 14, 1863
Mr. Harley to the Receiver General.
Sir: I understood this morning that a steamer lay opposite Mr. William McKenny’s wharf, about five miles from this place. I went down and boarded her. The captain reported that she was a confederate war steamer, sailing under commission from the authorities of the Confederate States, which he produced:
Date of commission, November 1, 1862; name of vessel, Retribution; tonnage, 480; guns, 2; number of men, 30; first lieutenant, John C. Braine; second lieutenant, Henry A. Parr.
The captain, John Parker, stated that he was under the necessity of putting into harbor for a supply of fuel and other necessaries, to purchase which he wished to land certain articles, as he had no money, which I permitted him to do, placing a competent person on board, acting under my instructions, to see that nothing else was landed, to protect the revenue, and to receive his light duties.
As the case is a novel one to me I feel anxious to know whether my proceedings met with your approbation, and beg leave to ask for instructions to guide me in any future similar case which may arise.
The vessel will sail to-morrow.